birmingham sports photographer


Testing the Canon R6 with UoB Cheer (KICKSTART 2024)


Picture this. I’ve spent years using DSLRs and I know my Canon 6D like it’s an extension of my body. Easily adjusting settings on the fly, I know what it does well, what it doesn’t do well, I know how long the battery will last. I am familiar with the camera.


My brand new Canon R6? I don’t know as well… On paper it’s better in every way but I don’t know that yet and today was all about getting to grips with the Canon R6!


Athletes perform stretching exercises on a green turf field during a group training session.

Canon R6 + EF70-200mm f/2.8 | 1/800 sec | f/2.8 | ISO 1600

I reached out to UBSport to see if I could do a Canon R6 low light performance test on xpLosION but found out it was cancelled which would have been a shame if not for a few days later, the University of Birmingham Cheerleading team announced KICKSTART. Perfect to test the Canon R6 ISO and autofocus performance.


As a sports photographer based in Birmingham, I reached out to the Birmingham Pussycats explaining that this shoot was a test, that there’s a possibility my camera would die due to not knowing how long the battery would last, and that cheerleading photos are a great stress test of my camera, and they kindly agreed to let me come down for the day.

Cheerleaders perform energetic dance routines during an outdoor sporting event on a fall day.
Group of dancers performing synchronized movements on an outdoor turf field during practice session.
Cheerleaders practice their routine on a sports field during an autumn day with apartment buildings in the background.
Group of dancers practicing choreography outdoors in grey sweatshirts with synchronized arm movements.
A group performs a cheerleading stunt on a grassy field, tossing someone high into the air against a backdrop of trees.
Cheerleaders practicing stunts and lifts outdoors in grey and red uniforms on an autumn day.
Students sit in a long line on grass during a memorial service with colorful flowers placed in front of them.
A group of athletes perform synchronized stretching exercises on a sports field during a training session.

Their rehearsal was first and it was a great insight into what goes on behind the performances you see at half-time. The choreography, the attention to detail, the planning that goes into everything explains why UoB Cheer are so good at what they do!


In terms of the R6, I knew instantly that it was special, the eye AF would lock onto subjects even when they were tumbling upside down, the 20fps burst rate let me capture things the 4.5fps of the 6D just couldn’t capture. If a cheerleader did a somersault, the 6D I’d have 1 image to use, the R6 captures the entire somersault..


College students gather on a sports field for an outdoor social event with drinks and casual attire.

Canon R6 + EF70-200mm f/2.8 | 1/500 sec | f/2.8 | ISO 800

Three people in winter coats enjoying themselves outdoors on a sports field, pointing and looking up at the sky.

Canon R6 + EF70-200mm f/2.8 | 1/800 sec | f/2.8 | ISO 1600

It wasn’t just action shots though, there were returning faces from former members of the club, emotions high on such an important day so I got to work capturing some of the many candid moments a few of which can be seen below.


Once the rehearsal was over, I went to charge my camera as I quickly realised 1 battery would not be enough (that’s something to keep in mind if you’re coming from a DSLR) and then it was back to more shooting, this time in the dojo where the cheerleaders donned their uniforms.


A dancer in a black outfit leaps gracefully through the air in a bright studio space with large windows.
Cheerleaders in black uniforms perform a synchronized dance routine during a high-energy performance.

Canon R6 + EF85mm f/1.8 | 1/800 sec | f/2.0 | ISO 5000

Canon R6 + EF50mm f/1.8 | 1/800 sec | f/2.0 | ISO 6400

This was an excellent opportunity to test the R6 as I’m now shooting indoors, in difficult lighting and at a high ISO. I’ll keep things very simple, I noticed no difference in autofocus speed from when I was outside. No focus hunting, no missed focus, everything the R6 shot was gold. Mirrorless cameras are a different level to DSLRs.

The final test of the R6 would be the game itself. It’s night time now, I’m shooting under floodlights and it did not miss a beat during the rugby. This was my first time shooting on Bournbrook since I finished as the UBSport photography ambassador and it honestly felt like before. So much fun snapping away and getting shots of the action.


Runners jog along a path at night while spectators line both sides holding glowing lights and cheering.
Rugby players from opposing teams compete for possession of the ball during a night match under stadium lights.
Soccer players compete for a header during a nighttime match under bright stadium lights.
Rugby players engage in a scrum formation during an intense match between teams in red and blue uniforms.

Canon R6 + EF70-200mm f/2.8 | 1/500 sec | f/2.8 | ISO 8000 [for all photos]

Before I knew it, it was time for the main event and for the Birmingham Pussycats to do their thing. It was also time for me to do my thing and test the R6 while doing cheerleader photography in poor light and my thoughts on this are that the R6 is magic.


Anyone who says they need an R6 Mark II (or Mark III) I thank them for making used prices cheaper because the original R6 is an endgame camera for me. Until this thing breaks apart, I see no reason to upgrade anytime soon.

Cheerleaders perform synchronized stunts and lifts during a high-energy performance on a dark stage.
Dance team performs synchronized high kick routine in matching black and red uniforms during halftime show.
Cheerleaders in pink and black uniforms line up on a football field at night under bright stadium lights.
Cheerleaders perform a dramatic nighttime pyramid stunt formation on an illuminated sports field under bright stadium lights.
Dance team performs synchronized routine in black uniforms with matching pink and white tops during nighttime show.
Cheerleaders perform synchronized stunts and lifts during a nighttime sporting event under bright stadium lights.
Cheerleaders perform an impressive aerial stunt formation during a nighttime performance.
Cheerleaders perform an impressive pyramid formation at night on an illuminated sports field.
A group of cheerleaders perform a synchronized high kick line routine on a field at night under bright stadium lights.

The goal of today was to learn about the R6 and by the end of the day, I feel confident taking this camera into any situation, event, or wedding.


If you’re organising an event, sports game or wedding and in Birmingham feel free to get in touch for affordable quality photos!