R6 Mark ii cable recommendations, especially the USB-C port

[carl_schnurr]

I just purchased an R6 Mark ii and I am becoming familiar with it. 
I have a few questions about the various cables and ports. 
- I don't use a mic
- Headphone jack works fine
- Remote jack works fine
-The HDMI micro OUT terminal (Type D) seems straightforward.  I just need to purchase one.
-In the battery compartment there is a connector.  I assume this is to connect a grip.

My problem is understanding the USB-C port.  I have a USB-A to USB-C cable but may not be suitable for this camera.  I've seen information suggesting that the USB-C port can be used for two purposes.  

a) to transfer files to a computer,
https://community.usa.canon.com/t5/EOS-DSLR-Mirrorless-Cameras/EOS-R-not-detected-by-PC-via-USB-Wind...

With the camera WiFi and Bluetooth disabled when I plug it into my laptop I don't get the Windows chime and and EOS Utility doesn't automatically startup like I'm used to with my previous Rebel T6i, 

and

b) provide a method of charging the battery.
https://community.usa.canon.com/t5/EOS-DSLR-Mirrorless-Cameras/EOS-RP-not-charging-battery-w-USB-C-a...

My understanding is that when connected to a USB power source, a green LED should glow to indicate it is charging.  Should this charge when connected to a USB-B port, like a laptop or a wall charger, or do I need a
USB-C connection to a power source?

Do I need 2 USB cables? 
1)  A USB-B to USB-C communications cable to connect to my PC,  (I've only used the one I have here to charge some wireless headphones)

and
2) a USB-C to USB-C charging cable to connect to a 30W power device?

Any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Carl

[stevet1]

carl_schnurr,

I'm just guessing, but if your camera has a USB-C port, you'd probably want a USB-C cable. 

Your manual should tell you what kind of cable to use.

If you plug it into a computer or laptop, try plugging it in first, and then turn your camera on. Your camera should show up as a device in your Windows Explorer .

I usually open up EOS Utility first and then turn my camera on.

Steve Thomas

[carl_schnurr]

Thanks Steve,
I understand the end to connect to the camera needs to be USB-C.
My laptop is getting a bit old has USB-A ports, no USB-C.  Will a USB-C to USB-A cable work?
I have a cable that doesn't work and was wondering if I need to specify a communication cable when purchasing it.

For the purpose of charging, I'll need a 30W PD power supply and USB-C to USB-C PD cables 
I don't think the USB-A connections provide 30W.

[stevet1]

Carl,

I'm sorry. I don't have the technical expertise to answer your question.

Listen to Brian. I think he does.

Steve Thomas

[p4pictures · Accepted solution]

I have the EOS R6 Mark II, so think I can help you.

You have most of this correct already, but there are a couple of things to know about the USB-C connection.

The camera can send images over USB or be remotely controlled just like your older Rebel T6i, though you will need to ensure you are using the latest version of EOS Utility software. You can download this from the Canon website. You do not need to disable Bluetooth or WiFi on the camera to use the USB connection, but you cannot use WiFi and USB simultaneously. This data connection will work with a USB-C to USB-A cable, or using USB-C to USB-C cable.

To charge the camera, there needs to be more power sent through the cable than USB-A standard permits. This is why you will not charge the camera from a USB-A to USB-C cable. Additionally a simple phone charger with USB-C does not have enough output to charge the camera. Many phone chargers are only 15w or 30w and this is not enough. I can charge the camera from my MacBook 65W charger, but usually use a 100W charger.

Also note that there is one connector standard for USB-C but endless combinations of cable and chips in between the connectors. Some cables support high power, some high speed data, some both. I use a USB-C to USB-C cable rated at 20Gbps data and 240W power and this will work perfectly with my camera for data and charging. IF the camera is switched off, it will even charge from the MacBook USB-C connection drawing from the computer battery. You only see the green light on the camera when the camera is switched off and charging. I also have some power banks that offer high power charging for laptops, and some of them can also be used to charge the camera. 

[carl_schnurr]

Thanks Brian for the detailed and complete explanation.