Tested in Camera: The Best Canon R6 Memory Cards

Welcome to our Canon R6 Memory Card Guide where we have so far tested 20 memory cards in the Canon EOS R6 Mark I to find the best cards by their real in-camera performance.

Find out exactly how many shots you can take before hitting the buffer and which memory cards will clear the buffer the fastest.

Supported Memory Cards

The Canon EOS R6 has two memory cards slots and each slot supports SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I and UHS-II memory cards.

Here’s a speed comparison between UHS-I and UHS-II cards.

• UHS-I: theoretical maximum transfer speeds of up to 104MB/s
• UHS-II: theoretical maximum transfer speeds of up to 312MB/s

In-camera and the Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II card can shoot 140 RAW shots before hitting the buffer which it then clears in 5.86 seconds.

Whereas the Kingston Canvas Go Plus UHS-I card can only shoot 93 RAW shots before hitting the before which it then clears in 19.13 seconds.

If you are shooting a lot of bursts and require the buffer to clear as quickly as possible, then we’d strongly recommend going with a UHS-II card.

If you only shoot single shots then the slower UHS-I cards will probably be fast enough for you. That is providing you don’t mind missing out on the faster read speed when copying files over to your computer (UHS-I cards take around 3x longer to copy files than UHS-II cards).

In-Camera Card Speed Comparison

Here’s a quick in-camera card speed comparison for all of the memory cards that we have tested so far.

If you scroll down a little further you’ll find our complete buffer test results or just click on the memory card name to jump straight there.

Best UHS-II Memory Cards

These in-camera tests were carried out using the Canon R6 and 64GB SDXC UHS-II memory cards.

Memory Card	In-Camera Write Speed *	Price Check
1. Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II **	225 MB/s	B&H Photo | Amazon
2. Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II	224 MB/s	B&H Photo | Amazon
3. Delkin Devices POWER UHS-II	215 MB/s	B&H Photo | Amazon
4. Lexar Professional 2000X UHS-II	214 MB/s	B&H Photo | Amazon
5. Transcend SD 700S UHS-II	213 MB/s	B&H Photo | Amazon
6. ProGrade V90 UHS-II	212 MB/s	B&H Photo | Amazon
7. SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-II	211 MB/s	B&H Photo | Amazon
8. Sony SF-M Tough UHS-II **	136 MB/s	B&H Photo | Amazon
9. Sony SF-M UHS-II	136 MB/s	B&H Photo | Amazon
10. ProGrade V60 UHS-II	129 MB/s	B&H Photo | Amazon
11. Lexar Professional 1667X UHS-II	98 MB/s	B&H Photo | Amazon
12. Sony SF-E UHS-II	72 MB/s	B&H Photo | Amazon
13. Angelbird AV Pro Mk 2 V90 UHS-II	30 MB/s	B&H Photo | Amazon

Best UHS-I Memory Cards

These in-camera tests were carried out using the Canon R6 and 64GB SDXC UHS-I memory cards.

Memory Card	In-Camera Write Speed *	Price Check
1. Kingston Canvas Go! Plus UHS-I	81 MB/s	B&H Photo | Amazon
2. Delkin Devices Advantage UHS-I	80 MB/s	B&H Photo | Amazon
3. SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I	78 MB/s	B&H Photo | Amazon
4. Transcend 500S UHS-I	65 MB/s	B&H Photo | Amazon
5. Lexar Professional 1066x UHS-I	64 MB/s	B&H Photo | Amazon
6. SanDisk Extreme UHS-I	62 MB/s	B&H Photo | Amazon
7. Lexar Professional 633X UHS-I	39 MB/s	B&H Photo | Amazon

UHS-II Memory Card Speed & Buffer Tests

If you shoot continuous bursts and require the buffer to clear as quickly as possible, then we would definitely recommend purchasing the faster UHS-II cards.

It’s important to note that UHS-II cards have different read/write speeds, they also vary greatly when writing in-camera compared to their label speed.

This is why we carry out these tests, so that you will know exactly how each card will perform in-camera. As you will see, they vary considerably.

Firmware version 1.5.2 was installed on the R6 for these tests. Our Canon R6 Firmware Update Guide will help you to identify your current firmware version and install the latest version.

All of these tests were also carried out using the Electronic Shutter in Hi+ (20 FPS). We have also tested the Mechanical Shutter (12 FPS) of two cards a little further down this article.

1. Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II

Due to the extra thickness of these cards they can be a tight fit in the R6’s memory card slots. However, after using them for a while they appear to go in and out just as easily as other cards. But we would only recommend them if you have a bad habit of not looking after your memory cards.

• Bus speed: UHS-II
• Video speed class: V90
• Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)
• Read speed: 300 MB/s
• Write speed: 299 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

When shooting in RAW the actual R6 in-camera write speed is around 225 MB/s.

Here are our complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II memory card in Hi+ Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

Image Type	Shots Before Hitting Buffer	Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
RAW (21.2MB*)	142	5.90
CRAW (8.9MB**)	1000 or more	4.28
JPEG L (6.2MB ***)	1000 or more	< 2
RAW (21.2MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	126	8.95
CRAW (8.9MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	202	7.26

2. Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II

The Kingston cards are only a fraction slower than the Sony SF-G Tough cards.

Their price per GB together with their performance and reliability makes this our number one memory card recommendation for the Canon R6.

• Bus speed: UHS-II
• Video speed class: V90
• Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)
• Read speed: 300 MB/s
• Write speed: 260 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

When shooting in RAW the actual R6 in-camera write speed is around 224 MB/s.

Here are our complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II memory card in Hi+ Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

Image Type	Shots Before Hitting Buffer	Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
RAW (21.2MB*)	140	5.86
CRAW (8.9MB**)	1000 or more	4.98
JPEG L (6.2MB ***)	1000 or more	< 2
RAW (21.2MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	125	9.91
CRAW (8.9MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	197	7.83

3. Delkin Devices POWER UHS-II

Delkin Devices design and support their memory cards in the USA. Each card is backed by a Lifetime Warranty and Delkin’s American-based customer support team.

• Bus speed: UHS-II
• Video speed class: V90
• Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)
• Read speed: 300 MB/s
• Write speed: 250 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

When shooting in RAW the actual R6 in-camera write speed is around 215 MB/s.

Here are our complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB Delkin Devices POWER UHS-II memory card in Hi+ Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

Image Type	Shots Before Hitting Buffer	Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
RAW (21.2MB*)	128	5.94
CRAW (8.9MB**)	1000 or more	4.28
JPEG L (6.2MB ***)	1000 or more	< 2
RAW (21.2MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	120	10.01
CRAW (8.9MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	196	8.28

4. Lexar Professional 2000X UHS-II

• Bus speed: UHS-II
• Video speed class: V90
• Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)
• Read speed: 300 MB/s
• Write speed: 260 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

When shooting in RAW the actual R6 in-camera write speed is around 214 MB/s.

Here are our complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB Lexar Professional 2000X UHS-II memory card in Hi+ Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

Image Type	Shots Before Hitting Buffer	Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
RAW (21.2MB*)	137	6.28
CRAW (8.9MB**)	1000 or more	4.28
JPEG L (6.2MB ***)	1000 or more	< 2
RAW (21.2MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	123	10.07
CRAW (8.9MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	199	7.65

5. Transcend SD 700S UHS-II

• Bus speed: UHS-II
• Video speed class: V90
• Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB (SDXC)
• Read speed: 285 MB/s
• Write speed: 180 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

When shooting in RAW the actual R6 in-camera write speed is around 213 MB/s.

Here are our complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB Transcend SD 700S UHS-II memory card in Hi+ Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

Image Type	Shots Before Hitting Buffer	Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
RAW (21.2MB*)	141	6.31
CRAW (8.9MB**)	1000 or more	4.83
JPEG L (6.2MB ***)	1000 or more	< 2
RAW (21.2MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	112	10.71
CRAW (8.9MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	194	7.58

6. ProGrade V90 UHS-II

• Bus speed: UHS-II
• Video speed class: V90
• Capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB (SDXC)
• Read speed: 300 MB/s
• Write speed: 250 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

When shooting in RAW the actual R6 in-camera write speed is around 212 MB/s.

Here are our complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB ProGrade V90 UHS-II memory card in Hi+ Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

Image Type	Shots Before Hitting Buffer	Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
RAW (21.2MB*)	137	6.98
CRAW (8.9MB**)	1000 or more	4.40
JPEG L (6.2MB ***)	1000 or more	< 2
RAW (21.2MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	130	11.31
CRAW (8.9MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	208	7.61

7. SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-II

• Bus speed: UHS-II
• Video speed class: V90
• Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB (SDXC)
• Read speed: 300 MB/s
• Write speed: 260 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

When shooting in RAW the actual R6 in-camera write speed is around 211 MB/s.

