Nikon D850
full-frame DSLR · 2017
Canon EOS R6 Mark II
full-frame · 2022
Canon EOS R6 Mark II takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon D850 lands at 88 and Canon EOS R6 Mark II at 91. That puts Canon EOS R6 Mark II ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Nikon D850 if…
- ✓Mature system, great used market
- ✓Proven lens lineup
- ✓Often on sale
Pick Canon EOS R6 Mark II if…
- ✓Current-gen AF system
- ✓Proven lens ecosystem
- ✓Strong video + stills balance
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPhoto
Canon EOS R6 Mark IICompared on the photo sub-score
Canon EOS R6 Mark II leads on photo (91 vs 88).
Autofocus
Canon EOS R6 Mark IICompared on the autofocus sub-score
Canon EOS R6 Mark II leads on autofocus (89 vs 84).
Ergonomics
TieCompared on the ergonomics sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
Canon EOS R6 Mark IISpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Canon EOS R6 Mark II more score per dollar ($2,499 vs $3,299).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Nikon D850 | Canon EOS R6 Mark II |
|---|---|---|
| Format | full-frame DSLR | full-frame |
| Release year | 2017 | 2022 |
Nikon D850
- +Mature system, great used market
- +Proven lens lineup
- +Often on sale
- −Older AF system
- −Heavier than modern mirrorless
- −Firmware updates trailed off
Canon EOS R6 Mark II
- +Current-gen AF system
- +Proven lens ecosystem
- +Strong video + stills balance
- −Body price excludes lens
- −Heavy for travel (flagship)
- −Learning curve on menus
FAQ: Nikon D850 vs Canon EOS R6 Mark II
Which is better, Nikon D850 or Canon EOS R6 Mark II? +
Canon EOS R6 Mark II scores 91 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Nikon D850 worth the price? +
At $3,299, Nikon D850 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in photo.
Is Canon EOS R6 Mark II worth the price? +
At $2,499, Canon EOS R6 Mark II delivers a Specdex score of 91 — strongest in photo.
Does Nikon D850 or Canon EOS R6 Mark II last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for photo, Nikon D850 or Canon EOS R6 Mark II? +
Canon EOS R6 Mark II — leads on photo (91 vs 88). Compared on the photo sub-score.
Which is better for autofocus, Nikon D850 or Canon EOS R6 Mark II? +
Canon EOS R6 Mark II — leads on autofocus (89 vs 84). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.