• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 35mm 864.0mm2
  • 20.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400

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Differences

Pentax K-5 II advantages over Canon R6

  • More telephoto lens reach
    203 mm vs 105 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera

Canon R6 advantages over Pentax K-5 II

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.58 vs 4.81 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Newer
    4 years vs 11 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Higher-res screen
    540k vs 307k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    20.1 vs 16.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 51200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax K-5 II

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon R6

Review Excerpt

  • Compact yet control-rich body packs in the features; Updated autofocus system focuses in near-darkness; Fully weather-sealed; Sharp, detailed images with very good dynamic range; In-body image stabilization; Dual-axis level with horizon correction.

  • Can seem intimidating at first; Fewer autofocus points than competitors; Doesn't take advantage of high-speed UHS-I flash cards; Movie feature set is very dated and file sizes huge.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D7000

Pentax K-5 II
Nikon D7000
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
Canon R6
Nikon D7000
  • $2032
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Internal flash

Compared to Pentax K-30

Pentax K-5 II
Pentax K-30
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Canon R6
Pentax K-30
  • $2032
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $599
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Internal flash

Compared to Canon T4i

Pentax K-5 II
Canon T4i
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
Canon R6
Canon T4i
  • $2032
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Nikon Z6 II

Pentax K-5 II
Nikon Z6 II
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Internal flash
  • $1797
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Canon R6
Nikon Z6 II
  • $2032
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $1797
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • More pixels

Compared to Canon R6 Mark II

Pentax K-5 II
Canon R6 Mark II
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Internal flash
  • $2754
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Canon R6
Canon R6 Mark II
  • $2032
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $2754
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Newer
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