Here are our complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-II memory card in Hi+ Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

Image Type	Shots Before Hitting Buffer	Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
RAW (21.2MB*)	130	6.21
CRAW (8.9MB**)	1000 or more	4.43
JPEG L (6.2MB ***)	1000 or more	< 2
RAW (21.2MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	116	11.11
CRAW (8.9MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	191	8.61

8. Sony SF-M Tough UHS-II

• Bus speed: UHS-II
• Video speed class: V60
• Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)
• Read speed: 277 MB/s
• Write speed: 150 MB/s

Just like with the SF-G Tough Cards, the SF-M cards are a tight fit in the R6’s memory card slots.

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

When shooting in RAW the actual R6 in-camera write speed is around 136 MB/s.

Here are our complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB Sony SF-M Tough UHS-II memory card in Hi+ Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

Image Type	Shots Before Hitting Buffer	Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
RAW (21.2MB*)	110	11.29
CRAW (8.9MB**)	256	8.39
JPEG L (6.2MB ***)	1000 or more	3.35
RAW (21.2MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	88	13.48
CRAW (8.9MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	152	12.64

9. Sony SF-M UHS-II

This is a well priced card and highly recommended for recording video with the R6 since the V60 rating will cover all video formats.

• Bus speed: UHS-II
• Video speed class: V60
• Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)
• Read speed: 277 MB/s
• Write speed: 150 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

When shooting in RAW the actual R6 in-camera write speed is around 136 MB/s.

Here are our complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB Sony SF-M UHS-II memory card in Hi+ Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

Image Type	Shots Before Hitting Buffer	Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
RAW (21.2MB*)	110	11.28
CRAW (8.9MB**)	256	8.41
JPEG L (6.2MB ***)	1000 or more	3.33
RAW (21.2MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	88	13.48
CRAW (8.9MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	152	12.63

10. ProGrade V60 UHS-II

• Bus speed: UHS-II
• Video speed class: V60
• Capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)
• Read speed: 250 MB/s
• Write speed: 130 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

When shooting in RAW the actual R6 in-camera write speed is around 129 MB/s.

Here are our complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB ProGrade V60 UHS-II memory card in Hi+ Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

Image Type	Shots Before Hitting Buffer	Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
RAW (21.2MB*)	112	12.26
CRAW (8.9MB**)	385	7.46
JPEG L (6.2MB ***)	1000 or more	6.68
RAW (21.2MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	114	17.45
CRAW (8.9MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	174	11.05

11. Lexar Professional 1667X UHS-II

• Bus speed: UHS-II
• Video speed class: V60
• Capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)
• Read speed: 250 MB/s
• Write speed: 120 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

When shooting in RAW the actual R6 in-camera write speed is around 98 MB/s.

Here are our complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB Lexar Professional 1667X UHS-II memory card in Hi+ Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

Image Type	Shots Before Hitting Buffer	Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
RAW (21.2MB*)	92	14.50
CRAW (8.9MB**)	281	12.95
JPEG L (6.2MB ***)	302	10.46
RAW (21.2MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	93	24.70
CRAW (8.9MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	134	16.85

12. Sony SF-E UHS-II

• Bus speed: UHS-II
• Video speed class: 64GB V30, 128GB and higher V60
• Capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)
• Read speed: 270 MB/s
• Write speed: 64GB 70 MB/s, 128GB + 256GB 120 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

When shooting in RAW the actual R6 in-camera write speed is around 72 MB/s.

Here are our complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB Sony SF-E UHS-II memory card in Hi+ Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

Image Type	Shots Before Hitting Buffer	Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
RAW (21.2MB*)	94	22.68
CRAW (8.9MB**)	259	17.41
JPEG L (6.2MB ***)	281	13.53
RAW (21.2MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	93	29.58
CRAW (8.9MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	126	22.71

Because the 128GB card has a faster write speed (120 MB/s) than the 64GB card, when shooting in RAW the actual R6 in-camera write speed is around 156 MB/s, which is faster than the label speed!

