Canon EOS M6 Mark II vs Sony A6100

Canon EOS M6 Mark II camera with the Sony A6100 camera. We have roughly $100 difference in the cost of both the camera and now it’s time to take a look at the specs difference between the two.
Camera Canon M6 Mark II Sony A6100
Camera Format APS-C (1.6x Crop Factor)
APS-C (1.5x Crop Factor)
Pixels Actual: 34.4 Megapixel
Effective: 32.5 Megapixel

Actual: 25 Megapixel
Effective: 24.2 Megapixel
Maximum Resolution 6960 x 4640
6000 x 4000
Aspect Ratio 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9
1:1, 3:2, 16:9
Sensor Type CMOS
CMOS
Sensor Size 22.3 x 14.9 mm
23.5 x 15.6 mm
Image File Format JPEG, RAW
JPEG, RAW
Bit Depth 14-Bit
14-Bit
Image Stabilization Digital (Video Only)
None

1. Sensor Resolution

We have compared the sensor of the cameras, and from the specs comparison it’s very clear that Canon EOS M6 mark 2 camera carry a higher resolution sensor of 32 megapixel whereas with Sony a6100 camera we have a 24 megapixel aps-c CMOS sensor. More resolution allows you to recompose your images while editing. But of-course it also have some downside…

2. Large Photodiodes inside Sony

Technically speaking the sensor area of Sony is slightly larger compared to Canon, slightly larger sensor area and bit broad (15.28µm2 vs 10.29µm2) photodiodes inside the sensor will result in better light sensitivity and more dynamic range.

3. Canon in-Camera image stabilization in Video Mode

One of the most noticeable things in the table above is Canon EOS M6 mark 2 camera has digital video image stabilization, which will sure help you when you are creating content while walking. Canon camera based digital image stabilization synchronised with the optical image stabilization of lens. And as a result  you will get more stabilized footage compared to the Sony a6100 camera, where we have to depend upon the OSS. (lens based optical image stabilization system only).

4. Exposure control

Camera Canon EOS M6 Mark II
Sony A6100
ISO Sensitivity Auto, 100 to 25600 (Extended: 100 to 51200)
Auto, 100 to 32000 (Extended: 100 to 51200)
Shutter Speed Mechanical Shutter
1/4000 to 30 Second
Bulb Mode
Electronic Shutter
1/16000 to 30 Second
Mechanical Shutter
1/4000 to 30 Second
Bulb Mode
1/4000 to 1/4 Second in Movie Mode
Metering Method Center-Weighted Average, Evaluative, Partial, Spot
Center-Weighted Average, Multi-Zone, Spot
Exposure Modes Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority
Exposure Compensation -3 to +3 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps)
-5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps)
Metering Range -2 to 20 EV
-2 to 20 EV
White Balance Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (White), Shade, Tungsten
Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Day White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Fluorescent (Warm White), Incandescent, Shade, Underwater
Continuous Shooting Up to 14 fps at 32.5 MP for up to 23 Exposures (Raw)
Up to 14 fps at 32.5 MP for up to 54 Exposures (JPEG)
Up to 30 fps at 18 MP

Up to 11 fps at 24.2 MP for up to 33 Exposures (Raw)
Up to 11 fps at 24.2 MP for up to 77 Exposures (JPEG)
Up to 8 fps at 24.2 MP
Up to 6 fps at 24.2 MP
Up to 3 fps at 24.2 MP
Interval Recording Yes
2/5/10-Second Delay
Self-Timer 2/10-Second Delay

5. ISO Range

We can clearly see Sony A6100 camera gives us a bit more standard ISO range compared to the Canon EOS M6 mark 2 camera. However, the expandable ISO range of both the camera is almost same.

6. 48% larger pixel area Sony A6100 Sensor

At the same time due to the nature of high resolution sensor we have a bit more complex structure of photodiodes in Canon M6 Mark II with less light capturing area and for sure, as a result we get poor low light performance from EOS M6 Mark II when compared to the Sony A6100 camera. However, the difference is not to big, literally we will have 1 stop of ISO difference between the two which can be further compensate by Built-in IS feature and by the use of bright aperture lenses.
We will update you soon once we get the high ISO test results of both the camera, we do believe Sony will going to perform better when compared to Canon in low light environment.

7. Exposure compensation

Sony A6100 camera gives us a bit more range in exposure compensation compared to Canon M6 Mark II. At the same time the white balance modes options in Sony is slightly more compared to Canon.

8. Continuous shooting

Sony failed to impress us when we talk about continuous shooting speed. Despite having a low resolution sensor Sony continuous shooting speed is less compared to the Canon M6 Mark II, with a 32 megapixel resolution the Canon M6 mark 2 camera is able to grab 14 frames per second upto 23 exposure in raw and 54 exposure in JPEG mode.
Sony A6100 camera  limited to 11 frames per second after 33 exposure in raw-mode and  77 exposure in JPEG mode. So, Canon used more powerful Digic 8 Image processing unit in the Canon EOS M6 mark II camera compared to the Sony A6100 camera Bionz X image processor.
If you are a sports photographer then of-course you should move along with the Canon EOS M6 mark 2 camera, where you are getting extra frames with higher resolution.

