Canon EOS 6D Pro Reviews

The Canon EOS 6D is an excellent camera for Canon DSLR users who want to step up to a full-frame camera without spending $3500 for the 5D Mark III. This camera combines some of the best Canon technology and features from its surrounding siblings like the 60D and the 5D Mark III and adds Wi-Fi and GPS, two features that require optional accessories on its closest competitor, the Nikon D600. However, there are some compromises that are made, particularly vis-a-vis the Nikon D600, as well as Canon's higher end DSLRs. The Wi-Fi and GPS drain the battery, so you'll need an extra battery or a grip. The camera has no built-in flash, so plan on purchasing a Speedlite if you need flash. And, of course, the 6D doesn't have the speed (continuous shooting or autofocus) nor the high end video functionality quality of its more sophisticated siblings. What's important, though, is the camera's broad range of features and its full-frame sensor. The Canon EOS 6D fills a niche in the Canon line-up and in the photo industry, that--like the Nikon D600--brings the benefits of full-frame shooting, along with excellent image quality, to a much broader audience.

The Canon EOS 6D is an extremely capable and well-designed full-frame digital SLR that provides a clear upgrade choice for anyone looking to graduate from an APS-C model to a full-frame DSLR. It combines excellent image quality with superb high ISO noise performance, has an AF system that works in very low light levels and adds built-in GPS and Wi-Fi features in a tough, moisture and dust resistant body that's lighter and more compact than other full-frame bodies. It's lightweight, which is an important consideration in a model designed to appeal to existing APS-C body owners, but the compromises that have been made to keep it compact and affordable will inevitably dissapoint some people. Features like a viewfinder with 100 percent coverage and dual card slots are almost taken as given on a full frame body. Conversely, many upgraders will find it hard to accept the lack of a built-in flash and articulated screen. Despite those shortcomings, the 6D is a solid, dependable, affordable full-frame DSLR that is ideally suited to the kinds of photographer Canon has pitched it to. For Landscape travel and portraiture, and that covers a lot of ground, the 6D is a superb perfomer and comes highly recommended.

Despite a few quibbles, the 20.2-megapixel Canon EOS 6D lives up to its promise of housing a glorious, full-frame CMOS sensor inside a smaller, lighter, and more affordable digital SLR camera body designed for prosumers, enthusiasts, and even novice photographers. Are we in love with everything about this camera? No, but Canon's done a great job of not dumbing down, or cheapening the 6D to fit its $2,000 "sweet spot" pricing. First, the good stuff. The 6D's 35.8 x 23.9mm CMOS image sensor might be a bit smaller than the imaging chip in the Canon 5D Mark III, but its individual photosites are bigger since it has slightly less resolution. The result is exceptional image quality, in both good and poor available light, that puts it on par to the 5D III, which was one of our favorite cameras of 2012. We got bright, punchy color in good lighting from the 6D, which wasn't too oversaturated as with some DSLR models. Skintones also looked healthy and life-like, unlike some cameras which tend to pump up the pinks and reds to produce an artificial, "doll-like" look.

Currently available for £1695, it's great to finally see a new full frame body in Canon's lineup that costs under £2000. For APS-C DSLR users considering the jump up to full frame, it still represents a serious outlay when you consider EF-S lenses can't be used with the 6D. Anyone with a selection of EF-S lenses are likely to find themselves selling them first to fund the coffers for Canon EF lenses. For people who want a full frame camera that can't stretch to the price of the 5D Mark III, the 6D is a natural step up, unless of course you own a 7D. Canon has made it clear that by listing the 6D below the 7D that any 7D users looking at the 6D will be losing valuable features if they opt to buy it. Yes, the 6D's full frame sensor offers better image quality at high ISOs, but 7D users will loose out on high-speed shooting and eight additional AF points. The best option for 7D users looking to make the jump to full frame would be the 5D Mark III. Compared to its closest rival - the Nikon D600, the 6D is £265 more expensive. Both have their strengths and their weaknesses over each other so we'll have to wait until we put them head-to-head before we can make a decision as to which of these so called ‘affordable full frame' DSLRs offers the best value for money. To sum up, the 6D offers superb image quality to more consumers at a price that's more realistic. The addition of GPS and Wi-Fi are very well received and though it's no 5D Mark III, it goes above and beyond what most enthusiasts are calling out for right now. It's a very capable DSLR, so hats off to Canon for producing a great camera that performs as well as we'd hoped it would.

Both cameras are capable of delivering stunning image quality with excellent colour and detail. The Canon EOS 6D offers Wi-Fi and GPS, which is great for anyone who is travelling, as is the longer battery life available. The Canon EOS 6D may deliver lower resolution images (20mp vs 24mp), however this gives the 6D the benefit of lower noise at higher ISOs. The Canon EOS 6D has noticeably less focus points, just 11 compared to 39 on the D600, which could be another concern for some. The optical viewfinder in the Canon EOS 6D isn't a full size (97% vs 100%) viewfinder like the Nikon D600, however the 6D does have the benefit of allowing it to be swapped out for an alternative focus screen if required. The 6D also features a slightly smaller 3inch screen, instead of the 3.2inch screen on the Nikon D600 (albeit lower resolution), as well as slower continuous shooting. Another potentially off-putting negative of the 6D is the lack of a headphone socket on the 6D which could be of concern for video recording (although this could be resolved by an external audio recorder)