Here are our in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 128GB Sony SF-E UHS-II memory card in Hi+ Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

Image Type	Shots Before Hitting Buffer	Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
RAW (21.2MB*)	123	10.36
CRAW (8.9MB**)	1000 or more	6.55
JPEG L (6.2MB ***)	1000 or more	< 2
RAW (21.2MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	113	13.66
CRAW (8.9MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	186	10.13

13. Angelbird AV Pro Mk 2 V90 UHS-II

• Bus speed: UHS-II
• Video speed class: V90
• Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)
• Read speed: 300 MB/s
• Write speed: 280 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

When shooting in RAW the actual R6 in-camera write speed is around 30 MB/s.

This is extremely slow and there is definitely a major performance issue with this card when used in the R6 to shoot RAW, for the other file formats speeds are as we would expect.

We know that our card works as it should because it performs well in Sony cameras that we have tested it in, but in the R6 there is a big write speed problem. It also performed poorly in our Canon R3 Memory Card Tests when shooting RAW.

Here are our complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB Angelbird AV Pro Mk 2 V90 UHS-II memory card in Hi+ Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

Image Type	Shots Before Hitting Buffer	Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
RAW (21.2MB*)	87	57.23
CRAW (8.9MB**)	188	20.85
JPEG L (6.2MB ***)	281	21.16
RAW (21.2MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	91	41.93
CRAW (8.9MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	120	29.21

UHS-I Memory Card Speed & Buffer Tests

If you don’t shoot many continuous bursts then you probably won’t need the fastest UHS-II cards, so you can save a little money by purchasing UHS-I cards instead.

That said, if you get impatient waiting for the files to copy over to your computer, then you might still wish to go with the faster UHS-II cards since these will allow you to copy files over to your computer roughly 3x faster than UHS-I cards providing you use a UHS-II card reader.

1. Kingston Canvas Go! Plus UHS-I

The Kingston Canvas Go Plus UHS-I cards are protected against water, shock, vibration, x-rays, and temperature extremes.

Bus speed: UHS-I
Video speed class: V30
Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB (SDXC)
Read speed: 170 MB/s
Write speed: 90 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

When shooting in RAW the actual R6 in-camera write speed is around 81 MB/s.

Here are our complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB Kingston Canvas Go! Plus UHS-I memory card in Hi+ Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

Image Type	Shots Before Hitting Buffer	Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
RAW (21.2MB*)	93	19.13
CRAW (8.9MB**)	236	13.78
JPEG L (6.2MB ***)	335	12.08
RAW (21.2MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	92	27.01
CRAW (8.9MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	131	24.25

2. Delkin Devices Advantage UHS-I

Bus speed: UHS-I
Video speed class: V30
Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB,512GB, 1TB (SDXC)
Read speed: 100 MB/s
Write speed: 80 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

When shooting in RAW the actual R6 in-camera write speed is around 80 MB/s.

Here are our complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB Delkin Devices Advantage UHS-I memory card in Hi+ Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

Image Type	Shots Before Hitting Buffer	Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
RAW (21.2MB*)	91	18.76
CRAW (8.9MB**)	221	15.43
JPEG L (6.2MB ***)	320	11.68
RAW (21.2MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	90	26.41
CRAW (8.9MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	129	19.36

3. SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I

Bus speed: UHS-I
Video speed class: V30
Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB,512GB, 1TB (SDXC)
Read speed: 170 MB/s
Write speed: 90 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

When shooting in RAW the actual R6 in-camera write speed is around 77.7 MB/s.

Here are our complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB SanDisk Extreme Pro UHS-I memory card in Hi+ Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

Image Type	Shots Before Hitting Buffer	Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
RAW (21.2MB*)	92	20.01
CRAW (8.9MB**)	243	18.95
JPEG L (6.2MB ***)	331	16.21
RAW (21.2MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	92	29.03
CRAW (8.9MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	128	21.40

4. Transcend 500S UHS-I

Bus speed: UHS-I
Video speed class: V30
Capacities: 8GB, 16GB, 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB (SDXC)
Read speed: 95 MB/s
Write speed: 60 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

When shooting in RAW the actual R6 in-camera write speed is around 65 MB/s.

