Canon EOS 6D vs EOS 6D Mark II Comparison
Canon EOS 6D
Canon EOS 6D Mark II
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Brand | Canon | Canon | |
Model | EOS 6D | EOS 6D Mark II | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2012 | 2017 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | September 17, 2012 | June 29, 2017 | |
Camera Type |  DSLR | DSLR | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II takes the lead with a score of 71/100, while the Canon EOS 6D lags behind at 59/100. Both cameras are DSLR models, announced in 2012 and 2017 respectively. They share similar dimensions, with the 6D measuring 145 x 111 x 71mm and the 6D Mark II at 144 x 111 x 75mm.
The 6D Mark II edges out its predecessor with a lower launch price of $2000 compared to the 6D’s $2099. Furthermore, the 6D Mark II is significantly lighter, weighing only 453g compared to the 6D’s 770g. This makes the 6D Mark II more portable and user-friendly.
On the other hand, the 6D has a slightly slimmer profile, which could be a minor advantage for some users. However, considering the overall score and other specifications, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is the better choice for most photographers, offering improved features and better value for money.
Canon EOS 6D vs EOS 6D Mark II Overview and Optics
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II takes the lead in optics with a score of 69/100, while the Canon EOS 6D trails behind with a score of 61/100. Both cameras share several key specifications, including a full-frame CMOS sensor, Canon EF lens mount, and lack of image stabilization.
The EOS 6D Mark II outperforms its predecessor in several aspects. With 26.2 megapixels, it offers a higher resolution than the EOS 6D’s 20.2 megapixels, resulting in more detailed images. The EOS 6D Mark II also boasts a faster shooting speed of 6.5 frames per second (fps), compared to the EOS 6D’s 4.5 fps, allowing for better capture of fast-moving subjects. Additionally, the Mark II features an upgraded Digic 7 processor, contributing to its improved performance. Lastly, the EOS 6D Mark II has a higher DXOMARK score of 85 for its sensor, compared to the EOS 6D’s score of 82, signifying better overall image quality.
The Canon EOS 6D, on the other hand, does not offer any significant advantages over the EOS 6D Mark II in terms of optics. Both cameras have the same sensor size, lens mount, and lack of image stabilization, leaving the EOS 6D at a disadvantage with its lower megapixel count, slower shooting speed, and older processor.
Considering these factors, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II emerges as the superior camera in terms of optics, with its higher resolution, faster shooting speed, and better sensor performance. The EOS 6D, while still a capable camera, falls short when compared to its successor, making the EOS 6D Mark II a more attractive option for photographers seeking improved optical performance.
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Optics
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Canon EOS 6D
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Canon EOS 6D Mark II
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 20.2 MP | 26.2 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. | 5472 x 3648 px | 6240 x 4160 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 35.9 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. | 4.5 fps | 6.5 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 7 | |
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 | 40,000 | |
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/ 4000 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. | 11 | 45 | |
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 6D vs EOS 6D Mark II Video Performance
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II outperforms the Canon EOS 6D in video capabilities, with a video score of 57 out of 100 compared to the EOS 6D’s score of 43. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as Full HD video resolution, maximum video dimensions of 1920 x 1080, and a maximum video frame rate of 30fps. However, there are notable differences that make the EOS 6D Mark II the superior choice for video.
The EOS 6D Mark II’s advantage lies in its built-in time-lapse functionality, which the EOS 6D lacks. This feature allows the EOS 6D Mark II to capture a series of images over a period of time and combine them into a seamless video, providing a unique perspective of changing scenes. This is particularly useful for capturing events such as sunsets, cityscapes, or nature scenes, giving the EOS 6D Mark II an edge in versatility.
On the other hand, the EOS 6D does not offer any specific advantages in video capabilities over the EOS 6D Mark II. Both cameras have the same video resolution, dimensions, and frame rate, but the EOS 6D falls short due to its lack of time-lapse functionality.
In comparing the video capabilities of the Canon EOS 6D and EOS 6D Mark II, it is clear that the EOS 6D Mark II offers greater functionality and versatility with its built-in time-lapse feature. While the EOS 6D shares some common specifications with the EOS 6D Mark II, it does not excel in any particular aspect of video capture. Therefore, the EOS 6D Mark II is the superior choice for users seeking enhanced video capabilities in their camera.
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Video
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Canon EOS 6D
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Canon EOS 6D Mark 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. | 30 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. | MOV | MP4, MOV |
Canon EOS 6D vs EOS 6D Mark II Features and Benefits
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II triumphs over the Canon EOS 6D with a feature score of 83/100 compared to the latter’s 57/100. Both cameras share some common specifications: a 3-inch screen size, a screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots, GPS, and WIFI capabilities.
The 6D Mark II outperforms the 6D in several aspects. Firstly, it has a touchscreen, which allows for easier navigation and control. Secondly, it features a flip screen, making it convenient for capturing images from various angles and enhancing the user’s overall shooting experience. Lastly, the 6D Mark II has Bluetooth connectivity, providing additional options for transferring files and controlling the camera remotely.
While the Canon EOS 6D lags behind the 6D Mark II in terms of features, it still retains some advantages. For instance, its GPS and WIFI capabilities enable geotagging and wireless file transfer, respectively. However, these features are also present in the 6D Mark II, making it difficult to argue that the EOS 6D is superior in any specific aspect.
To conclude, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II stands out as the better choice between the two cameras due to its higher feature score and additional offerings such as a touchscreen, flip screen, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Canon EOS 6D, though sharing some similarities with the 6D Mark II, falls short in comparison and does not offer any unique advantages.
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Features
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Canon EOS 6D
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Canon EOS 6D Mark 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 | TFT 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 | 1,040,000 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 6D vs EOS 6D Mark II Storage and Battery
The Canon EOS 6D and Canon EOS 6D Mark II both score 45/100 in storage and battery. They share similarities in this aspect, such as having one memory card slot and accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. Neither camera has USB charging capabilities.
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II holds an advantage in battery life and memory card compatibility. With 1200 shots per charge, it surpasses the Canon EOS 6D, which provides 1090 shots. The 6D Mark II also supports faster UHS-I compatible memory cards, allowing for quicker data transfer.
The Canon EOS 6D, however, does not have any specific advantages in this category. Both cameras use similar battery types, with the 6D using the LP-E6 and the 6D Mark II using the LP-E6N.
Considering their storage and battery capabilities, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II has a slight edge due to its longer battery life and better memory card compatibility. The Canon EOS 6D, while not having any distinct advantages in this area, still maintains a solid performance in terms of storage and battery.
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Storage and Battery
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Canon EOS 6D
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Canon EOS 6D Mark II
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I compatible) | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | LP-E6 | LP-E6N | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 1,090 shots | 1,200 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Canon EOS 6D
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Canon EOS 6D Mark 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.' | 22.2 bits | 24.4 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.' | 11.5 EVs | 11.9 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' | 813 | 2862 |
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Scores
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Canon EOS 6D
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Canon EOS 6D Mark II
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Canon EOS 6D vs EOS 6D Mark II Alternatives
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User Scores
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Canon EOS 6D
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Canon EOS 6D Mark II
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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