Canon R5 C vs Panasonic GH6: Which Pro Mirrorless Should You Choose?

When it comes to high-end mirrorless cameras in 2023, the Canon EOS R5 C and Panasonic Lumix GH6 represent two compelling, yet very different, options. Both come packed with professional features, but they cater to somewhat different shooter profiles and creative ambitions. After spending many hours hands-on with both and pushing them through their paces across photography and video disciplines, I’m excited to share a comprehensive, no-nonsense comparison. My goal? To help you figure out which camera suits your style, budget, and workflow best.

Let’s dive into the details, from sensor tech and ergonomics to autofocus and video prowess, while keeping it practical and user-focused.

How These Cameras Stack Up Physically and Ergonomically

Right out of the gate, the Canon R5 C and the Panasonic GH6 have distinct design philosophies and body sizes typical of their mounts and intended users.

The Canon R5 C has a more traditional full-frame SLR-style mirrorless body. At 142 x 101 x 111mm and weighing 770g, it feels substantial yet comfortable for long sessions. The R5 C’s sturdier build speaks to Canon’s emphasis on reliability and a professional in-hand feel. The pronounced grip and button placement make it a top choice if ergonomics and handling finesse are critical.

On the other hand, the Panasonic GH6 is slightly smaller at 139 x 100 x 100mm and a bit heavier at 823g, mostly due to its extensive weather sealing and robust internal cooling system designed for extended video shooting. As a Micro Four Thirds (MFT) camera, it’s more compact in overall size but balances that with a deep grip and a good top-plate control layout.

Speaking of controls...

The top view shows the R5 C’s classic Canon style - dual control dials, dedicated buttons for ISO, exposure compensation, and video-centric toggles. Panasonic’s GH6 opts for a more modern, clean interface with a top LCD info panel, responsive dials, and tactile buttons that stay quiet - a boon for video shooters. The absence of a top display on the GH6 (which Canon includes) may slightly slow workflow if you’re accustomed to glancing there but is a minor quibble.

Both cameras feature fully articulated touchscreens, essential for vloggers, macro shooters, and those needing flexible framing angles.

While the R5 C boasts a slightly larger 3.2-inch, 2.1 million-dot screen, the GH6's 3-inch LCD with 1.84 million dots is very close in quality and ample for sharp, vibrant viewing outdoors. Note the GH6’s touchscreen functionality feels a bit snappier during focus point selection, but Canon counters with superior customization options.

Ultimately, both cameras score highly here, but if you prefer a slightly larger, high-res rear LCD and a traditional professional grip, the Canon R5 C has the edge. The GH6, meanwhile, appeals with its compact, well-sealed body perfectly suited to run-and-gun shooting.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: Size Matters - Mostly

Here’s where the story gets interesting. The Canon R5 C’s full-frame 45MP CMOS sensor dwarfs the GH6’s Micro Four Thirds 25MP CMOS sensor in physical size quite dramatically.

The R5 C sensor measures 36 x 24mm, covering 864 mm², whereas the GH6’s Four Thirds sensor is 17.3 x 13mm, at just 225 mm² - less than a third the area. This matters hugely for dynamic range, low-light performance, depth of field control, and resolution.

In real-world testing, the Canon R5 C delivers pin-sharp images with rich detail - a boon for portrait, landscape, and commercial photographers who need big prints or precise retouching latitude. Its color depth and tonal gradation remain impressively natural, especially with Canon’s DIGIC processing that expertly balances noise suppression without smothering detail.

The GH6’s smaller sensor means its images can appear a touch “tighter” and less capable of shallow depth of field. However, its lack of an anti-aliasing filter improves sharpness, giving excellent results for MFT standards. In well-lit conditions, the GH6 produces clean, crisp images suitable for smaller prints and online use. Though dynamic range doesn’t match full frame, the GH6’s sensor is engineered to keep noise well controlled up to ISO 6400, which is great for everyday shooting.

If you regularly demand the utmost image quality with flexibility in post, the Canon R5 C’s sensor will satisfy. But the GH6 offers a solid balance of sharpness and noise control in a smaller sensor package, especially attractive for those prioritizing portability or longer reach lenses (due to the 2.1x crop factor).

