Until today, the Canon EOS M5 was the flagship model in the EOS M series of mirrorless cameras. The new EOS M6 II supplants not only its predecessor, the EOS M6, but also the M5 – yet in some ways, it isn’t quite as advanced as the former flagship as we’ll discover below!
What they have in common:
- EOS EF-M mount
- maximum 1/4000s mechanical shutter speed
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF
- built-in pop-up flash
- WiFi and Bluetooth
- LP-E17 battery
Additional coverage:
EOS M6 vs M6 II – EOS M6 II vs M5 – EOS M6 II vs M50 –
EOS M6 II vs A6100
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1. Sensor and processor
Let’s start this preview with a couple of the most interesting updates: the sensor and processor.
The EOS M6 II houses a brand new 32.5MP APS-C sensor, making it the mirrorless model with the highest resolution sensor on the market amongst APS-C models. The M5 offers a more modest 24.2MP, which is the resolution you can expect from most modern APS-C cameras from Canon, Sony and Fujifilm.
Thanks to the new DIGIC 8 processor, the M6 II delivers improved low-light performance, with an extended ISO value of 51200 in addition to its native range of 100 to 25600. The M5, which uses the older DIGIC 7 processor, has the same native ISO range but lacks the extended value.
2. Electronic viewfinder
What becomes obvious the minute you set your eyes on both models is that the M5 is the only one with a built-in electronic viewfinder. It is a 0.39-type OLED finder with approximately 2360k dots of resolution, 100% coverage and a 22mm eye-point.
The absence of a viewfinder on the M6 II is the one thing that could cause many potential users to pause for thought before settling on the new model. That said, if you find yourself desperately in need of an EVF for the M6 II, there is the option to attach an external viewfinder to the hotshoe such as the EVF-DC2 which has the same specifications as the M5’s finder. This finder will obviously reduce the camera’s compactness if left attached.
3. LCD monitor
Both cameras are equipped with a tilting touch sensitive LCD screen but their specifications are quite different.
The M5 has a larger screen than the M6 II (3.2 vs 3 inches) and the resolution is marginally higher as well (1620k vs 1040k dots).
Whereas the M5’s screen tilts down 180 degrees and up 85 degrees, the M6 II’s tilts down 45 degrees and up 180 degrees.
4. Build quality
Besides the absence of an electronic viewfinder on the M6 II, there are a few other physical differences worth mentioning.
To start with, the M5 is slightly larger and heavier than the M6 II. This is mostly due to the protrusion on top that houses the viewfinder and the pop-up flash.
- M5: 115.6 x 89.2 x 60.6 mm | 427g
- M6 II: 119.6 x 70 x 49.2mm | 408g
The M6 II comes with a brand new AF/MF switch on the rear, complete with an AF-On button at the centre, whereas the M5 has a dedicated exposure compensation dial on top.
Turning to the interface, we find a USB 2.0 port with Type-C connector on the M6 II whereas the M5 relies on a Micro USB connector. Both have a pop-up flash on top – albeit in different positions – and a 3.5mm microphone jack. Sadly neither comes with a headphone jack.
5. Autofocus
Both cameras sport Canon’s excellent Dual Pixel CMOS phase detection AF system but the M6 II’s version is more advanced.
To start with, the M6 II benefits from more automatic AF areas – 143 vs 49 to be precise – and offers up to 5481 autofocus positions across the frame. It has acquired an additional Spot AF mode to help with precise focusing, as well as more coverage (88 x 100% vs 80 x 80% depending on the lens used). The focusing brightness range is also better on the new model (EV -5 to 18 vs EV -1 to 18).
Whereas the M5 only offers face detection, the M6 II boasts both face and eye detection. It is effective even when tracking a subject in burst shooting mode and when recording movies.
6. Continuous shooting speeds
Accompanying the M6 II’s advanced autofocus algorithm are some pretty impressive continuous shooting speeds. It is capable of shooting as fast as 14fps with AF tracking, which is ideal for fast action and wildlife.
The M5, by comparison, is capped at 7fps with AF tracking or 9fps with the AF fixed on the first frame.
We should also be able to expect better buffer performance from the M6 II since it accepts UHS-II memory cards.
7. Electronic shutter
A surprising omission from the M5 was the electronic shutter so it is encouraging to see that the M6 II has received this long overdue update. With the e-shutter activated, it can shoot at speeds up to 1/16000s, but be aware that rolling shutter can occur when dealing with fast moving subjects. With the mechanical shutter, both cameras are limited to 1/4000s.
The electronic shutter also enables a new RAW Burst mode on the M6 II. With it activated, you can shoot 18MP RAW files at 30fps with continuous focusing. There is also a new Pre-shot option that allows you to capture the action before fully pressing the shutter button.
8. Video
Video is another area where the M6 II excels compared to the M5. Whereas the flagship model is limited to 1080p at up to 60fps, the M6 II is capable of shooting 4K video at 25 or 30fps and Full HD up to 120fps. There are also two new 4K modes: time-lapse and 4K frame-grab.
We were also delighted to discover that the M6 II doesn’t crop the frame when filming in 4K. This is a big departure from other 4K-capable models from Canon, all of which perform a disappointingly large crop at this resolution.
Dual Pixel CMOS AF works in video mode on both cameras, but only the M6 II enables face and eye detection while recording video.
9. Extra features
Now let’s take a look at a couple of extra features found on the M6 II that don’t really fit in elsewhere.
The first is focus bracketing which allows you to take a series of shots with different focus points. By merging these shots in post production, you can create a final image with a deeper depth of field.
Another long overdue addition is the possibility to charge the M6 II over USB. With the M5, you have to use a separate charger which isn’t as convenient as being able to charge the camera directly.
10. Price
The M6 II is set to hit the market with a retail price of approximately $849 US (body only) or $1099 US with the 15-45mm kit lens.
Although prices vary depending on the retailer and discounts offered by the manufacturer, the M5 can usually be found for an average of $679 US (body only) or $799 US with the same kit lens.
Conclusion
The time has come for the ageing EOS M5 to relinquish its flagship title, and the EOS M6 II is certainly a worthy successor if we can ignore the lack of a built-in viewfinder. It has everything a budding photographer might want from a portable mirrorless camera including a top-of-the-line sensor, great autofocus performance, excellent video capabilities, fast burst shooting, and much more.
That being said, the M5 is still a valid option, especially if you are more interested in still photography than video. There is also a higher chance you’ll find it at a bargain price these days now that the M6 II has been released.
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Best Canon M50 lenses
Looking for a lens to use with your Canon M5 or M6 II? Head over to our complete guide about the best lenses available for the Eos M series. All the product listed have been tested by us personally.
