Best Memory Cards Canon R6 Mark II

With its dual UHS-II memory card slots, the Canon R6 Mark II features impressive performance and a range of capabilities that demand fast UHS-II memory cards.

Selecting the ideal memory cards for the Canon R6 Mark II is not a straightforward task, as the camera’s versatility means there is no one-size-fits-all option that balances price and performance. Photographers’ needs vary, with some able to rely on slower v60 UHS-II or UHS-I cards, while others require the highest-performing v90 UHS-II cards.

To help determine the optimal memory card for your unique situation, consult this guide for tailored advice on navigating the range of available options and finding the most suitable memory card based on your performance and budget requirements.

Canon R6 II – Amazon / Adorama / B&H

Canon R6 II Memory Card Recommendations

For optimal performance on high bursts, V90 UHS-II cards are the best option for the Canon R6 Mark II, as they can clear the buffer the fastest. When shooting with redundancy, both card slots require the same speed cards to maintain the card’s rated performance.

For casual shooting or video production, V60 cards provide a better balance of value and size.

V90 cards maintain a minimum data rate of 90MB/s, while V60 cards maintain a minimum data rate of 60MB/s which is fast enough for even the highest video bitrate the camera offers.

The following list outlines the performance of tested UHS-II memory cards in the Canon R6. We’ll update with R6 II performance soon, but don’t expect it to change very much.

Memory Cards Canon R6 II – What To Know

What You Need To Know: The Canon EOS R6 II uses dual UHS-II memory card slots that are ideal for quickly clearing the buffer, especially when the camera is capable of shooting up to 40fps with the electronic shutter.

While it may seem tempting to opt for the fastest UHS-II cards for video, the Canon R6 Mark II’s bitrate of 340Mbps equates to only 42.5MB/s, a speed well within the capabilities of UHS-II v60 memory cards.

Although fast UHS-I cards will suffice for some lower video bitrates, those seeking a versatile hybrid shooting and video camera should invest in UHS-II cards, as their faster performance guarantees the minimum data rate needed to support the camera’s highest video capabilities. The fastest V90 UHS-II cards are unnecessary for most people on a budget, the performance of v60 cards will likely satisfy the majority, unless high-speed photo bursting is required.

Canon R6 Mark II Memory Card Speed Test | Benchmarks

This list shows how each memory card performed in-camera by calculating the time it takes to clear a continuous burst. When I get my hands on the R6 II I’ll update it with all the latest cards as well. There are a few like the Lexar 1800x that I am missing with this initial benchmark.

Canon EOS R6 Mark II Specs

List of Canon RF Lenses

Best Memory Cards 4k Video

The Canon R6 Mark II can shoot 4k at 60 frames per second internally, with a maximum bitrate of 340Mbps, which equates to 42.5MB/s.

While it doesn’t require the fastest cards to write 4k video, it’s advisable to use a v60 speed class UHS-II card to ensure a minimum write speed of 60MB/s. However, if you have newer U3 UHS-I cards available, they should work fine for the slower bitrates under 30MB/s or 240Mbps.

For frequent video shooting, it’s recommended to use V60 UHS-II cards, which have fast read speeds during data transfer to the computer, and provide more storage capacity per dollar.

The Sony M Tough cards and ProGrade V60 cards are both excellent options and the Lexar 1800x has been a very good card in other tests in other cameras.

Canon EOS R6 Mark II Video Specs & Recording Modes

The Canon R6 II has impressive video quality and recording modes, providing a lot of flexibility for users.

One notable feature is the high-quality 10-bit 4:2:2 h.265 encoding for 4k UHD up to 60fps, delivering excellent image quality. Additionally, there is a high bitrate 10-bit 4:2:2 230Mbps FullHD 1080p recording option, which captures a significant amount of data and color information.

Record Limit: None.
Audio File Format: AAC, Linear PCM

Canon R6 Mark II Record Times – Memory Card Capacity

Below is a chart showing record times for different bitrates based on several memory card sizes. Refer to this chart to determine memory card capacity for different recording settings.

Please note that the camera does not display which bitrate it is recording at. To determine which setting produces which bitrate, you will need to match the bitrate and setting with the chart above. Also, the ALL-I setting will provide a higher bitrate than the IPB settings.

What Size Memory Card Is Best?

If you’re unsure about what size memory card to purchase, my suggestion would be to go for 128GB cards, especially if you’re shooting a lot of videos or attending events. On lower megapixel cameras, such as a 24MP camera, I find that 128GB cards work well since I don’t often fill them up in a single day.

With a 64GB card, I usually don’t have any issues unless I’m shooting on the same card for several days. Additionally, Canon offers CRAW and HEIF recording modes, which create smaller files than standard RAW, providing you with more shots per card if you’re shooting casually.

Avoiding Counterfeit Memory Cards

I have included a crucial section in all my memory card tests as it addresses a serious issue. Some fraudsters manipulate the memory controller on memory cards to trick them into displaying more memory than they actually have. They then alter the labels to reflect the fake size. The outcome is that when you purchase a 128GB card, it may only have 32 or 64GB of memory in it. The card functions well and shows as a 128GB card when formatted. However, when you surpass the actual memory limit, the card will fail.

To determine if your memory card is counterfeit, the easiest method is to fill it up completely. You should approach the rated size without any difficulties.

To avoid counterfeit memory cards, buy only from reputable retailers such as B&H, BestBuy, Walmart, and Adorama, among others. If you choose to shop on Amazon or eBay, ensure that you still purchase from a reputable store.

Best Memory Cards Canon R6 Mark II Conclusions

To ensure the buffer clears quickly during continuous bursting with your Canon R6II, it is recommended to purchase the fastest V90 UHS-II memory cards.

For most users, the performance of V60 UHS-II cards should be sufficient while also being budget-friendly.

If you’re recording video at the highest bitrate, it’s best to use V60 cards such as the Sony M cards. But, for lower 4k bitrates or 1080p, UHS-I cards will suffice.