Here are our complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB Transcend 500S UHS-I memory card in Hi+ Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

Image Type	Shots Before Hitting Buffer	Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
RAW (21.2MB*)	92	24.81
CRAW (8.9MB**)	193	17.56
JPEG L (6.2MB ***)	271	20.33
RAW (21.2MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	92	34.50
CRAW (8.9MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	120	25.48

5. Lexar Professional 1066x UHS-I

Bus speed: UHS-I
Video speed class: V30
Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB,512GB, 1TB (SDXC)
Read speed: 160 MB/s
Write speed: 120 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

When shooting in RAW the actual R6 in-camera write speed is around 64 MB/s.

Here are our complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB Lexar Professional 1066x UHS-I memory card in Hi+ Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

Image Type	Shots Before Hitting Buffer	Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
RAW (21.2MB*)	93	25.88
CRAW (8.9MB**)	192	17.63
JPEG L (6.2MB ***)	289	14.66
RAW (21.2MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	92	35.60
CRAW (8.9MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	124	24.56

6. SanDisk Extreme UHS-I

Bus speed: UHS-I
Video speed class: V30
Capacities: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)
Read speed: 150 MB/s
Write speed: 70 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

When shooting in RAW the actual R6 in-camera write speed is around 62 MB/s.

Here are our complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB SanDisk Extreme UHS-I memory card in Hi+ Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

Image Type	Shots Before Hitting Buffer	Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
RAW (21.2MB*)	92	26.28
CRAW (8.9MB**)	195	19.25
JPEG L (6.2MB ***)	277	17.21
RAW (21.2MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	92	37.01
CRAW (8.9MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	121	25.93

7. Lexar Professional 633X UHS-I

Bus speed: UHS-I
Video speed class: V30
Capacities: 32GB (SDHC), 64GB, 128GB, 256GB (SDXC)
Read speed: 95 MB/s
Write speed: 45 MB/s

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

When shooting in RAW the actual R6 in-camera write speed is around 39 MB/s.

Here are our complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB Lexar Professional 633X UHS-I memory card in Hi+ Drive Mode using the Electronic Shutter (20 FPS).

Image Type	Shots Before Hitting Buffer	Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
RAW (21.2MB*)	94	45.71
CRAW (8.9MB**)	196	33.60
JPEG L (6.2MB ***)	253	32.70
RAW (21.2MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	91	63.43
CRAW (8.9MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	110	39.73

Mechanical Shutter 12 FPS Speed & Buffer Tests

All of our buffer tests are done using the Electronic Shutter at 20 FPS to ensure that we test the maximum write speed of each card.

However, since we know some of you will prefer to shoot with the Mechanical Shutter which can shoot at a maximum of 12 FPS, we have also tested two memory cards at 12 FPS.

We have tested the Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II card and the Kingston Canvas Go! Plus UHS-I card which are two of the fastest cards in our 20 FPS tests.

We don’t test every single card with the mechanical shutter as we would probably lose the plot crunching all of the numbers! It also wouldn’t be very kind to our R6’s mechanical shutter.

Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

Here are our complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II memory card in Hi+ Drive Mode using the Mechanical Shutter (12 FPS).

Image Type	Shots Before Hitting Buffer	Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
RAW (21.2MB*)	1000 or more	< 2
CRAW (8.9MB**)	1000 or more	< 2
JPEG L (6.2MB ***)	1000 or more	< 2
RAW (21.2MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	327	7.01
CRAW (8.9MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	1000 or more	< 2

Kingston Canvas Go! Plus UHS-I

In-Camera Speed / Buffer Test Results

Here are our complete in-camera speed / buffer test results when using a 64GB Kingston Canvas Go! Plus UHS-I memory card in Hi+ Drive Mode using the Mechanical Shutter (12 FPS).

Image Type	Shots Before Hitting Buffer	Time to Clear Buffer (Seconds)
RAW (21.2MB*)	126	20.17
CRAW (8.9MB**)	999	9.80
JPEG L (6.2MB ***)	1000 or more	< 2
RAW (21.2MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	114	26.01
CRAW (8.9MB) + JPEG L (6.2MB)	204	17.04

Recording to Multiple Cards

If you select the record option in the menu “Rec. to Multiple” then the same image type will be written to the memory card in both slot 1 and slot 2.

We strongly recommend using the same cards if you record to multiple slots, because the write speed will always be limited by the slowest card.

Providing you are using identical cards then the write speed is the same as when recording to a single card.

Recording Separately

If you select the record option in the menu “Rec. Separately” then you can write a different file format to slot 1 and slot 2.

