Canon EOS 6D

The Canon EOS 6D is a full-frame DSLR from 2012, built around the Canon EF mount. It appeals to photographers who want a large sensor paired with a traditional optical viewfinder.

At 770g it is manageable for handheld shooting and travel, and the body measures 145 x 111 x 71mm.

Wi-Fi and GPS are built into the camera. Video recording is also available but tops out at Full HD resolution, so its motion specification is more limited than its stills feature set.

A 20.2 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor sits at the heart of the camera. That resolution leaves room for large prints and moderate cropping, while the full-frame image area pairs with EF lenses for wide views and shallow depth of field.

Sensitivity runs from ISO 100 to 25600, providing settings across changing light. ISO 100 suits bright or controlled conditions, while the upper limit gives more exposure headroom when light falls. Shutter speeds reach 1/4000 of a second.

The Optics score of 61 sits around the middle of cameras in our database for Optics. Autofocus offers eleven points and the maximum burst reaches 4.5 frames per second, two modest areas that held the score back and suit deliberate subjects more than fast action.

There is no in-body stabilisation, so sharp handheld frames at slower shutter speeds depend on steady technique, a stabilised lens or a support. The optical pentaprism viewfinder gives a clear, natural view of the scene in return.

Video tops out at Full HD resolution, and the fastest frame rate available is 30 fps. That covers web clips and basic documentary work, with footage recorded as MOV files. The 43 Video score is modest, reflecting the Full HD ceiling, the 30 fps maximum and the absence of a built-in timelapse function.

The listed 30 fps rate suits ordinary-speed recording of interviews, family clips and everyday scenes. Full HD remains the main resolution limit when motion work needs more editing or delivery headroom.

There is no built-in timelapse function, so interval sequences require a separate method. Live view handles video framing on the fixed rear screen; overhead and waist-level angles are less convenient because the panel does not articulate.

Wi-Fi provides a built-in wireless connection. Built-in GPS records shooting locations, which helps organise travel photographs by place.

The 3-inch TFT screen has 1,040,000 dots and supports live view. It is fixed and not touch-sensitive, so low and overhead angles take more effort and controls cannot be operated through touch input.

Weather sealing protects the body against dust and moisture for outdoor work, though it is not waterproof. There is no built-in flash, but an external flash unit can be fitted when you need extra light.

The Features score of 57 reflects that mix: weather sealing, live view and the screen count in its favour, offset by the absence of touch control and Bluetooth.

A single SD, SDHC or SDXC slot handles storage. With no second slot, the camera provides no extra in-body card capacity, so carry enough card space for work you cannot repeat.

The LP-E6 battery is rated at 1090 shots, though this figure comes without stated test conditions, so expect real-world endurance to vary with live view and video use.

USB charging is unavailable, so plan battery charging between sessions. The camera uses the LP-E6 battery system, and a charged spare helps on longer outings.

The Storage & Battery score of 45 is modest, driven by the single slot and the absence of USB charging rather than by the battery itself.