Canon 600D vs Canon R5

The Canon EOS 600D (called Canon T3i in some regions) and the Canon EOS R5 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in February 2011 and July 2020. The 600D is a DSLR, while the Canon R5 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on an APS-C (600D) and a full frame (Canon R5) sensor. The 600D has a resolution of 17.9 megapixels, whereas the Canon R5 provides 44.8 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Canon 600D		Canon R5
Digital single lens reflex		Mirrorless system camera
Canon EF mount lenses		Canon RF mount lenses
17.9 MP, APS-C Sensor		44.8 MP, Full Frame Sensor
1080/30p Video		8k/30p Video
ISO 100-6,400 (100 - 12,800)		ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 102,400)
Optical viewfinder		Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots)
3.0 LCD, 1040k dots		3.2 LCD, 2100k dots
Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)		Swivel touchscreen
3.7 shutter flaps per second		10 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization only		In-body stabilization
not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
440 shots per battery charge		320 shots per battery charge
133 x 100 x 80 mm, 570 g		138 x 98 x 88 mm, 738 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 600D and the Canon EOS R5? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Canon 600D and the Canon R5 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon R5 is somewhat larger (2 percent) than the Canon 600D. Moreover, the Canon R5 is markedly heavier (29 percent) than the 600D. It is noteworthy in this context that the Canon R5 is splash and dust-proof, while the 600D does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the 600D gets 440 shots out of its LP-E8 battery, while the Canon R5 can take 320 images on a single charge of its LP-E6NH power pack. The power pack in the Canon R5 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon 600D	133 mm	100 mm	80 mm	570 g	440	n	Feb 2011	599
2.		Canon R5	138 mm	98 mm	88 mm	738 g	320	Y	Jul 2020	3,899
3.		Canon R6	138 mm	98 mm	88 mm	680 g	360	Y	Jul 2020	2,499
4.		Canon 77D	131 mm	100 mm	76 mm	540 g	600	n	Feb 2017	899
5.		Canon 760D	132 mm	101 mm	78 mm	565 g	440	n	Feb 2015	649
6.		Canon 1200D	130 mm	100 mm	78 mm	480 g	500	n	Feb 2014	449
7.		Canon 100D	117 mm	91 mm	69 mm	407 g	380	n	Mar 2013	549
8.		Canon 700D	133 mm	100 mm	79 mm	580 g	440	n	Mar 2013	649
9.		Canon 650D	133 mm	100 mm	79 mm	575 g	440	n	Jun 2012	849
10.		Canon M	109 mm	66 mm	32 mm	298 g	230	n	Jul 2012	599
11.		Canon 1100D	130 mm	100 mm	78 mm	495 g	700	n	Feb 2011	449
12.		Canon 550D	129 mm	98 mm	62 mm	530 g	440	n	Feb 2010	699
13.		Canon 500D	129 mm	98 mm	62 mm	520 g	400	n	Mar 2009	799
14.		Nikon Z7	134 mm	101 mm	67 mm	675 g	330	Y	Aug 2018	3,399
15.		Sony A7R III	127 mm	96 mm	74 mm	650 g	650	Y	Oct 2017	3,199
16.		Sony A99 II	143 mm	104 mm	76 mm	849 g	490	Y	Sep 2016	3,199
17.		Sony A7R II	127 mm	96 mm	60 mm	625 g	290	Y	Jun 2015	3,199
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The 600D was launched at a markedly lower price (by 85 percent) than the Canon R5, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 600D features an APS-C sensor and the Canon R5 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the Canon R5 is 160 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.6 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Technology-wise, the Canon R5 uses a more advanced image processing engine (DIGIC X) than the 600D (DIGIC 4), with benefits for noise reduction, color accuracy, and processing speed.

With 44.8MP, the Canon R5 offers a higher resolution than the 600D (17.9MP), but the Canon R5 nevertheless has marginally larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.39μm versus 4.31μm for the 600D) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the Canon R5 is a much more recent model (by 9 years and 5 months) than the 600D, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The resolution advantage of the Canon R5 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Canon R5 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41 x 27.3 inches or 104 x 69.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 32.8 x 21.9 inches or 83.2 x 55.5 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.3 x 18.2 inches or 69.4 x 46.3 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon 600D are 25.9 x 17.3 inches or 65.8 x 43.9 cm for good quality, 20.7 x 13.8 inches or 52.7 x 35.1 cm for very good quality, and 17.3 x 11.5 inches or 43.9 x 29.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon R5 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Canon EOS 600D has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon EOS R5 are ISO 100 to ISO 51200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-102400.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon R5 offers substantially better image quality than the 600D (overall score 30 points higher). The advantage is based on 3.2 bits higher color depth, 3.1 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.9 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Canon 600D	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	22.1	11.5	793	65
2.		Canon R5	Full Frame	44.8	8192	5464	8k/30p	25.3	14.6	3042	95
3.		Canon R6	Full Frame	20.0	5472	3648	4k/60p	24.2	14.3	3394	90
4.		Canon 77D	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.6	13.3	971	78
5.		Canon 760D	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/30p	22.6	12.0	915	70
6.		Canon 1200D	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.9	11.3	724	63
7.		Canon 100D	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.8	11.3	843	63
8.		Canon 700D	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.7	11.2	681	61
9.		Canon 650D	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.7	11.2	722	62
10.		Canon M	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	22.1	11.2	827	65
11.		Canon 1100D	APS-C	12.2	4272	2848	720/30p	21.9	11.0	755	62
12.		Canon 550D	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	22.1	11.5	784	66
13.		Canon 500D	APS-C	15.1	4752	3168	1080/20p	21.7	11.5	663	63
14.		Nikon Z7	Full Frame	45.4	8256	5504	4K/30p	26.3	14.6	2668	99
15.		Sony A7R III	Full Frame	42.2	7952	5304	4K/30p	26.0	14.7	3523	100
16.		Sony A99 II	Full Frame	42.2	7952	5304	4K/30p	25.4	13.4	2317	92
17.		Sony A7R II	Full Frame	42.2	7952	5304	4K/30p	26.0	13.9	3434	98