Both cameras are capable of delivering stunning image quality with excellent colour and detail. The Canon EOS 6D is noticeably cheaper than the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, making the case for the 5D Mark III even more difficult to justify. The Canon EOS 6D may deliver lower resolution images (20mp vs 22mp), however this gives the 6D the benefit of lower noise at higher ISOs. The Canon EOS 6D also benefits from a smaller body, as well as built in GPS and Wi-Fi, although these last two features do have a negative effect on battery life when used. The Canon EOS 6D has noticeably less focus points, just 11 compared to 61 on the 6D, which could be another concern for some. The optical viewfinder in the Canon EOS 6D isn't a full size (97% vs 100%) viewfinder like the 5D Mark III, however it does have the benefit of allowing it to be swapped out for an alternative viewfinder if required. The 6D also features a slightly smaller 3inch screen, instead of the 3.2inch screen on the 5D Mark III, as well as slower continuous shooting. Another potentially off-putting negative of the 6D is the lack of a headphone socket on the 6D which could be of concern for video recording (although this could be resolved by an external audio recorder). In this day and age of austerity, perhaps a full frame camera packed full of features is exactly what is needed, and while the Canon EOS 5D Mark III delivers a higher specification, you can save a lot of money by going for the more compact Canon EOS 6D, and spend some of the money you've saved on a lens instead. For those looking to upgrade to a full-frame Digital SLR, the Canon EOS 6D fits the bill very nicely.

The EOS 6D doesn't offer the depth of features that its best competitors can, but it combines very good image quality, impressive high ISO performance and class-leading low light autofocus ability (with the central AF point) as well as impressive built-in Wi-Fi and GPS features.

Compared to the 5D Mark III's official price of £2999 / $3499, the 6D is something of a bargain at £1799 / $2099, especially as it delivers very similar image quality to its big brother. The only fly in the ointment in terms of price is the Nikon D600, which due to being released earlier now typically undercuts the 6D by a couple of hundred pounds / dollars. Still, the EOS 6D should also drop in price once the novelty has worn off. We'd advise you to choose carefully though if you're pitting the 6D against the D600 - they're quite different cameras in their approach, with the 6D having the edge in low-light performance and the D600 offering a more versatile auto-focusing system. Thanks to both cameras though, full-frame has never been more affordable, and the new Canon EOS 6D is a real contender if you're looking to step-up from a smaller format.

What's most frustrating is that the 6D should be a clearly better buy than the older, cheaper 7D, but it's not. While the 6D noticeably outshines its APS-C-based sibling in full-frame photo quality and it has a much broader feature set in theory, the 7D has a better viewfinder and faster autofocus, a more durable shutter mechanism, and an extra custom setting slot, just to mention a handful of things. If you're thinking of moving up from one of Canon's consumer APS-C-based models, like the 60D, it's definitely worth it for the photo and video quality; if you're considering the 6D instead of one of the more expensive full-frame models, it's a fine alternative if you don't mind the 97 percent coverage viewfinder, single SD card slot, less durable shutter, lack of a headphone jack, fewer customizations, and all those other little ways in which you might have to compromise. As for the Canon EOS 6D versus Nikon D600 decision for people who haven't committed to a system yet or are thinking of switching, overall I think I ultimately prefer the D600. I think the highlight recovery issue is fixable -- at the very least, just by watching how you configure your exposure settings -- and the superior performance and more shooter-friendly feature set weigh in its favor. That said, either camera will deliver the quality benefits of a full-frame model at a less painful price than the higher-end siblings on both sides of the aisle.

The Canon EOS 6D is a top-notch full-frame camera in a relatively compact body. With a relatively affordable price, enthusiast-friendly features, and spectacular image quality, it's an easy Editors' Choice.

Flawless image quality at a tantalising price, but the basic autofocus won't suit everyone

Outstanding image quality and sophisticated Wi-Fi functions, but the autofocus system limits its appeal

The Canon EOS 6D feels like it's an improvement over the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, and gives most of what you get with the 5D Mark III, but with the addition of GPS and Wi-Fi, as well as the excellent 20.2 megapixel sensor for improved noise performance, but with a fraction of the price of the 5D Mark III, making this an excellent camera for those wanting a full-frame Digital SLR. Image quality is impressive with excellent colour both in photos and on the rear screen of the camera, and noise performance is excellent. Focus performance is good with 11 point auto focus that works down to -3EV, and as long as you are not using live view it is very quick and reliable. For anyone looking to upgrade from an earlier Canon camera, the Canon EOS 6D delivers some of the latest features such as Wi-Fi, GPS, built in HDR shooting, and reasonably quick continuous shooting at 4.5fps. The camera feels extremely well built, and pleasantly compact and light-weight for a full-frame Digital SLR, making it an enjoyable experience to use.

The Canon EOS 6D might sound like the dream ticket for full-frame DSLR aspirers. It's the first time that Canon's dipped its toe into the "budget" full-frame pond. But, to be realistic, its £1600 body-only asking price is still more the cash equivalent of a dive than a doggy-paddle. Canon's playing a different game with this DSLR. From the outset the 6D is clear to show off its technological hand: it's all built-in GPS and Wi-Fi. But what of the core user experience - with an entry-level-sounding 11-point autofocus system and cut-back 97 per cent field-of-view optical viewfinder has Canon got the balance right or is the EOS 6D pushing away its audience potential before eyes have even left the spec sheet?