Autofocus in the Fast Lane: Precision and Tracking

With over 1050 phase-detection points on the R5 C compared to an unnamed (but capable) contrast-detection system on the GH6, autofocus is a clear advantage for Canon.

The R5 C’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF is renowned for its tracking accuracy, eye detection (including animal eye AF), and speed. It adeptly handles challenging subjects like moving children, wildlife, and athletes with rare consistency.

The GH6’s autofocus relies mainly on contrast detection, which, while excellent for video (smooth and quiet) and stills in controlled environments, can lag behind Canon’s phase detection in tracking unpredictable action.

Both cameras provide face and eye detection - important for portrait and event photographers - but Canon’s system edges out with better reliability in dimmer light and rapid shifts.

For sports and wildlife shooters requiring razor-sharp subject acquisition amid chaos, the R5 C’s autofocus will be noticeably superior.

Shooting Speed and Buffer: Burst Rates That Matter

For high-speed capture, both cameras perform competitively but diverge on details important to specific disciplines.

The GH6 tops out at a 14 fps continuous shooting rate, making it fast enough to catch many action moments especially when paired with fast SD or CFexpress cards. The downside: its smaller sensor means less detail per frame.

Canon’s R5 C offers 12 fps, slightly slower but still impressive for a 45MP sensor. More relevant to professionals is how quickly each camera writes files - Canon’s dual CFexpress and UHS-II SD card slots help keep buffer clear longer.

For sports or wildlife photographers who shoot bursts of frames, the GH6’s faster burst rate might mitigate its lower sensor resolution, but the R5 C’s superior autofocus and bigger sensor could justify the slight speed compromise.

Video Capabilities: Cinema Grade or Versatile Powerhouse?

Here’s where the R5 C and GH6 both shine - but for subtly different reasons. Many videographers consider these among the best hybrid cameras available.

The Canon R5 C produces 8K RAW video up to 30p, with 12-bit internal recording, and supports multiple codecs (XF-AVC, H.264, H.265). Its dual DIGIC processors facilitate high data rates (up to 540 Mbps) and superb color fidelity. The R5 C essentially merges Canon’s cinema camera lineage with the full-frame stills powerhouse EOS R5.

Conversely, the Panasonic GH6 excels in offering high frame rates like 5.7K at 60p, 4K up to 120p, plus internal 10-bit 4:2:2 video recording with V-Log L profile. It includes sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization, crucial for handheld video, which the R5 C lacks internally and relies on in-lens stabilization.

In practical shooting, the GH6 is arguably better suited for versatile video creators needing high frame rates for slow motion plus sturdy IBIS. The R5 C, while delivering breathtaking resolution, requires external stabilization or lenses with stabilization for smooth footage.

Also, audio inputs and outputs are comparable. Both cameras have microphone and headphone jacks, making them fit into professional workflows.

Weather Sealing and Durability for Field Use

Neither camera is waterproof or shock-resistant outright, but both offer good environmental sealing. This weighs heavily if you shoot in demanding outdoor or adventure conditions.

The GH6 offers especially robust weather sealing for an MFT camera, with a rugged body designed for prolonged use. Its internal cooling fan also enables longer video recording sessions without overheating - a clear operational advantage.

The R5 C comes with Canon’s seasoned weather sealing, resistant to dust and moisture, suitable for various field work including landscape and wildlife.

If durability in unstable climates matters, I’d give a slight edge to the GH6 just due to its active cooling and regarded toughness.

Lens Ecosystem and Mount Considerations

Canon’s RF mount boasts over 30 high-quality lenses, many with huge aperture options and cutting-edge optics designed to maximize that 45MP sensor. L-series primes and zooms offer amazing bokeh and sharpness for portraits and commercial work.

The Panasonic GH6 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, with over 100 lenses available from Panasonic, Olympus (OM System), and third-party makers. While offering excellent variety, including many affordable and compact options, MFT lenses generally have smaller maximum apertures limiting shallow depth of field and low-light capability compared to full-frame.

