Canon has brought two new cameras to the market – the EOS 90D, which is a DSLR and the M6 MkII, which is a mirrorless camera from Canon’s M range. While the designs of both cameras are vastly different, the two models share a number of specifications, including a APS-C sensor that serves up a whopping 32-megapixels and a 45-point (all cross type) AF system. So, if you’ve got some money in pocket and you can’t make up your mind as to which model you should buy, we’re here to help. Here’s 9 differences that sway your buying decision….
One: Size and weight – As you’d expect, the mirrorless M6 MkII is by far and away the more portable option between the two cameras. While the 90D isn’t exactly heavy at 701g, it’s still nearly double the weight of the 408g M6 MkII. And this is before you add lenses, as DSLR EF lenses are typically heavier than M-mount lenses, which have been designed for use on Canon’s mirrorless models. The dimensions of the M6 MkII are smaller too, which could be important if you are travelling and space is at a premium.
Two: Burst speed – Due to the technology and design, mirrorless cameras are typically faster than DSLRs when it comes to burst modes and the 90D/M6 MkII are no different. While the 90D serves up a burst rate of 10 FPS, which is decent for a DSLR of this type and should be enough to capture most action sequences, the M6 MkII goes even further, raising the max burst rate figure to 14 FPS.
Three: Battery life – Due to the use of an LCD to compose imagery versus an optical viewfinder and the smaller body design, there is a big difference between the battery capacities between the 90D and M6 MkII. While the mirrorless M6 MkII is good for 305 shots on a single charge, the 90D DSLR is far more efficient and can offer 1300 shots on a single charge. That’s a huge difference of almost 1000 shots and this will be important to photographers such as landscapers who may be out on location without a power source.
Four: Viewfinder – The viewfinder design between the two cameras is obviously different. 90D users can choose to use the optical viewfinder or switch the camera into Live View and use the large 3.2-inch touch-sensitive vari-angle LCD to compose instead. Canon M6 MkII users however have a different choice; and can use the 3-inch touch-sensitive tilting LCD to compose images. However, Canon do also offer an optional extra Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) for the M6 MkII which slides onto the hotshoe mount.
Five: Lens range – When it comes to native lenses, the 90D has far more EF/EF-S lenses available to photographers compared to the M-range of optics for the M6 MkII. However, this doesn’t tell the full story as Canon also offer an adaptor that will enable EF lenses to be used on M-range cameras like the M6 MkII.
Six: Headphone port – Those photographers who also like to record video will be impressed that both cameras can record 4K footage at 30p, and also slow motion sequences in Full HD. However, while both cameras feature a port for an external mic, only the 90D features a headphone port so that audio can be monitored as well as recorded. There are ways to get around this issue – for example many external mics also have a port for headphones but it is a specification aspiring filmmakers should be aware of.
Seven: Weather sealing – While both cameras are considered consumer-level products rather than professional-level kit, it’s interesting to see that the 90D DSLR features weather-sealing, while this is missing from the mirrorless M6 MkII. If you are an aspiring landscape photographer and are likely to be caught in a shower while shooting scenes, the 90D will enable you to keep on shooting.
Eight: LCD design – While both cameras feature LCDs that are touch-sensitive, there’s a difference in the design. The 90D features a 3.2-inch LCD that boasts a vari-angle design, which is great when setting up awkward high-low compositions. The M6 MkII also has a LCD that can help with these awkward compositions, but this is a smaller 3-inch LCD that works via a tilting design rather than a vari-angle mechanism.
Nine: Price – While both cameras serve up the same resolution of 32-megapixels, there is a difference in the body only pricing. The Canon 90D DSLR costs $1199/£1200 body only, while the M6 MkII is more affordable at $849.99/£869 (body only). The M6 MkII also comes in a choice of black or silver, while the 90D is available only in black.