In the last couple of years, there has been an influencer trend in the world of photography for a certain kind of camera. The Fujifilm x100v, the Sony Rx1R mk ii, the Leica Q3 and most recently the Fujifilm x100vi, which I reviewed on this very blog.

The thing that all of them have in common is that they are high end, compact cameras with a fixed aperture. I’m sure they’re all amazing cameras. I personally would like to have the Q3 and the Rx1R mk 2. But none of them are particularly practical. They’re all everyday carry cameras with an insanely high price tag. Furthermore, you aren’t using a 3-to-6 thousand dollar fixed aperture camera as your main working rig.

But even as an EDC camera, they’re pricing most people out.

I’ve seen various youtubers suggest alternatives to these cameras. One I particularly like is the Sony a6400. It is a fantastic camera in every regard. The price point is exponentially lower than those other cameras and it’s an interchangeable lens camera.

The only reason the a6400 doesn’t quite hit the mark is that there are no pancake lenses available for it. The best available option is the Sony 24mm f/2.5 which is a short barrel lens. It’s very compact, but not comparable to the cameras we’re trying to replace. That said, in terms of value, features and image quality, the a6400 is a huge contender.

But if you want something that is comparable in size and features, with an available pancake lens, which is insanely affordable, look no further than the Canon m6 mk ii.

Combined with the Canon 22mm f/2 Macro lens, this is my go-to camera for everyday carry and travel. You can buy them both used for a combined total of about 800 bucks.

I have said many times, if I absolutely had to, I could shoot a wedding with the m6 mk ii. Granted, it would not be my first choice, but I say that because it is an impressive little beast.

We’re talking about a 32 megapixel APS-C camera that has a max shutter speed of 1/16,000 of a second. My Sony a7iii is 24 megapixels and tops out at 1/8000. I’m not saying the m6 is better than the a7iii, but those numbers are notable.

Like many of the above cameras, it’s portability is outstanding. You can literally put it in your pocket. (I don’t. It’s not comfortable to walk that way, but hey… it fits.)

And aside from that fantastic, high quality and inexpensive 22mm f/2 lens, you do have other budget option lenses for the m6.

So with all that, why isn’t the m6 the king of the compact travel and street photography cameras?

Well, it has a few major drawbacks.

It doesn’t come with a built in electronic view finder. You have to use the small LCD screen, unless you pay for the EVF accessory that Canon sells. And while it isn’t the biggest deal, the EVF ruins the aesthetic of an otherwise beautiful camera. And let’s be honest, the design of those other cameras is one of the selling points.

Secondly, while you do have several options for lenses, you don’t have a lot. That is, unless you buy an adapter and attach Canon EF mount lenses. The problem there is that those lenses were built with a much bigger camera in mind, so they destroy the whole concept of buying a compact camera. And the balance of the camera will be severely impacted.

The next problem is that it doesn’t do well in severe lowlight. If I’m being honest, this is easily the biggest problem I have with the camera. I’m used to my other cameras handling high ISO like champs. The m6 doesn’t. I try not to take it above 1600 ISO.

Lastly, Canon has quietly and unofficially killed the EF-M mount line of cameras. So there won’t be any new lenses made for it.

So yeah, those are some huge drawbacks. And you could argue that the m6 will never be a Q3 killer. But that isn’t my point.

I love the m6 mk ii. Honestly, I think if Canon made an updated version with a better sensor and an EVF, it could genuinely make a dent in that market.

And if it caught on, even the m6 itself could do that. If you find yourself watching video of the x100vi and thinking “man, I wish I could buy that camera!” … don’t. Consider the m6 mk ii. It will scratch the same itch, without putting you in debt.

I’ve shot with the Fujifilm x100vi. (I doubt Leica would let me test out the Q3.) Its a great, fun camera. The m6 is just as fun to shoot with.