Canon R6 Mark II Settings: My complete setup
The Canon R6 Mark II is a powerhouse. Fast, sharp, and flexible enough to handle everything from street photography to low-light concerts. But the real difference comes from how you set it up. I’ve spent countless hours dialing in my R6 Mark II to fit the way I shoot, and in this guide I’ll share not just my personal settings, but also the exact steps to configure them in your camera.
Whether you’re a beginner wanting to learn the menus or a seasoned shooter curious about another workflow, this is meant to be a complete resource.
1. Core Shooting Philosophy
Shoot RAW
How: Menu > Shoot > Image Quality > RAW
Why: Maximum flexibility in editing, full dynamic range, and the ability to correct exposure or white balance later.
Kelvin White Balance at 5600K
How: Menu > Shoot > White Balance > K (Kelvin) > 5600K
Why: 5600K matches daylight and provides a consistent baseline. Indoors it may look warm, but I prefer consistency and adjust as needed in post.
Tip: If images look too warm, try ~4000K or use Auto WB temporarily.
Keep Gear & Settings Minimal
I believe the best camera is the one with you. A few deliberate choices and muscle-memory-ready settings matter more than carrying everything.
2. Essential Button Customizations
Back Button Focus & Eye Detection
How: Menu > AF > Customize buttons > Set AF-ON button > Eye Detection AF
Why: Keeps focus control separate from the shutter, reduces accidental refocus, and locks onto eyes for portraits/pets.
Back Button Metering
How: Menu > Customize buttons > Set AE Lock button > Metering Start
Why: Lets me meter separately from shutter/focus for consistent exposures.
Front Button for Focus Mode Scroll
How: Menu > Customize buttons > Assign DOF Preview button > Switch AF Area Mode
Why: Quickly toggle between single-point AF and larger custom zones depending on subject movement.
Joystick Use
Rarely used except for tripod work where precise AF point selection matters.
3. Quick Menu & Viewfinder Setup
Quick Favorites for Speed
How: Menu > Setup > Customize Quick Controls
Add: Delete option, ISO, White Balance, Drive Mode, AF method.
Why: Keeps the most-used settings a single press away.
Custom Viewfinder Display
How: Menu > Setup > Viewfinder Display > Enable
Histogram for clipping (exposure check)
Electronic level (to keep horizons straight)
Grid display (3×3 diagonal for composition)
Why: All the info I need for exposure, alignment, and composition without menu diving.
4. Exposure & Creative Modes
Exposure Bracketing
How: Menu > Shoot > Expo. comp./AEB → set to ±2 stops
Why: Great for HDR, high-contrast scenes, or when I want options.
Focus Bracketing
How: Menu > Shoot > Focus Bracketing > ON
Why: Sharp product shots or macro stacks that need multiple focal planes.
Double Exposure
How: Menu > Shoot > Multiple Exposure > ON (must be RAW)
Why: Adds creative overlap in-camera.
5. Custom Modes (C1, C2, C3 + Concerts)
How to Save: Menu > Setup > Custom shooting mode (C1–C3) > Register settings
Why: Custom modes give me instant recall. I can switch between scenarios without re-dialing settings in the field.
C1 – Portraits, Pets, Street
Aperture f/2–2.8
Shutter 1/250s
Auto ISO
Servo AF
Slow burst
If I’m shooting concerts, my settings are the same, but with a full-open, wider aperture to handle low light and control.
C2 – Action / Motion Freeze
Aperture f/2–2.8
Shutter 1/1000s
Auto ISO
Servo AF
High burst
C3 – Landscapes / Tripod Work
Aperture f/5.6 (peak sharpness)
Shutter 1/60s
ISO 100
Single shot
6. Workflow Efficiencies
Turn Off Image Review:
Menu > Setup > Image Review > OFF
Why: Avoids lag and keeps me shooting fluidly (no “chimping”).
Enable Focus Review (Playback AF Point Display):
How: Menu > Playback > Playback information display > check AF Point Display
Now, when reviewing images, the camera overlays the AF point(s) it used.
Why: Lets me instantly see which frame nailed focus and quickly select the keeper.
Tripod + Remote Trigger:
Used only for long exposures or ND filter work.
Why: Keeps kit light unless I know I’ll need it.
7. Troubleshooting & Flexibility
If Eye AF misses on pets, switch to single point via front button.
If colors look wrong with Kelvin, adjust warmer/cooler or switch to Auto WB.
If your burst buffer fills at concerts, drop to slow burst or try RAW + C-RAW.
Closing Thoughts
My R6 Mark II is customized to keep me fast, consistent, and ready for anything. These settings work for me, but the real value comes in adapting them to your own style. The more intentional you are in setup, the more creative freedom you get in the field.
If you try these settings, or have your own variations, I’d love to hear what’s working for you.
