The Canon EOS 6D, on the market since 2012, is a price conscious DSLR. Beginning photographers and those looking to upgrade their cameras can depend upon this model because of the less aggressive price tag and its multitude of features. The features that make the 6D stand out include unprecedented low-light focusing, a quiet shutter mechanism, WiFi and GPS, and a great battery. Read our review to learn why this camera is still a must-have for camera owners.
Background, Release Date and Price
Released in November 2012, the Canon 6D is a powerful camera that’s still highly relevant. The Canon 6D was announced a week after the release of Nikon D600, which found immense popularity due to its low price and incredible features. Canon 6D gave stiff competition to Nikon’s full-frame DSLR and a new range of products was born.
Thanks to the popularity of these affordable full-frame cameras, even Sony entered the market with its Alpha line. Additionally, Canon 6D faced competition from the company’s other popular full-frame model, the 5D Mark III.
Canon 6D Features, Design, and Display
The Canon EOS 6D, a tried and true camera model, stays highly relevant to photographers today because of its great features that include:
- 20.2 MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- ‘Silent’ shutter option
- DIGIC 5+ image processor
- 4.5 fps continuous shooting
- External mic for stereo sound recording
- ISO 100-25600 standard, 50-102800 expanded
- 1080p video recording
- 63 zone iFCL metering system
- 11 point AF system, center point cross-type and sensitive to -3 EV
- 97% viewfinder coverage; interchangeable screens (including Eg-D grid and Eg-S fine-focus)
- Single slot for an SD card
- 1040k dot 3:2 3″ ClearView LCD (fixed)
- Built-in GPS and WiFi
- Single-axis electronic level
The Canon 6D looks quite like Nikon D600, especially in terms of dimensions and layout. However, it is slightly lighter (770 grams) and has a slimmer body than the Nikon D600, weighing in at 850 grams.
But, its appearance is not all that distinguishes Canon 6D from Nikon D600 and other similar models. The 6D features built-in GPS and wifi, which was a rarity back in 2012, especially considering the low price of the unit. Wifi connectivity allows users to remotely control the DSLR with the help of Canon’s smartphone app.
The LCD display screen is a generous 3.2 inches, offering 1,040,000 dots. The screen is well articulated but does not include touchscreen, a feature found in many newer models. While the screen doesn’t offer new frills, it displays images and menus quite clearly. It works well outside as well due to controlled reflection. Images and colors appear realistically.
In addition to this, the company also highlighted the product with an “unprecedented low-light focusing sensitivity.” 6D offers an ISO range of 100 to 25,600, expandable to 50 to 102,400. The 6D has a reputation for being a low-light champion, and it certainly is, especially when pushed to its limits. Increase the ISO and this camera shines over the competition. According to Canon, it can handle up to -3 EV light, which is the same as a full moon.
The 6D was built using Canon’s CMOS sensor, offering 20.2 MP, slightly lower than Canon’s pricier model 5D Mark III, which offers 22 MP and the Nikon D600’s 24.3.
Canon 6D gets reduced marks for its autofocus system, offering only 11 points, with just one cross-type, sensitive to horizontal and vertical detail. In contrast, the Nikon D600 has 39 points, with 9 cross-type sensors. The 6D’s big brother, the Canon 5D Mark III, uses a whopping 61-point autofocus, with 41 cross-type.
Besides the lack of autofocus points, the 6D surprisingly similar to the 5D Mark III in terms of features. It offers silent shooting thanks to silent shutter mode, multiple exposure, and in-camera HDR. However, they don’t work as well as they do on the Mark III due to issues with file formatting as they are only available when shooting JPEG images.
While the features of 6D are generally positive, some do miss a few features that were found on previous Canon models but are missing with this camera. These include on-chip phase-detection, which could be an asset in movie mode or live view. Canon also removed the headphone jack on the 6D. However, the camera offers a visual guide that gives you access to audio levels with manual control.
Some may also prefer a tilting display screen over the fixed version on the 6D. However, Canon says it’s to make sure the camera remains durable and the size is kept down.
Canon 6D Battery
- Battery Type: LP-E6
- Battery Life: 980 (CIPA)
The camera operates on a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery. It offers excellent energy density with little self-discharge.
The Camera and Imaging Products Association (CIPA) ranks the battery life at 980. It can take about 1090 shots on a single charge. However, the number may increase or decrease based on how you use the camera.
Most cameras today use the same battery, including the Canon 5D Mark III and the 5DS.
How Does the Canon 6D Compare?
Here’s how 6D stacks up against its closest competition, the Nikon D600:
| Canon 6D | Nikon D600 | |
| Sensor Resolution | 20.2 million | 24.3 million |
| Image Size | 5,472 x 3,648 | 6,016 x 4,016 |
| Sensor Pixel | 6.55µ | 5.96µ |
| Flash | No | Yes |
| Storage | SD (1) | SD (2) |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 4.5 FPS | 5.5 FPS |
| Shutter Durability | 100,000 cycles | 150,000 cycles |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 97% | 100% |
| Viewfinder Type | Pentaprism | Pentaprism |
| GPS | Yes (built-in) | No |
| Dimensions | 145 x 111 x 71mm | 141 x 113 x 82mm |
| Native ISO Sensitivity | ISO 100-25,600 | ISO 100-6,400 |
| Autofocus System | 11-point AF and 1 cross-type sensor | 39-point AF and 9 cross-type sensors |
| Boosted ISO Sensitivity | ISO 50, ISO 51,200-102,400 | ISO 50, ISO 12,800-25,600 |
| AF Detection | Up to f/5.6 | Up to f/8 (center 7 AF points only) |
| Maximum Video Resolution | 1920×1080 (1080p) @ 29.97p, 25p, 23.976p | 1920×1080 (1080p) @ 24p, 25p, 30p |
| Weight | 680g | 760g |
| WiFi | Yes (Built-in) | Eye-Fi, WU-1B, UT-1 |
| Size of LCD | 3.2 inches | 3.2 inches |
| LCD Resolution | 1,040,000 dots | 921,000 dots |
| Battery Life | 900 shots (CIPA | 980 shots (CIPA |
Conclusion
Even in 2020, the Canon 6D is one of the best budget digital cameras on the market. Features such as ISO performance, accuracy, autofocus speed, and video capability have grown by leaps and bounds. But, the 6D it is still a powerful machine and a smart choice for users looking to upgrade to an affordable full-frame camera.
Canon’s imaging technology has improved since the 6D was originally released. It now offers better ISO performance, improved details and sharpness, and a greater dynamic range. However, the Canon 6D is still a powerhouse with its professional-grade and powerful sensor. Because of that, despite its age, the 6D still shines when it comes to quality.
Don’t let the cons fool you – most of the negatives are only due to 6D being an old model or the Canon deliberately removing some features so it didn’t compete with their more expensive models. The 6D’s biggest drawback appears when it comes to recording videos. However, it’s fantastic for landscape, portrait, and wildlife photography.
