The Canon 6D and 6D Mark II are two well-regarded full-frame DSLR cameras that have caught the attention of photography enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Both cameras offer unique features, making the decision to choose between them a challenging task.
In this Canon 6D vs 6D Mark II discussion I will explore the key differences and similarities between these two models to help you make an informed decision on which one is the best fit for your needs.
While the original Canon 6D has been a popular choice for many photographers, the 6D Mark II brings some notable improvements to the table.
The newer model boasts a higher resolution sensor and improved autofocus system, along with a flip-out screen and other enhancements that make it an attractive upgrade for those looking to take their photography to the next level.
On the other hand, the Canon 6D still delivers exceptional image quality and is a tried-and-true option for those who prioritizes affordability.
Key Takeaways
- Both the Canon 6D and 6D Mark II offer exceptional image quality and reliable performance
- The 6D Mark II boasts improvements in sensor resolution, autofocus system, and other features
- When choosing between the two models, consider your needs, budget, and desired feature set.
Canon 6D vs 6D Mark II (Key Specifications)
Sensor and Image Quality
The Canon 6D features a 20.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, while the EOS 6D Mark II comes with an improved 26.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor.
This increased resolution allows you to capture more detailed images in various shooting conditions.
The EOS 6D Mark II also has a slightly better high ISO performance, meaning it can handle low light situations better than the 6D.
Autofocus System
An essential aspect of a camera’s performance is its autofocus system.
The original 6D has a 9-point autofocus system, with only one central cross-type focus point, which is useful for accurately capturing subjects in various lighting conditions.
In contrast, the EOS 6D Mark II comes with a more advanced 45-point autofocus system.
This system enables you to focus on a larger number of subjects simultaneously, allowing for improved flexibility in composition and faster performance.
Continuous Shooting Speed
When it comes to continuous shooting, the EOS 6D has a maximum speed of 4.5 frames per second.
However, the EOS 6D Mark II outperforms its predecessor by offering a higher continuous shooting speed of 6.5 frames per second.
This increased speed means you’ll have a better chance of capturing fast-moving subjects, such as sports or wildlife, in your photography, ensuring you don’t miss crucial moments.
Video Recording Quality
Lastly, let’s discuss video recording quality. The Canon 6D can record Full HD 1080p videos at 30 frames per second.
Meanwhile, the EOS 6D Mark II offers a similar Full HD 1080p recording at 60 frames per second, ensuring smoother videos and better motion capture.
Although both cameras do not offer 4K video recording, they still provide good video quality for most content creators and photographers.
Canon 6D vs 6D Mark II (Design and Build Quality)
Body and Weight
When comparing the Canon 6D and Canon 6D Mark II, you’ll notice some differences in their build and construction.
The Canon 6D Mark II features a combination of aluminum alloy and polycarbonate with glass fiber construction on its body, making it extremely durable and light for its category, weighing at 765 grams.
On the other hand, the Canon 6D also has a solid build, but lacks the reinforced glass fiber in its construction.
LCD and Viewfinder
The LCD screens on both the Canon 6D and 6D Mark II have significant differences that can impact your photography experience.
The Canon 6D Mark II features a 3″ 1.04m-dot vari-angle touchscreen LCD, allowing greater flexibility when composing shots and making menu selections.
In contrast, the Canon 6D has a fixed LCD screen, limiting your viewing options. Both cameras feature a viewfinder with 97% coverage; however, neither offers 100% viewfinder coverage.
Control Layout
Both the Canon 6D and 6D Mark II have intuitive control layouts, familiar to most photographers.
However, the 6D Mark II offers some improvements, such as a more accessible joystick for moving focus points, as well as additional custom function buttons to make your shooting process more efficient.
Despite these enhancements, both cameras maintain user-friendly interfaces, making it easy to transition between the two models.