9. Video mode

Camera Canon EOS M6 Mark II
Sony A6100
Recording Modes MP4/H.264
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 25p/29.97p
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p
HD (1280 x 720) at 50p/59.94p
XAVC S
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 24.00p/25p/29.97p/100p/119.88p [60 to 100 Mb/s]
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 24.00p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [50 Mb/s]
AVCHD
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/50i/59.94i/59.94p [17 to 28 Mb/s]
External Recording Modes 4:2:2 8-Bit
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) up to 25p/29.97p
4:2:2 8-Bit
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 24.00p/25p/29.97p
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 24.00p/50i/50p/59.94i/59.94p
Recording Limit Up to 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds
Up to 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds
Video Encoding NTSC/PAL
NTSC/PAL
Audio Recording Built-In Microphone (Stereo)
External Microphone Input (Stereo)

Built-In Microphone (Stereo)
External Microphone Input (Stereo)
Audio File Format AAC LC
AAC LC, AC3, Dolby Digital 2ch, Linear PCM (Stereo)

10. Video Mode

let’s talk about the video mode of both the camera. Canon EOS M6 mark II camera and Sony A6100 camera features 4K  (3840 x 2160) video recording mode up to 30 minutes. At the same time we are getting digital image stabilization in canon which synchronizes with the lens based optical image stabilization system to give better stable footage. No digital image stabilization available in Sony A6100 camera.

11. No 4K Crop issues in Canon EOS M6 Mark II camera

like in earlier Canon cameras we were suffering from crop is issues, fortunately with Canon M6 Mark II camera canon does full sensor readout and we don’t have to suffer from any crop is issue in the M6 mark 2 camera. Although it’s not oversampled 4K video as of Sony.
More or less the video mode of both camera are same, and literally where are getting additional digital image stabilization with Canon M6 mark 2 camera. So it will going to be bit more favourable to us while we are creating like content on the go.
Additional features include 180 degree tilting touch screen in both the camera and both camera offers use external microphone for better audio quality input.

12. Auto Focus

Camera Canon EOS M6 Mark II
Sony A6100
Focus Type Auto and Manual Focus
Auto and Manual Focus
Focus Mode Continuous-Servo AF (C), Manual Focus (M), Single-Servo AF (S)
Automatic (A), Continuous-Servo AF (C), Direct Manual Focus (DMF), Manual Focus (M), Single-Servo AF (S)
Autofocus Points Phase Detection: 5481
Phase Detection: 425
Contrast Detection: 425
Autofocus Sensitivity -5 to +18 EV
-2 to +20 EV

13. AF Performance of both the camera

let’s talk about the autofocusing performance of both the camera, we all know that Sony does a better job when we track eyes of the subject or the face. But at the same time canon claims that there Canon EOS M6 mark 2 camera arrived with more than 5400 autofocusing points on sensor. And if we talk about AF points then of course Sony A6100 camera is limited to 425 phase AF points +  425 contrast detect AF points.
Both camera features industry leading autofocusing system, so you won’t going to face any issues while you are capturing a still short or recording videos with the cameras.

14. AF sensitivity 

Autofocus sensitivity range of Canon EOS M6 mark II camera is better in low light compared to the Sony A6💯 camera. Autofocusing performance of Canon EOS M6 mark 2 camera will going to be a bit more better in low light situation compared to the Sonye 6100 camera.

15. Display

Camera Canon M6 Mark II Sony A6100
Viewfinder Type
Electronic (OLED)
Viewfinder Size
0.39″
Viewfinder Resolution
1,440,000 Dot
Viewfinder Eye Point
23 mm
Viewfinder Coverage
100%
Viewfinder Magnification
Approx. 0.7x
Diopter Adjustment
-4 to +3
Monitor Size 3″ 180° Tilting Touchscreen LCD 3″ 180° Tilting Touchscreen LCD
Monitor Resolution 1,040,000 Dot 921,600 Dot
Monitor Type 3″ 180° Tilting Touchscreen LCD
With Sony A6100 camera we are getting display screen as well as viewfinder. Canon EOS M6 Mark II features slightly higher resolution display unit, but you have to buy optional viewfinder.

16. Connectivity and memory

Camera Canon M6 Mark II
Sony A6100
Memory Card Slot Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo Hybrid (UHS-I)
Connectivity USB Type-C (USB 2.0), HDMI D (Micro)
3.5mm Microphone, HDMI D (Micro), Micro-B (USB 2.0)
Wireless Bluetooth
Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
GPS None None
Both camera have single card slot and uses WiFi and Bluetooth for connectivity.

17. Physical

Camera Canon EOS M6 Mark II

Sony A6100
Battery 1 x LP-E17 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 1040 mAh (Approx. 305 Shots) 1 x NP-FW50 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 1080 mAh (Approx. 420 Shots)
Dimensions (W x H x D) 4.71 x 2.76 x 1.94″ / 119.6 x 70 x 49.2 mm

4.72 x 2.63 x 2.34″ / 120 x 66.9 x 59.4 mm
Weight 14.39 oz / 408 g

0.87 lb / 396 g (Body with Battery and Memory)
Canon fast image processor grabs a bit more extra power, you are getting approx 305 shots in single charge and Sony A6100 camera offers you to capture 420 shots in single charge. My recommendation is, If you are planning to record 4K videos with your camera you should buy extra battery packs with your camera.

18. Conclusion

Both the camera shoots 4K and with Canon you are getting additional Digital Image stabilization when you needed, but you have to face slight crop when u are using Dual IS.
Canon M6 Mark II camera features higher resolution sensor, faster image processor with high burst rate compared to Sony A6100 and more than 5K AF points on sensor, the AF sensitivity of Canon EOS M6 Mark II camera is better than of Sony A6100. On the other side we have Sony A6100 with better low-light performance and better Auto eye or face tracking feature.
Versatility: With EF-M to EF-S adapter you can literally use all Canon lenses, so with EOS M6 mark II camera you have a huge range of lenses, at the same time Canon lenses are more affordable than of Sony’s.
Video: Sony A6100 downsamples 6K file to create 4K video and in turn you get better details with more DR. So, if you do too much editing with your videos (recovery shadow details.. etc) than go with A6100, for causal editors Canon EOS M6 Mark II is enough.