Canon EOS R6 II v EOS R8 II: here's why Canon's older full-frame camera is the obvious choice this week

Canon EOS R6 Mark II on a tripod in front of a brick wall (left) Canon EOS R8 Mark II with grip on a wooden table (right) — (Image credit: Rod Lawton / Tim Coleman)

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Last month, Canon added the EOS R8 Mark II to its range of full-frame mirrorless cameras, and it brought a new 'retro' look with a 'modern twist' that has divided opinion — I think it looks more like a Sony than an analog Canon. It's a decent upgrade of the original EOS R8 mind you, adding image stabilization and a handy multi-controller (AF joystick). The original EOS R8 now costs much less, but if you're interested in the latest model, then I'd argue there's an even better option for the money this week in the Amazon Prime Day sales — the EOS R6 Mark II.

The EOS R6 Mark costs $1,999 at Amazon (US), but the standout deal has to be one in the UK — the EOS R6 Mark II with two additional batteries for £1,599 (was £2,299). Those prices are similar to the EOS R8 Mark II, which is available for pre-order ahead of its October 20 sales start, and has no discount currently. As such, I believe the mid-range EOS R6 Mark II is a much better deal, despite being almost four years older.

For starters, the EOS R6 Mark II (recently updated / replaced by the EOS R6 Mark III) has a better build quality — feeling very much in line with Canon's pro cameras rather than entry-level / enthusiast models, like the EOS R8 Mark II does.

• Browse the full Amazon Prime Day sale

As part of this premium build quality, the EOS R6 Mark II features dual card slots to the EOS R8 Mark II's single slot. It also has a bigger battery with more than double the shot life, and a bigger and better 3.69m-dot EVF with 0.76x magnification (the EOS R8 Mark II's is a 2.36m-dot unit with 0.7x magnification). It also has a mechanical and electronic shutter, whereas the EOS R8 Mark II only has an electronic shutter.

Does the EOS R8 Mark II have any factors in its favor? Well, it's smaller and lighter, has the new design which also comes with a tally lamp for video recording, plus Canon's latest autofocus, but that's about it. The two cameras share many similar features, mind you, including the 24MP full-frame sensor with image stabilization.

The EOS R6 Mark II price drop has truly changed the picture, and if you don't mind the slightly heftier premium body, it's the one I'd recommend. I've included the best deals for both cameras below, and added the original EOS R8 and EOS RP too.