Connectivity and Features for Canon 6D and 6D Mark II
Here, I will cover the connectivity and features of the Canon 6D and 6D Mark II cameras, focusing on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, GPS, and NFC.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Both the Canon 6D and 6D Mark II offer Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing you to wirelessly transfer images and control your camera remotely.
The 6D Mark II, however, adds built-in Bluetooth support, giving you an easier and more reliable connection to your devices.
With Bluetooth, you can maintain a constant link between your smartphone and the camera, enabling seamless and automatic image transfers.
GPS
The Canon 6D and 6D Mark II both come equipped with built-in GPS functionality.
This allows you to automatically geotag your images with location data, making it easier than ever to organize and track your photos based on the places you’ve been.
The GPS feature is particularly useful for photographers who regularly travel or shoot on location, as it enables you to accurately document your journey.
NFC
While the Canon 6D does not offer NFC (Near Field Communication) support, the 6D Mark II includes this feature.
NFC enables you to easily connect your compatible devices, such as smartphones or tablets, with the camera by simply bringing them close to each other.
This facilitates a quick and effortless connection process, allowing you to easily share your images or control the camera remotely.
In summary, both the Canon 6D and 6D Mark II offer advanced connectivity options and features to help you manage your images and control your camera more easily.
The 6D Mark II adds improved Bluetooth and NFC capabilities to further enhance your experience and provide a more seamless connection with your devices.
What Is the Battery Life and Power of Canon 6D and 6D Mark II?
Battery Performance
When it comes to shooting with the Canon 6D and the 6D Mark II, battery life is an important aspect to consider.
Both cameras utilize the LP-E6 battery, which offers a reliable power source for extended shooting sessions.
The Canon EOS 6D has a battery life of approximately 1090 shots per charge, while the Canon EOS 6D Mark II offers a slightly improved battery life with its LP-E6N battery, capable of capturing around 1200 shots per charge.
Remember, factors such as shooting mode, settings, and environmental conditions can impact battery performance.
To preserve battery life:
- Turn off any unnecessary features, like Wi-Fi or in-camera image stabilization
- Lower the display screen brightness
- Use the viewfinder instead of Live View
- Utilize power-saving modes
Memory Card Slot
Both the Canon EOS 6D and the 6D Mark II contain a single memory card slot, with support for SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards.
Choosing the right memory card is crucial for ensuring optimal camera performance, as well as efficiently storing and transferring your images.
Here are some factors you should consider when selecting a memory card:
- Card capacity: Depending on your needs, select a card with sufficient storage space for the number of images or videos you plan to capture.
- Speed class: This determines the minimum writing speed of the card. Look for cards with a higher speed class to minimize the likelihood of buffering and delay when capturing images.
- File system: For optimal compatibility, choose a card with a file system that aligns with your specific camera model. The 6D and 6D Mark II both support the exFAT (extended File Allocation Table) format for larger memory cards.
By keeping these factors in mind when choosing a memory card, you’ll ensure the best possible performance from your Canon 6D or 6D Mark II.
How Do The Canon 6D and 6D Mark II Perform in Low Light?
ISO Performance
For low light photography, the ISO performance of a camera is crucial. In the battle between the Canon 6D and the 6D Mark II, both cameras show impressive capabilities.
The original 6D is known as the king of low light photography, thanks to its remarkable low noise production even at high ISO settings.
Its successor, the 6D Mark II, also offers improvements in color and ISO performance.
In real-life situations, users have found the 6D Mark II to offer similar ISO performance compared to the original 6D.
Both cameras provide you the confidence to push up to ISO 6400 when low-light situations demand more.
Some users have even compared the two models and noticed that they can achieve similar results at different ISO levels, such as ISO 12800 on the 6D and ISO 25600 on the 6D Mark II.
Noise
Noise performance is another factor to consider when evaluating the performance of cameras in low light situations.
Both the Canon 6D and 6D Mark II demonstrate relatively low noise levels at higher ISO sensitivities.
