Yo! Congrats on the R6! Honestly, it’s such an amazing body. I've been shooting with mine for a few years now and it literally changed how I work. Moving from a DSLR is a big jump, but you're gonna LOVE the eye-autofocus. Since your looking to save some cash, here's what I recommend based on my own trial and error: 1. **The Adapter is a MUST:** Seriously, dont rush into native RF glass yet. The Canon Mount Adapter EF-EOS R (usually around $125) is basically magic. My old EF lenses actually feel faster and more accurate on the R6 than they did on my old 5D. It's the best way to keep your budget under control.
2. **Power Up:** Mirrorless is definitely thirsty. I usually carry three batteries for a full day. The official Canon LP-E6NH Lithium-Ion Battery is like $79, which is steep. I actually use the BM Premium LP-E6NH High Capacity Battery two-pack for around $35 as my backups. They work great, tho the camera might give a little pop-up about them not being "genuine" - just click okay lol.
3. **Smart SD Choices:** For those dual slots, I swear by the Lexar Professional 1667x 128GB SDXC UHS-II V60 Card. They're usually about $45. You dont need the crazy expensive V90 cards unless you're doing super high-end video. V60 is plenty fast for the R6 burst rate, i think?
4. **Protection:** Grab the ULBTER R6 Tempered Glass Screen Protector. It’s like $10 for a 3-pack. Cheap insurance for that flip-out screen since it's *always* exposed when ur shooting. Anyway, just get out there and start clicking. The tech in this thing is insane... gl!

One thing people often overlook when moving to the R6 is how sensitive that sensor can be to dust when you're swapping glass - even with the shutter curtain closed feature enabled. Honestly, if you're prioritizing reliability, I’d grab a high-quality blower like the Giottos Rocket Air Blaster immediately to keep things clean without touching the sensor. Also, since you're coming from a DSLR, the weight distribution is going to feel different. To keep the body safe from knocks and improve the handling, a solid L-bracket is basically a game changer - I've found the SmallRig L-Bracket for Canon EOS R6 to be super reliable. It adds a layer of protection to the bottom and side ports while making tripod transitions way faster. Regarding the dual slots, if you want absolute reliability for professional work, look at the ProGrade Digital SDXC UHS-II V60 Gold Card. They have a stellar reputation for handling sustained write speeds which is vital for the R6's massive buffer. Lastly, look into a proper USB-C PD (Power Delivery) source. Something like the Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K) can actually charge the LP-E6NH while you’re shooting, which is a total lifesaver for long days in the field. Ngl, it’s better to over-spec on power and storage than to have a failure mid-shoot.

Just catching up on this thread and there is some solid advice here already. Regarding what #4 said about "Had a moment to think about this more..."

• I totally agree that looking outside the Canon brand for accessories is the way to go if you want to keep costs down. Ive been shooting with the R series for a while now, and these are the things I honestly wouldnt leave home without:
• Ergonomics: The R6 is lighter than a DSLR, which is great, but it can feel a bit cramped. I always use a SmallRig L-Bracket for Canon EOS R6 2257. It gives you a bit more surface area for your hand and makes tripod work so much faster.
• Charging: Since mirrorless bodies drain power faster, look into a PD power bank. The Anker 737 Power Bank PowerCore 24K is a beast and can charge the camera directly via USB-C. Its way more cost-effective than buying four or five spare LP-E6NH batteries.
• Storage: If you want reliability without the Sony Tough price tag, the SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO UHS-II SDXC is my go-to. I have never had one fail in the field over years of heavy use.
• Software: Definitely download the Canon Camera Connect app on your phone. Its free and basically replaces a physical remote shutter for long exposures or group shots. Check out the site Cameramemoryspeed for real-world benchmarks on the R6 too. It helped me realize that some mid-range cards actually perform just as well as the flagship ones for most shooting scenarios.

Hey there! Sooo I stumbled upon this discussion and HAD to chime in cuz I went through the exact same transition from a DSLR to the R6 last year. It’s a beast but definately has some quirks you gotta watch out for. Regarding the SD cards, if you’re planning on doing high-speed bursts or 4K video, dont skimp on the speed. I personally swear by the Sony SF-G Tough Series 128GB UHS-II SDXC V90 cards. They’re literally indestructible and I’ve never had a write error in the middle of a shoot, which is a total lifesaver tbh. For the second slot, i think a SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SDXC UHS-II Card V90 is a great, reliable choice too. Having V90 cards is huge because the R6 buffer fills up fast when you're shooting 20fps electronic shutter. As for the lens situation, you should realy look at the Canon Control Ring Mount Adapter EF-EOS R. Since you have older glass, this makes the transition seamless. Basically, having that extra ring to change ISO or exposure compensation is a total game changer once you get used to it—it actually makes your old EF lenses feel more modern. Also, i think you might want to consider a SmallRig L-Bracket for Canon EOS R5 and R6 2976B. The R6 is a bit smaller than a pro DSLR and my pinky used to hang off the edge, which felt wierd. This makes it feel more solid in the hand plus it makes tripod swaps a breeze. Anyway, gl with the new rig, you're gonna love it! 👍

Had a moment to think about this more and I wanted to add a market perspective that usually gets ignored. Most people focus on the body and glass, but the lighting ecosystem is where the real value lies. Since the R6 has such a capable sensor, youre going to want a flash that can keep up. The Godox V1-C Flash for Canon is essentially the industry gold standard right now for anyone who doesnt want to pay the massive Canon OEM markup. It easily outperforms the top-tier Speedlites in recycle time because of that li-ion battery system. Regarding ur SD cards, definitely do some market research into ProGrade Digital SDXC UHS-II V90 Cobalt cards. They use much more stable flash controllers that handle the R6 high-speed bursts more consistently than the consumer-grade SanDisk or Lexar options. ProGrade was founded by the original Lexar engineering team, so they actually understand the reliability standards that professional workflows require. Also, think about the ergonomics of how youre carrying the gear. Mirrorless setups are lighter but the weight distribution is different. Look into:

• Peak Design Slide Lite Camera Strap
• Peak Design Capture Clip v3 The Capture Clip is basically a must-have for hiking or events. It shifts the load off ur neck and onto ur belt, which is a massive ergonomic upgrade over the old DSLR neck strap style. Idk why more people dont talk about carry systems as essential gear.

This thread is gold. Bookmarking for future reference 🔖

To add to the point above: Courtney is spot on about looking outside the official brand name stuff. I've been really happy with a more DIY approach lately and it basically works just as well without the high price tag.

• Paracord for making your own custom wrist straps
• Generic gaffers tape to hide the logos and protect the finish
• Reusing silica packets from old packaging in the gear bag to keep things dry I'm not 100% sure but I think I heard you can rig up a standard mobile power bank to the tripod mount using a cheap clamp if you need all-day power. Someone told me it's way more cost-effective than buying a bunch of extra batteries, tho I havent tried it for a full day myself yet. Just seems like a solid way to save some cash while you're getting used to the mirrorless battery drain...