Canon EOS 5D Mark III vs EOS 6D Comparison
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Canon EOS 6D
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Brand | Canon | Canon | |
Model | EOS 5D Mark III | EOS 6D | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2012 | 2012 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | March 02, 2012 | September 17, 2012 | |
Camera Type |  DSLR | DSLR | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III outperforms the Canon EOS 6D with a score of 65/100 versus 59/100. Both cameras are DSLRs released in 2012 and share some similarities. They have the same sensor size and resolution, and both support RAW file format.
The 5D Mark III excels with a more advanced autofocus system, better continuous shooting speed, and a higher maximum shutter speed. These features make it an excellent choice for professional photographers.
On the other hand, the 6D has a smaller body, weighing 770g compared to the 5D Mark III’s 950g, making it a more portable option. Additionally, the 6D is significantly cheaper, with a launch price of $2099 versus $3499 for the 5D Mark III.
Weighing the pros and cons, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is the superior choice for professionals, while the Canon EOS 6D may be more suitable for hobbyists or those on a tighter budget.
Canon EOS 5D Mark III vs EOS 6D Overview and Optics
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III wins in the optics comparison with a score of 67/100, while the Canon EOS 6D scores 61/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including sensor type (CMOS), processor (Digic 5+), sensor size (Full Frame), lens mount (Canon EF), and the absence of image stabilization.
The 5D Mark III outperforms the 6D in terms of megapixels and shooting speed. With 22.3 megapixels, the 5D Mark III captures more detailed images compared to the 6D’s 20.2 megapixels. Additionally, the 5D Mark III has a faster shooting speed of 6 frames per second, while the 6D captures images at 4.5 frames per second. These advantages make the 5D Mark III more suitable for photographers requiring higher resolution and faster shooting capabilities.
On the other hand, the 6D has a slightly higher DXOMARK score for the sensor, with a score of 82 compared to the 5D Mark III’s 81. This indicates that the 6D’s sensor may perform marginally better in certain situations, such as low-light conditions. However, this slight advantage does not significantly impact the overall performance of the camera in terms of optics.
Considering the differences in optics, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is the superior choice due to its higher megapixel count and faster shooting speed. While the 6D has a marginally better DXOMARK score, this advantage is not enough to outweigh the benefits of the 5D Mark III. Photographers looking for higher resolution and faster shooting capabilities should opt for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III.
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Optics
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III
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Canon EOS 6D
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 22.3 MP | 20.2 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 5760 x 3840 px | 5472 x 3648 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 24 x 36 mm | 24 x 36 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame | Full Frame | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 6 fps | 4.5 fps | |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Canon EF | Canon EF | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Digic 5+ | Digic 5+ | |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 | 3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 100 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 25,600 | 25,600 | |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 50 | 50 | |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 102400 | 102400 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 8000 s | 1/ 4000 s | |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 61 | 11 | |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   | | |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
Canon EOS 5D Mark III vs EOS 6D Video Performance
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III emerges as the winner in the video capabilities comparison with a score of 56/100, outperforming the Canon EOS 6D, which has a score of 43/100. Both cameras share some video specifications, such as having a maximum video resolution of Full HD and dimensions of 1920 x 1080. Additionally, neither camera has built-in time-lapse functionality.
The 5D Mark III’s video performance surpasses the 6D due to its higher maximum video frame rate of 60fps, which is double the 6D’s 30fps. This higher frame rate allows for smoother video playback and offers more flexibility when it comes to slow-motion effects in post-production.
On the other hand, the Canon EOS 6D does not have any distinct advantages over the 5D Mark III in terms of video capabilities. Its lower video score and frame rate limit its potential for professional video production.
Taking these factors into account, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is the better choice for videographers who require smoother, more versatile video recording options. The Canon EOS 6D, while still a capable camera, does not offer any advantages in video capabilities when compared to the 5D Mark III. Therefore, those looking to prioritize video performance should opt for the Canon EOS 5D Mark III.
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Video
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III
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Canon EOS 6D
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |   | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Full HD | Full HD | |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 1920 x 1080 px | 1920 x 1080 px | |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 60 p | 30 p | |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  | | |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MOV | MOV |
Canon EOS 5D Mark III vs EOS 6D Features and Benefits
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III outperforms the Canon EOS 6D with a feature score of 59/100 compared to the 6D’s 57/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots, a lack of touchscreen, and absence of a flip screen. Neither camera has Bluetooth capabilities.
The 5D Mark III excels with a larger screen size of 3.2 inches, which improves the user experience by providing a more comfortable view of images and menus. This advantage is significant, as photographers often rely on the camera’s screen for reviewing and composing their shots.
On the other hand, the Canon EOS 6D offers GPS and Wi-Fi functionalities, which the 5D Mark III lacks. These features allow photographers to geotag their images and transfer files wirelessly, simplifying the process of sharing and organizing photos. The 6D’s inclusion of these convenient features gives it an edge in terms of connectivity and location-based photography.
Taking these factors into account, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III is the superior camera in terms of screen size, providing a better viewing experience for photographers. However, the Canon EOS 6D offers more advanced connectivity features, which may appeal to those who prioritize convenience and location-based capabilities. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the individual photographer’s preferences and needs.
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Features
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III
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Canon EOS 6D
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  | | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  | | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  | | |
Screen Type | TFT LCD | TFT LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  | | |
Screen Size |  3.2" |  3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,040,000 dots | 1,040,000 dots | |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  | | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
Wi-Fi |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Canon EOS 5D Mark III vs EOS 6D Storage and Battery
The Canon EOS 5D Mark III triumphs in storage and battery with a score of 76/100, while the Canon EOS 6D lags behind at 45/100. Both cameras share the LP-E6 battery type and neither has USB charging capabilities. They also accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards.
The 5D Mark III outshines the 6D with its dual memory card slots, allowing for more storage flexibility and backup options. It also supports Compact Flash and UDMA cards, providing additional storage choices. In contrast, the 6D only has a single memory card slot and lacks support for Compact Flash and UDMA cards.
Despite its lower score, the 6D does have a longer battery life, offering 1090 shots compared to the 5D Mark III’s 950 shots. This advantage may benefit users who prioritize extended shooting time without needing to swap batteries.
Taking these factors into account, the Canon EOS 5D Mark III stands as the superior choice for storage and battery capabilities due to its dual memory card slots and broader card compatibility. However, the Canon EOS 6D may still appeal to those who value longer battery life.
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Storage and Battery
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III
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Canon EOS 6D
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Compact Flash, UDMA | SD / SDHC / SDXC | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | LP-E6 | LP-E6 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 950 shots | 1,090 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
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Canon EOS 6D
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 24 bits | 22.2 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 11.7 EVs | 11.5 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 2293 | 813 |
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Scores
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III
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Canon EOS 6D
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III vs EOS 6D Alternatives
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User Scores
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III
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Canon EOS 6D
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B&H photo video |
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