While the 6D is known for having less noise than the EOS 5D Mark III, the 6D Mark II has been reported to have similar, if not better, noise reduction capabilities.
When shooting in RAW, noise patterns on both cameras are manageable, allowing you to preserve crucial details in your images.
However, when using expanded ISO settings, you may experience an increase in noise levels.
For instance, using expanded ISO in the 6D Mark II up to ISO 40,000 might result in images with higher noise.
Overall, both the Canon 6D and 6D Mark II perform well in low light conditions, offering good ISO performance and noise reduction.
While there isn’t a significant difference between the two models in these specific aspects, your choice will depend on your specific photography needs and preferences.
If you frequently shoot in challenging low light situations, either of these cameras should serve you well.
What Is The Lens Compatibility and Optics of Canon 6D & 6D Mark II?
Supported Lenses
Both the Canon EOS 6D and the 6D Mark II come equipped with a full-frame CMOS sensor, ensuring you excellent image quality with a wide range of compatible lenses.
They both utilize the Canon EF lens mount, meaning you can take advantage of Canon’s extensive line-up of high-quality EF lenses, such as the 24-105mm f/4L IS USM lens, among others.
Aperture Range
The aperture range of your compatible lenses plays a significant role in achieving the desired depth of field and low-light performance.
With the full-frame sensor size present in both cameras, you’ll be able to capture stunning images with a shallow depth of field and better low-light performance, compared to smaller sensor cameras.
Wider apertures, such as f/1.8 or f/2.8 lenses, allow more light to enter the camera, and paired with the full-frame sensor, this combination helps you capture sharp and well-exposed images, even in challenging lighting conditions.
It’s essential to note that supported lenses cover various aperture ranges, and the final range will depend on the specific lens you choose.
For instance, a common lens used with these cameras is the 24-105mm f/4L IS USM, which offers a fixed maximum aperture of f/4 throughout the entire zoom range.
This lens provides an excellent combination of sharpness, versatility, and image stabilization, making it suitable for a variety of photography genres.
In conclusion, the Canon EOS 6D and 6D Mark II are both highly capable cameras with vast lens compatibility and optics potential.
Be sure to select the appropriate lenses to match your unique photography needs and make the most out of these camera bodies.
Keep in mind the significance of aperture range and sensor size, and you’re on your way to achieving stunning image quality.
Canon 6D vs 6D Mark II (Image Processor and Features)
DIGIC Processors
When comparing the Canon EOS 6D and the EOS 6D Mark II, a significant difference lies in their image processors.
The EOS 6D features a DIGIC 5+ image processor, while the EOS 6D Mark II comes with a new and improved DIGIC 7 image processor.
The advancement in image processing technology provides you with enhanced performance and more effective noise reduction at higher ISOs.
The DIGIC 5+ processor found in the Canon EOS 6D also powers the EOS 5D Mark III.
Despite being a few years older than the DIGIC 7, the DIGIC 5+ still delivers high-quality images with excellent detail and color reproduction.
With the EOS 6D Mark II and its DIGIC 7 processor, you can expect a noticeable improvement in both speed and image quality.
This upgraded image processor allows for faster continuous shooting rates, quicker autofocus, and improved low-light performance.
In addition to enhancing the camera’s overall performance, the DIGIC 7 also plays a role in the improvements made to the EOS 6D Mark II’s sensor.
The 6D Mark II has a higher resolution of 26.2 megapixels, compared to the 6D’s 20.2 megapixels. This increase in resolution allows you to capture more detail and produce larger prints without compromising the image quality.
Canon 6D vs 6D Mark II (Video Capabilities)
Video Resolution
Both the Canon 6D and 6D Mark II offer Full HD video resolution with a maximum dimension of 1920 x 1080. However, there are differences in frame rates.
While the original 6D supports video recording at 1080 x 30fps, the 6D Mark II provides a smoother video experience with a higher frame rate of 1080 x 60fps.