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the Canon R5 provides a better video resolution than the 600D. It can shoot movie footage at 8k/30p, while the 600D is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the Canon R5 has an electronic viewfinder (5760k dots), while the 600D has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinder in the Canon R5 offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the 600D (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the Canon R5 has a higher magnification (0.76x vs 0.53x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon 600D and Canon R5 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Canon 600D	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	n	1/4000s	3.7	Y	n
2.		Canon R5	5760	Y	3.2	2100	swivel	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	Y
3.		Canon R6	5760	n	3.0	1620	swivel	Y	1/8000s	12.0	n	Y
4.		Canon 77D	optical	Y	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n
5.		Canon 760D	optical	Y	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
6.		Canon 1200D	optical	n	3.0	460	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
7.		Canon 100D	optical	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/4000s	4.9	Y	n
8.		Canon 700D	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
9.		Canon 650D	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
10.		Canon M	none	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/4000s	4.3	n	n
11.		Canon 1100D	optical	n	2.7	230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
12.		Canon 550D	optical	n	3.0	1040	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.7	Y	n
13.		Canon 500D	optical	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.4	Y	n
14.		Nikon Z7	3690	Y	3.2	2100	tilting	Y	1/8000s	9.0	n	Y
15.		Sony A7R III	3686	n	3.0	1440	tilting	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	Y
16.		Sony A99 II	2400	Y	3.0	1229	full-flex	n	1/8000s	12.0	n	Y
17.		Sony A7R II	2400	n	3.0	1229	tilting	n	1/8000s	5.0	n	Y

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The 600D has one, while the Canon R5 does not. While the built-in flash of the 600D is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the Canon R5 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Canon R5 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The 600D writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the Canon R5 uses CFexpress or SDXC cards. The Canon R5 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the 600D only has one slot. The Canon R5 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the 600D cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS 600D and Canon EOS R5 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Canon 600D	Y	mono	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
2.		Canon R5	Y	mono	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
3.		Canon R6	Y	mono	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
4.		Canon 77D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
5.		Canon 760D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
6.		Canon 1200D	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
7.		Canon 100D	Y	mono	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
8.		Canon 700D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
9.		Canon 650D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
10.		Canon M	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
11.		Canon 1100D	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Canon 550D	Y	stereo	-	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Canon 500D	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Nikon Z7	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
15.		Sony A7R III	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.1	Y	Y	Y
16.		Sony A99 II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
17.		Sony A7R II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-

It is notable that the Canon R5 offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the 600D does not provide wifi capability.

The Canon R5 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Canon. In contrast, the 600D has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the 600D was succeeded by the Canon 650D. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon website.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon 600D and the Canon R5? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS 600D:

• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 168g or 23 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (440 versus 320) on a single battery charge.
• Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (85 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in February 2011).

Advantages of the Canon EOS R5:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (44.8 vs 17.9MP), which boosts linear resolution by 58%.
• Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (30 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
• Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (3.2 bits more color depth).
• More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (3.1 EV of extra DR).
• Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1.9 stops ISO advantage).
• Better jpgs: Has a more modern image processing engine (DIGIC X vs DIGIC 4).
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (8k/30p vs 1080/30p).
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.76x vs 0.53x).
• Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2100k vs 1040k dots).
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 3.7 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
• Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-II standard.
• More modern: Reflects 9 years and 5 months of technical progress since the 600D launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the Canon R5 is the clear winner of the contest (30 : 6 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 600D and the Canon R5 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the 600D or the Canon R5 perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon 600D	3/5	o	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2011	599
2.		Canon R5	4.5/5	..	91/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2020	3,899
3.		Canon R6	5/5	+ +	90/100	4.5/5	5/5	Jul 2020	2,499
4.		Canon 77D	4.5/5	..	82/100	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2017	899
5.		Canon 760D	5/5	+	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	649
6.		Canon 1200D	3/5	+	..	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	449
7.		Canon 100D	4/5	+	78/100	4/5	4/5	Mar 2013	549
8.		Canon 700D	..	..	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2013	649
9.		Canon 650D	4/5	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2012	849
10.		Canon M	3/5	+	..	4/5	4/5	Jul 2012	599
11.		Canon 1100D	..	80/100	69/100	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2011	449
12.		Canon 550D	..	+ +	77/100	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2010	699
13.		Canon 500D	..	+ +	74/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2009	799
14.		Nikon Z7	5/5	+	89/100	4.5/5	5/5	Aug 2018	3,399
15.		Sony A7R III	..	+ +	90/100	4.5/5	5/5	Oct 2017	3,199
16.		Sony A99 II	..	..	85/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	3,199
17.		Sony A7R II	5/5	+ +	90/100	5/5	5/5	Jun 2015	3,199
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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Specifications: Canon 600D vs Canon R5

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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