If you already own RF glass or want access to world-class optics, the R5 C is the obvious pick. On the flip side, the GH6’s value lies in the accessible and versatile MFT lens lineup.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery efficiency is often underestimated but critical in real shoots.

The R5 C uses Canon’s LP-E6NH battery, rated for around 320 shots. The GH6’s DMW-BLK22 battery offers slightly better stamina at roughly 360 shots - small but noticeable difference extended further by efficient power management.

Both cameras support dual card slots for CFexpress and SD cards, but the exact card types differ. The R5 C supports CFexpress Type B and UHS-II SD, while the GH6 has one CFexpress Type B and a versatile SD slot supporting Video Speed Class 90 cards - great for high bit-rate 4K/5.7K footage.

Connectivity is modern on both: built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth permit remote control and file transfer. Panasonic’s USB 3.2 Gen 1 offers faster tethered data transfer than Canon’s USB port, benefiting video professionals.

Real-Life Photo Examples and Image Quality Comparisons

Seeing results side-by-side helps illustrate the differences above better than specs alone.

Canon R5 C front Canon R5 C screen back Panasonic GH6 front Panasonic GH6 screen back

Here you can see sample images under various conditions:

• Portrait shots by the Canon R5 C exhibit stunning skin tone rendition with creamy bokeh - thanks to the full-frame sensor and wide-aperture lenses.
• The GH6 handles landscape images well but shows slightly less detail and dynamic range on shadow recovery, typical for a smaller sensor.
• Wildlife images reveal the R5 C’s ability to isolate subjects with beautiful background separation, while the GH6 benefits from the MFT crop to “zoom in” on smaller subjects, though with lower resolution.

Overall Performance Scores and Genre-Specific Strengths

Industry benchmarks often condense performance into accessible scores for quick comparison.

Above, the Canon R5 C ranks strongly across overall performance metrics, excelling especially in image quality, autofocus, and video resolution. The Panasonic GH6 scores well on speed, video versatility, and stabilization but can’t quite match the full-frame sensor impact.

Looking closer:

• Portraits: Canon’s R5 C is the go-to for creamy bokeh and detailed skin tones.
• Landscape: Both perform well, but R5 C provides superior dynamic range.
• Wildlife: GH6’s crop factor offers reach, but R5 C autofocus speeds often win the day.
• Sports: R5 C autofocus better; GH6 burst rate is faster.
• Street: GH6 is more compact and discreet for candid shots.
• Macro: Both do well; the GH6’s IBIS helps handheld macro.
• Night/Astro: R5 C’s large sensor delivers cleaner images at high ISO.
• Video: GH6 is favored for in-body stabilization and frame rates.
• Travel: GH6’s size and weight are handy but R5 C’s versatility is unmatched.
• Professional work: Canon’s file quality and system integration stand out.

Who Should Buy Which?

If you:

• Prioritize ultimate image quality and autofocus performance - Canon R5 C is your powerhouse.
• Seek high-resolution 8K video and full-frame stills - R5 C delivers.
• Need a professional camera built for hybrid photo/video assignments with robust Canon lens choices - R5 C fits perfectly.

On the other hand, if you:

• Want an extremely versatile, rugged video-centric camera with IBIS and high frame rates
• Prefer a lighter, more portable system with extensive affordable lenses
• Shoot lots of run-and-gun or street and travel video
• Need a more budget-friendly option while retaining professional features

The Panasonic GH6 is the smart pick.

Final Thoughts: Practical Advice from the Field

I’ve tested these cameras across diverse conditions - from wildlife hides to studio portraits and marathon sports sessions. Both are excellent, but your choice boils down to sensor size and video priorities balanced against size and budget.

Dear Canon, I’d love to see IBIS in the next R5 iteration - this would nearly close the small gap the GH6 exploits for video shooters.

Dear Panasonic, please keep pushing autofocus speed for stills - good AF without phase detection is still a holy grail.

Whichever you choose, you’re getting a camera built to meet professional expectations with a ton of latent creative potential. Test handling in person if possible - it’s hard to appreciate how much camera ergonomics impact a full day of shooting.

Feel free to ask for my video reviews or field tests if you want a more visual deep dive. Happy shooting!