Note that recording RAW images to one slot and CRAW images to the other slot is not available for RAW images.

Again we’d strongly recommend using the same cards if you record to multiple slots, because the write speed will always be limited by the slowest card.

Memory Cards for Recording Video

The most demanding video mode of the R6 is when shooting 4K Timelapse (29.97, 25fps) All-I Approx. 470Mbps. The is around 58.75 MB/s and just within the limits of a V60 rated UHS-II card.

We’d recommend a card like the Sony SF-M UHS-II card which is V60 rated (B&H Photo | Amazon). This will cover you for all of the video modes that the R6 supports.

Alternatively the Sony SF-E 128GB or 256GB UHS-II cards which are also V60 rated (B&H Photo | Amazon). Just not the 64GB version because this is only V30 rated.

You could also go with a faster V90 card if you prefer and future proof yourself for if you upgrade your camera in the future.

Here is Canon’s list of supported memory cards depending on the video format you are recording in.

Movie Recording Times

The amount of time that you can record for will vary greatly based on the size of memory card that you are using and the video format that you are recording in.

Estimated Recording Times with Canon Log : OFF, HDR PQ : OFF

Estimated Recording Times with Canon Log : ON, HDR PQ : ON

What Size Memory Card Do You Need?

This really depends on how and what you are shooting.

Stills Shooters

If you shoot a lot of sports or birds in flight, then you will probably be shooting in burst mode and will fill a 64GB card very quickly, especially if you are shooting in RAW. We’d recommend going with a 128GB card or larger if this is you.

If you don’t shoot a lot of bursts then 64GB or even 32GB might be large enough for your needs.

Video Shooters

For video shooters please refer to the movie recording times table above.

You’ll definitely want to avoid 32GB and smaller cards because these SDHC cards use the FAT 32 file system and you’ll find that your video files get broken up into 4GB chunks which makes for a lot more work in post.

So stick with the larger SDXC cards which are 64GB and larger.

Memory Card Readers

If your computer does not include a UHS-II card reader built in then you will require a UHS-II Reader/Writer to take advantage of the faster speeds that UHS-II cards offer.

Sony MRW-S1 UHS-II SD Memory Card Reader

The MRW-S1 card reader supports the USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 Gb/s) bus to get the most from the high-performance UHS-II memory cards. It supports both Mac and Windows and is also backwards compatible with UHS-I memory cards.

Kingston Mobilelite Plus SD Card Reader

The Kingston Mobilelite Plus SD Card Reader supports the USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gb/s) and delivers speeds up to 10x faster than USB 2.0. Both Windows and Mac are supported and it’s also backwards compatible with UHS-I SD cards.

Apple USB Type-C to SD Card Reader

The Apple USB Type-C to SD Card Reader supports USB 3.1 / 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gb/s) and is compatible with a variety of notebooks and third-generation iPad Pros. It’s also backwards compatible with UHS-I SD cards.

Memory Card Storage

If want to keep your Canon R6 images and videos safe, then you might want to make a small investment by purchasing a memory card case.

Ruggard Leda Memory Card Case

This case holds 12 SD (UHS-I & UHS-II) & 12 microSD cards. It features a molded-rubber lining, a polycarbonate exterior shell, and a snap closure. It also includes a carabiner.

The protective molded-rubber lining make sure each card is secure in the case and isn’t going to bounce around.

The snap closure provides a weatherproof seal to help protect your valuable images.

Summary

Due to its performance in-camera and price per GB, our recommended memory card for those of you who shoot a lot of continuous bursts with the R6 is the Kingston Canvas React Plus UHS-II (B&H Photo | Amazon).

If you shoot more video than stills then we’d recommend a card like the Sony SF-M UHS-II card which is V60 rated (B&H Photo | Amazon). This will cover you for all of the video modes that the R6 supports.

Alternatively the Sony SF-E 128GB or 256GB UHS-II cards which are also V60 rated (B&H Photo | Amazon). Just not the 64GB version because this is only V30 rated.

If you don’t shoot continuous bursts or video, then you can save quite a bit of money by purchasing a UHS-I memory card instead. Our recommended card based on our in-camera tests would be the Kingston Canvas Go! Plus UHS-I card (B&H Photo | Amazon).

Please let us know in the comments below if you found this guide helpful, or if you would like to provide your own feedback on a particular card or suggest one for review.

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