Canon EOS 6D vs Sony a7 II Comparison
Canon EOS 6D
Sony a7 II
Price | |||
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Brand | Canon | Sony | |
Model | EOS 6D | a7 II | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2012 | 2014 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | September 17, 2012 | November 20, 2014 | |
Camera Type |  DSLR |  Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Sony a7 II emerges as the winner with a score of 69/100, while the Canon EOS 6D scores 59/100. Both cameras were released in 2012 and 2014 respectively, with the Sony a7 II having a lower launch price of $1600 compared to the Canon EOS 6D’s $2099.
The Canon EOS 6D is a DSLR, and the Sony a7 II is a mirrorless camera. Both cameras share similarities in their dimensions, with the Canon EOS 6D being slightly larger and heavier (145 x 111 x 71mm, 770g) than the Sony a7 II (127 x 96 x 60mm, 599g).
The Sony a7 II outshines the Canon EOS 6D with its lighter weight and more compact size, making it more portable and convenient for on-the-go photography. Additionally, the Sony a7 II’s lower launch price makes it a more affordable option.
On the other hand, the Canon EOS 6D’s DSLR design may be preferred by some photographers who enjoy the traditional feel and handling of a DSLR camera.
Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7 II’s higher score reflects its better overall performance and value, while the Canon EOS 6D still offers a reliable option for DSLR enthusiasts.
Canon EOS 6D vs Sony a7 II Overview and Optics
The Sony a7 II outperforms the Canon EOS 6D in optics, with a score of 78/100 compared to the 6D’s 61/100. Both cameras share certain specifications, such as the CMOS sensor type, full-frame sensor size, and similar shooting speeds, with the a7 II having a slightly faster speed of 5 compared to the 6D’s 4.5.
The Sony a7 II excels with a higher megapixel count of 24.2, compared to the Canon EOS 6D’s 20.2. This results in better image quality and detail. Additionally, the a7 II has a superior processor, the Bionz X, which contributes to faster image processing and better overall performance. The a7 II also has a higher DXOMARK sensor score of 90, as opposed to the 6D’s 82, indicating a better sensor quality. A significant advantage of the Sony a7 II is its built-in image stabilization, a feature absent in the Canon EOS 6D.
The Canon EOS 6D, despite scoring lower in optics, has its merits. Its lens mount, the Canon EF, offers a wider selection of lenses compared to the Sony E mount. This allows for more versatility in choosing lenses to suit various photography needs.
Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7 II is the clear winner in terms of optics quality and performance. Its higher megapixel count, better processor, superior sensor score, and built-in image stabilization contribute to its higher score. However, the Canon EOS 6D holds an advantage in lens selection, which may be an important consideration for some photographers.
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Optics
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Canon EOS 6D
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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. | 20.2 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. | 5472 x 3648 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 36 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. | 4.5 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 5+ | 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. | 25,600 | 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. | 11 | 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 vs Sony a7 II Video Performance
The Sony a7 II outperforms the Canon EOS 6D in video capabilities, scoring 56 out of 100, compared to the Canon EOS 6D’s score of 43. Both cameras have Full HD video resolution with maximum dimensions of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Additionally, neither camera includes built-in time-lapse functionality.
The higher video score of the Sony a7 II is primarily due to its faster maximum video frame rate of 60 frames per second (fps), compared to the Canon EOS 6D’s 30fps. This difference allows the Sony a7 II to capture smoother motion and better slow-motion footage. The faster frame rate also provides more flexibility in post-production, as users can slow down footage without losing quality.
On the other hand, the Canon EOS 6D does not offer any significant advantages over the Sony a7 II in terms of video capabilities. Both cameras share the same video resolution and lack time-lapse functionality.
Taking these points into consideration, the Sony a7 II is the clear winner in terms of video capabilities. Its faster frame rate provides a noticeable improvement in video quality, offering users more versatility and creative options. While the Canon EOS 6D is not a bad choice for video, it falls short when compared to the Sony a7 II.
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Video
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Canon EOS 6D
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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. | 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 | XAVC S |
Canon EOS 6D vs Sony a7 II Features and Benefits
The Canon EOS 6D and the Sony a7 II both have a feature score of 57 out of 100, resulting in a tie. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, the absence of a touchscreen, and the lack of Bluetooth connectivity. Moreover, both cameras offer Wi-Fi connectivity, which is helpful when transferring files or remotely controlling the camera.
The Canon EOS 6D stands out with its built-in GPS feature, which is not available in the Sony a7 II. This allows users to geotag their photos, making it easier to organize and locate images based on the location they were taken. This feature can be particularly useful for travel photographers or those who frequently shoot in various locations.
On the other hand, the Sony a7 II has a higher screen resolution of 1,230,000 dots compared to the Canon EOS 6D’s 1,040,000 dots. This results in a sharper and clearer display, which can improve the overall user experience when reviewing images or navigating through menus. Additionally, the Sony a7 II boasts a flip screen, offering more flexibility when composing shots from different angles, while the Canon EOS 6D does not have this feature.
In comparing the Canon EOS 6D and Sony a7 II, both cameras have their own advantages. The Canon EOS 6D’s GPS functionality is beneficial for those who need location data, while the Sony a7 II’s higher screen resolution and flip screen offer a better user experience and versatility in composing shots. Ultimately, the choice between these cameras depends on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer.
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Features
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Canon EOS 6D
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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 | 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 | 1,230,000 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 vs Sony a7 II Storage and Battery
The Canon EOS 6D outperforms the Sony a7 II in storage and battery, scoring 45/100 compared to 35/100. Both cameras have one memory card slot and accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. However, the Sony a7 II also supports Memory Stick Duo, Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards, offering additional storage options.
The Canon EOS 6D’s battery life is significantly better, providing 1090 shots per charge, while the Sony a7 II only lasts for 350 shots. Both cameras use different battery types, with the Canon using an LP-E6 and the Sony using an NP-FW50.
Despite the Sony a7 II’s additional memory card compatibility, the Canon EOS 6D’s superior battery life makes it a better choice for extended shooting sessions. The Sony a7 II may be suitable for users who prioritize storage flexibility, but its shorter battery life limits its practicality in comparison to the Canon EOS 6D.
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Storage and Battery
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Canon EOS 6D
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Sony a7 II
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | LP-E6 | NP-FW50 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 1,090 shots | 350 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Canon EOS 6D
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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.' | 22.2 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.' | 11.5 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' | 813 | 2449 |
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Scores
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Canon EOS 6D
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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 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 or the Sony a7 II:
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User Scores
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Canon EOS 6D
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Sony a7 II
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B&H photo video |
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