Canon EOS R6 vs R5 vs R3: Which Camera SHOULD You Buy? (2022)

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So you're in the market for one of Canon's Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras, but which one should you buy? I take a look at the Canon EOS R5, R6 and R3 and help you decide which might be the one for you and why. All three of these cameras are fantastic and versatile. Whether you photograph weddings, portraits, nature, sports or want to capture video, each one of these cameras offers something a little different.

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[froknowsphoto]

What I learned form watching this video is I need to find a new word to use other than...."fantastic". Also, we filmed this video at the end of last year prior to the R5C being announced. But even with that being announced, it wouldn't have fit into this particular video. Maybe a future one for R5 vs R5C, we will see.

[mrtnsnp]

Just got the R6. Budget was a big factor, especially after adding the storage options. The R6 allowed me to get a beter lens with the camera (RF 24-70 f2.8 IS USM). Still blown away by the possibilities. Tried an adapted EF 135 f/2 USM in the middle of the night at ISO 25600 and 1/15 of a second. Handheld. That gives a usable image. This should not be possible. Looking forward to landscape photography using moonlight.

[thebrandalorian]

Upgraded from the 6D Mark II to the R6. It removes so many little headaches from shooting on a DSLR. Adapting EF glass is seamless, like he said. When I phase out the R6 to being my second body, I’ll likely go with the R5 as a main (portrait shooter). Although the new R5c is looking like an interesting option.

[rvasquez]

I'm looking at getting back into photography after many years, I started in the film days. So your videos, this one in particular was of great help to me. Keep up the great work.

[SterlingSteves]

Full time pro here - shoot weddings, portraits, headshots, sports, etc. I totally came to the same conclusion. I have an R5 and it rocks for what I do and I do love the liberty I have in cropping. When you are shooting on the go, the freedom to crop in is wonderful. Particularly in sports when you want to get real close to the action to show the intensity but the action is unpredictable so you really need to shoot wider than the point of action in order to capture when they do unexpected moves.

[tomhalbouty]

I purchased an R6 and returned it for the R5. The R5 simply permitted deeper cropping (I know you don't really like cropping Jared). I enjoy shooting wildlife and the extra resolution does come in handy for bird photography. I agree that both are great cameras and both work better with EF lens than any of my old EF bodies.

[serratorealestate]

super duper helpful. This is exactly what i needed to make my decision. thanks so much!

[HeathFoley]

Awesome video Jared, thank you for putting it together. I have an R6 and I'm quite happy with it coming from a 5D MkIII and APS-C before that

[nimuil]

Thanks for the great video.
I almost forgot (actually I did), my R5 takes 12bit RAW only with ES at 20fps.
I had done some setting changes after watching this video. I'd returned back to MS and EFCS in some condition, especially low light environment. My photos from 14bit/13bit are really noticeably better than 12bit.
Thanks this video for remind me the basic of the camera. We always study the new toy well when we just get it and forget it eventually in the river of time.
We have to know and keep knowing our tools well in order to use it better.

[sethpoplaski]

I've been doing a lot of sports photography with the R6 and DSLR glass at the University of Maine. Until the price of RF glass comes down, I'll continue to do this. I'm constantly impressed by the quality of photos and videos I'm getting out of the R6. As much as I'd like to go to the R5, I also do a fair amount of shooting in gymnasiums and I've found it works very well in low light situations. If anyone has a spare R3 kicking around, I'm happy to trial that out for you, haha!

[inczo]

Thanks Jared, I was just doing this comparison last night, great video!!!

[fakkerdakker]

The R6 has not disappointed me. With the grip...where have you been all my life! Fantastic system!

[davecarrera]

I am never disappointed with the image files both my R and R6 deliver.
The actual pictures I force them to capture on the other hand 🙂

[PhoneNHe]

I like this real world comparison with straight talk on point a lot from the first second Thank you, subscribed

[stelioskritikakis]

I shoot weddings, I upgraded to R6 from 5D IV.
R6 is better overall, and you pay less for more. The only thing i miss from the 5D IV is the resolution sometimes, but its not a deal breaker since i'm not cropping, but those compressed CR3 saves much more space in the hard drives. So a resolution compromise for so many goodies is actually a pretty nice deal.

[dmene]

outstanding Jared! Great stuff! I agree with you 100% about the camera to go is R5. I have been using the R5 for almost a year, majorly on Waterphotography ( Lens EF 8-15mm, RF 16mm, RF 50 mm, RF 24-105mm and Samyang RF 14mm) using Aquatech Edge Housing, and the results are phenomenal! Also I have been using the R3 for surfing photography (Lens RF 800mm and Sigma EF 150-600mm) and the 30fps are killer, unreal the speed and the quality of the photos, I couldn't be more happy with this two setup. But the R3 is not a camera for everyone, I do miss the 45mp for some of the crop some time I need to do. As we say, first world problem.... any of this cameras you will be a happy chap.

[COFFINDUST]

I am using R5 for three months after 6D mark ii and i can say it's really fantastic. Took me to another level. AF and lots of focus points are amazing (especially after the stupid focus coverage area of 6dmii).

[Campfirecow]

I got the R6 in November with the 24-105L, 35mm 1.8; and the ef/ef-s converter and love this camera. I came from a 5D mkIi and 70D.

[charlesjames]

As always Great Job. I have the R5 for Bird photography and Wedding/Events. Having the larger sensor is great for the cropping you have to do with small Warblers and songbirds. All of the cameras are good but it is the lenses that keeps me with canon. RF-28-70 f2.0 is truly a great lens. It has character like some of the pricey glass from brand L.

[DanYosua]

R6 for a year, still loving it. If you're coming from the RP it will be a big upgrade on both the photo and video side.