Canon EOS 6D Mark II vs Sony a7 II Comparison
Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Sony a7 II
Price | |||
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Brand | Canon | Sony | |
Model | EOS 6D Mark II | a7 II | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2017 | 2014 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | June 29, 2017 | November 20, 2014 | |
Camera Type |  DSLR |  Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II takes the lead with a score of 71/100, while the Sony a7 II lags behind at 68/100. Both cameras share some common specs, such as being released in the 2010s and having a similar launch price range ($2000 for Canon and $1600 for Sony).
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II, a DSLR camera, excels with its lighter weight of 453g and larger size of 144 x 111 x 75mm, making it more comfortable for extended use. On the other hand, the Sony a7 II, a mirrorless camera, boasts a compact design with dimensions of 127 x 96 x 60mm but is heavier at 599g.
Taking everything into account, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II emerges as the better option due to its higher score, lighter weight, and comfortable size. However, the Sony a7 II may still appeal to those seeking a more compact camera.
Canon EOS 6D Mark II vs Sony a7 II Overview and Optics
The Sony a7 II outperforms the Canon EOS 6D Mark II in optics, with a score of 78/100 compared to Canon’s 69/100. Both cameras share several similarities in specifications, including a full-frame CMOS sensor, which allows for excellent image quality and low-light performance. They also have proprietary processors – the Canon 6D Mark II uses the Digic 7, while the Sony a7 II is equipped with the Bionz X processor.
The Sony a7 II has a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 90, compared to the Canon 6D Mark II’s score of 85. This difference reveals that the Sony a7 II provides better image quality and dynamic range. Additionally, the Sony a7 II features built-in image stabilization, which helps to reduce camera shake and improve image sharpness. This advantage is particularly useful for photographers who shoot handheld or in low-light conditions.
On the other hand, the Canon 6D Mark II has a slightly higher megapixel count of 26.2, compared to the Sony a7 II’s 24.2 megapixels. This allows for slightly larger prints and more cropping flexibility. Furthermore, the Canon 6D Mark II has a faster shooting speed of 6.5 frames per second, making it more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects or action photography.
The lens mounts also differ, with the Canon 6D Mark II using the Canon EF mount and the Sony a7 II employing the Sony E mount. This distinction impacts the lens options available to photographers, with each system offering a unique range of lenses to suit various shooting needs.
Considering the optics performance, the Sony a7 II provides better image quality, dynamic range, and stabilization features. However, the Canon 6D Mark II offers a higher megapixel count and faster shooting speed. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on individual preferences and the specific requirements of the photographer.
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Optics
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Canon EOS 6D Mark II
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Sony a7 II
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 26.2 MP | 24.3 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. | 6240 x 4160 px | 6000 x 4000 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 35.9 mm | 23.9 x 35.8 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. | 6.5 fps | 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 | Sony E | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Digic 7 | Bionz X | |
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 | 50 | |
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. | 40,000 | 51,200 | |
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 | 51200 | |
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/ 4000 s | 1/ 8000 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. | 45 | 117 | |
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) | Electronic | |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | 2,359,000 dots |
Canon EOS 6D Mark II vs Sony a7 II Video Performance
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II edges out the Sony a7 II in video capabilities with a score of 57/100 compared to the Sony’s 56/100. Both cameras have Full HD video resolution and max video dimensions of 1920 x 1080. However, there are some differences that make the Canon 6D Mark II the better option for video.
The Canon 6D Mark II offers a max video frame rate of 30fps, which is lower than the Sony a7 II’s 60fps. Despite this, the Canon has a built-in time-lapse functionality, making it more versatile for capturing creative video content. This feature is absent in the Sony a7 II, limiting its video flexibility.
On the other hand, the Sony a7 II’s higher max video frame rate allows for smoother, more professional-looking footage. This is particularly useful for fast-paced action or sports videos. However, the lack of time-lapse functionality hinders its overall video capabilities, and it falls short of the Canon 6D Mark II in this aspect.
In comparing the video capabilities of the Canon EOS 6D Mark II and Sony a7 II, the Canon’s built-in time-lapse functionality gives it an edge over the Sony, despite having a lower max video frame rate. The Sony a7 II’s higher frame rate is an advantage for certain video applications, but its lack of time-lapse functionality makes it less versatile overall.
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Video
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Canon EOS 6D Mark II
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Sony a7 II
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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 | 60 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. | MP4, MOV | XAVC S |
Canon EOS 6D Mark II vs Sony a7 II Features and Benefits
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II emerges as the winner in the features category with a score of 83/100, compared to the Sony a7 II’s score of 57/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, flip screen, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
The Canon 6D Mark II outperforms the Sony a7 II in several areas, including a touchscreen, GPS, and Bluetooth capabilities. The touchscreen allows for easier navigation and control, while the GPS feature is useful for geotagging photos. Bluetooth allows for seamless connection to other devices, making file transfers and remote control more convenient.
On the other hand, the Sony a7 II boasts a higher screen resolution of 1,230,000 dots, compared to the Canon 6D Mark II’s 1,040,000 dots. This results in a sharper and more detailed display on the Sony a7 II. However, the lack of a touchscreen, GPS, and Bluetooth on the Sony a7 II is a significant drawback when compared to the Canon 6D Mark II.
To conclude, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is the better camera in terms of features, due to its touchscreen, GPS, and Bluetooth capabilities. The Sony a7 II’s higher screen resolution is an advantage, but it is not enough to outweigh the additional features offered by the Canon 6D Mark II.
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Features
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Canon EOS 6D Mark II
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Sony a7 II
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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 | LCD | 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" | 3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,040,000 dots | 1,230,000 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 6D Mark II vs Sony a7 II Storage and Battery
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II triumphs over the Sony a7 II in storage and battery with a score of 45/100 compared to 21/100. Both cameras share similarities, including a single memory card slot and compatibility with SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. However, the Canon 6D Mark II has a substantial advantage with its battery life, providing 1200 shots per charge, while the Sony a7 II delivers only 350 shots. The Canon 6D Mark II uses an LP-E6N battery type, whereas the Sony a7 II utilizes an NP-FW50 battery type.
The Sony a7 II does have an additional benefit, accepting Memory Stick Duo, Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards. Unfortunately, this advantage is not enough to surpass the Canon 6D Mark II’s superior battery life. Neither camera offers USB charging capabilities.
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II clearly outperforms the Sony a7 II in storage and battery, making it the better choice for extended shooting sessions and overall convenience.
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Storage and Battery
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Canon EOS 6D Mark II
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Sony a7 II
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | LP-E6N | NP-FW50 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 1,200 shots | 350 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Canon EOS 6D Mark II
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Sony a7 II
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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.' | 24.4 bits | 24.9 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.' | 11.9 EVs | 13.6 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' | 2862 | 2449 |
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Scores
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Canon EOS 6D Mark II
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Sony a7 II
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Main Features | N/A | ||
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Extra Features | N/A | ||
Construction and Durability | N/A | ||
Handling and Ergonomics | N/A | ||
Value for Money | N/A | ||
Total Score | N/A |
Canon EOS 6D Mark II vs Sony a7 II – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS 6D Mark II or the Sony a7 II:
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User Scores
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Canon EOS 6D Mark II
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Sony a7 II
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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