Canon EOS 6D

Canon EOS 6D: full review

Canon EOS 6D, reviewed inevitably thinking about the similarities with Nikon D610, is the perfect full frame for those who want to make the leap towards the FF format without spending a fortune. Well, everything is relative when we talk about budget, but one thing is sure: Canon EOS 6D is definitely not the classic brand new product, able to attract the trendiest taste of the moment. It’s not an absolute novelty but, as you’ll see, it is not afraid of the comparison with the latest products.

Launched at the end of 2012, Canon EOS 6D still has appealing technical features, that we’ll analyze in details just after having talked about the look of this Full Frame camera that closely resembles the range competitor, Nikon D610.

Canon EOS 6D: the design of the camera body

Among the lightest and most compact full frame cameras on the market, Canon EOS 6D weighs 755 grams and its camera body is 144.5x110.5x71.2 mm. If you’re aware of what these data means, you’ll immediately notice that this is a very easy to handle camera, perfect for travelling as well.

Aesthetically, and due to the position of the functions, the camera body of Canon EOS 6D is halfway between the EOS 7D and the EOS 60D ones, both from House Canon. Compared to 60D, for instance, the grip is a few millimeters lower and less deep.

Even if it’s well tropicalized, thus resistant to dust and humidity, Canon EOS 6D has not been produced with the top-quality materials typical of higher range reflex cameras. Anyway, magnesium alloy and polycarbonate ensure a more than decent structure. On the right side of the camera body there are the direct drives to the main functions (ISO, AF, drive). On the left side, you can find the shooting control ring. Obviously, there is the 3’’ screen: well visible, double-coated and anti-reflective.

Technical features

Even if the opinion on every camera is based on several practical aspects, the technical features are always fundamental when you read a review, in order to understand what we are talking about. Therefore, here are the main features of Canon EOS 6D.

• 20.2MP full frame CMOS Sensor
• DIGIC 5+ Processor
• 100-25,600 ISO sensitivity, expandable up to 102,400
• 4,5 fps burst mode
• Full HD Video (1920x1080p - 30 FPS)
• 11 points AF sensitivity, up to -3 EV
• Integrated WiFi and GPS
• Clear View Display (3.0", 720 x 480 pixels, fixed)

As you can guess reading its features, Canon EOS 6D is one of the best models with which to enter the world of full frame reflex cameras: mixing a 20mp sensor with a DIGIC 5+ processor, the ISO sensitivity is the main “fun” you can have using this kind of camera. The 100-25,6k native range works perfectly also in low light conditions, but it can be expanded up to 50-102,400.

Despite its 7-years age – which in technology is quite a lot – Canon EOS 6D stands up well in terms of connectivity, with integrated WiFi to upload the pictures directly on your computer in wireless mode. It is also possible to connect the camera to a smartphone: once you connect the devices, you can use your phone as a remote control panel to adjust the settings of Canon EOS 6D and shoot from a distance.

Canon EOS 6D: performance

The DIGIC 5+ processor works very well and you can immediately see that: despite its age, it takes 0.4 seconds to this camera to take a picture from the moment you turn it on! Very quick, nothing to say about its responsiveness. Of course, its more expensive sisters have something more, it goes without saying. Maybe the biggest limit are the 11 points of the autofocus, where only the central point is cross-type: not exciting in 2019. That said, it’s not a disaster, on the contrary: the light is read also at -3 EV. So, the AF problem is a relative matter that can become bigger only with moving subjects. It must be said, then, that Canon EOS 6D is not the best Action camera, but thanks to its 20Megapixel CMOS sensor it can be amazing for portraits and landscapes: spectacular sharpness, rich details and irrelevant digital noise also at high ISO.

Nothing to say about the processor, still modern. Together with the sensor, it is one of the parts responsible for an extremely high image quality. Being state-of-the-art is not always that necessary.

Connectivity and battery

When it was launched, Canon EOS 6D was the first full frame camera with integrated WiFi. No more wires, what a relief! And you can use your smartphone as an actual remote control panel. All you need is to download Canon official app.

Regarding the battery, finally, there are some good news: one single charge is enough to shoot all day with Canon EOS 6D. Based on lithium ion, the battery of this camera can last up to 1,100 shots, of course limiting the use of WiFi and GPS, that significantly reduce battery performance in general.

A demerit needs to be given, even if it is a lack due to its age: in this Canon EOS 6D the bluetooth connectivity is missing and it would have allowed a significant battery saving.

Canon EOS 6D: price and final opinion

Nowadays, the price of Canon EOS 6D is the main reason for purchasing this kind of camera: at its launch it was around 2 thousand euros, while now there are many deals for the camera body only (800/900 euros), or for interesting kits with top-quality lens around 1,500 euros.

The selection of lenses is almost infinite, both from House Canon – more than 50, including fixed and macro focal lenses – both from the compatible brands such as Sigma, Tamron e Tokina.

Synthesizing to the max, I’ll conclude with tops and flops of Canon EOS 6D:

Image quality, sharpness and color are really top. Digital noise is minimum. The WiFi control panel impressed me just like its relatively low price and its manageability.

Among its flaws, the 11 points AF is the biggest black mark, penalizing moving subject photography. Also, only one card slot is a not-insignificant lack for a camera with professional ambitions.