Movie Mode
In terms of movie modes, the 6D Mark II has a slight advantage over the 6D.
The newer camera model features Dual Pixel CMOS AF and Movie Servo AF, improving the autofocus performance during video recording.
Additionally, the 6D Mark II includes Time-Lapse and HDR Movie modes, adding versatility to your video experiences.
Microphone and Audio Features
Sound quality is an important aspect of video recording, and both cameras cater to your audio needs with a built-in microphone.
Adding to the 6D Mark II’s enhanced functionality, it also features a microphone port, allowing you to connect an external microphone for better audio quality in your videos.
The original 6D lacks this feature, limiting your options for improved audio capture.
Remember, when recording videos with your Canon 6D or 6D Mark II, consider factors like autofocus performance, lens selection, shutter speed, and noise level to ensure that you achieve the best possible results.
By weighing the features and capabilities of each camera, you can make an informed decision about which model suits your needs.
Price Comparison and User Reviews
Canon 6D vs 6D Mark II Pricing
When comparing the prices of the Canon EOS 6D and 6D Mark II, you’ll notice that the 6D Mark II is typically more expensive.
The Canon EOS 6D has a price range of around $479 (body only), while the Canon EOS 6D Mark II (renewed) can go up to $1,035 (body only).
The difference in costs can vary depending on the retailer and bundle options, so ensure to compare prices and available deals to get the best value for your money.
| Camera Model | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Canon EOS 6D | $479~$768 (Renewed) |
| Canon EOS 6D Mark II (Renewed) | $1,880-$1,940 (With 24-105mm lens kit) |
User Feedback and Experiences
In terms of user feedback, both cameras have received generally positive reviews. However, there are specific differences that users have observed between the two models.
The 6D Mark II wins in several categories, boasting a higher success rate of 71% compared to the original 6D.
This model’s continuous shooting speed is also an improvement, as it captures 6.5 frames per second (fps), while the 6D only achieves 4.5 fps, making the Mark II better for capturing fast-moving subjects.
When it comes to image quality and noise comparison, some users found the 6D Mark II to display a slightly more yellow hue on black backgrounds than the neutral appearance provided by the original 6D.
Additionally, the 6D Mark II exhibits more color variation in the a and b channels compared to its predecessor.
In summary, your decision between the Canon EOS 6D and 6D Mark II will depend on your budget, specific photography needs, and priorities.
Consider the pricing, user feedback, and performance differences before making a choice.
FAQ
Which is better 6D or 6D Mark II?
While both cameras are excellent options, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II has some notable improvements over the original 6D.
It features increased megapixels (26.2MP vs 20.2MP), 34 more focus points (45 vs 11), and a flip-out screen.
It ultimately depends on your needs and preferences when choosing between these two models.
Which model is better suited for landscape photography?
Both the 6D and 6D Mark II are capable of producing stunning landscape images.
However, the 6D Mark II has an advantage with its higher megapixel count, providing more detail in the captured images.
Additionally, the flip-out screen can be helpful in achieving unique perspectives while shooting landscapes.
Is the Canon 6D Mark II good for beginners?
Yes, the 6D Mark II is a solid option for beginners who wish to enter the world of full-frame photography.
Its interface is user-friendly, and it offers various shooting modes to help you learn and grow.
However, keep in mind that as a full-frame camera, it can be more expensive than entry-level crop sensor options.
Are there improvements in autofocus for the 6D Mark II?
Definitely. The 6D Mark II features a significant improvement in autofocus, boasting 45 focus points compared to the 6D’s 11 focus points.
This allows for better tracking of moving subjects and improved overall focus performance.
Is there any advantage for low light shooting?
Both the Canon 6D and 6D Mark II perform well in low light situations.
However, the 6D Mark II has an edge over its predecessor, allowing it to surpass the EOS 5D Mark IV in ISO capability.
This results in an advantage when capturing sunrise, sunset, or astrophotography images.