Forums > Photography Talk > Thoughts on Canon 6D?

Photographer

Steven Velasquez

Posts: 22

Corona, New York, US

Hi All, I'm looking to make the move to Full Frame from a Canon 7D. Unfortunately the Canon 5D Mark III is a bit out of my budget but from what I've researched the Canon 6D seems to have most of the bells and whistles with even a couple more that arent in the 5D.

Anyone own one? Can you share your thoughts? Thanks!

Apr 24 13 08:35 am Link

Photographer

Steven Barnhart

Posts: 6

Orlando, Florida, US

I purchased one a few months ago, upgraded from a Rebel T1i.

So far I'm pleased with it. Really crisp images, easy to navigate controls, the size is comfortable. A bit small compared to the 5DII/III and the 1D, but that just makes it easier for me to get it into positions I want.

I've yet to be able to use the WLAN features since my phone can't support the EOS App.

If you're into shooting any kind of street scenes the new silent shutter is good. It's not entirely silent, but it's barely audible over background noise.

Apr 24 13 09:53 am Link

Photographer

Laubenheimer

Posts: 9317

New York, New York, US

Scar Media NYC wrote:
Hi All, I'm looking to make the move to Full Frame from a Canon 7D. Unfortunately the Canon 5D Mark III is a bit out of my budget but from what I've researched the Canon 6D seems to have most of the bells and whistles with even a couple more that arent in the 5D.

Anyone own one? Can you share your thoughts? Thanks!

it's a wonderful camera. do it.

Apr 24 13 10:44 am Link

Photographer

ontherocks

Posts: 23575

Salem, Oregon, US

what's wrong with the 7D? seems like most people like it?

if you don't normally shoot in the dark or shoot sports, what about a 5D MK II? i handled the 6D in the store and preferred the ergonomic of my 5D MK II. i wouldn't mind having a 6D for dark churches and reception halls, though.

i tried a 5D MK III and it seemed like it would take a bit to get used to the new AF system (seemed quite complex) and the focus points didn't light up the same way on the III at least by default. it might be confusing having both a III and II at the same event (whereas the MK I and MK II are very similar in operation).

Apr 24 13 10:47 am Link

Photographer

Steven Velasquez

Posts: 22

Corona, New York, US

Steven Barnhart wrote:
I purchased one a few months ago, upgraded from a Rebel T1i.

So far I'm pleased with it. Really crisp images, easy to navigate controls, the size is comfortable. A bit small compared to the 5DII/III and the 1D, but that just makes it easier for me to get it into positions I want.

I've yet to be able to use the WLAN features since my phone can't support the EOS App.

If you're into shooting any kind of street scenes the new silent shutter is good. It's not entirely silent, but it's barely audible over background noise.

Great feedback thanks for the response !

Apr 24 13 10:51 am Link

Photographer

Steven Velasquez

Posts: 22

Corona, New York, US

Mark Laubenheimer wrote:
it's a wonderful camera. do it.

I think I may just have to! Thanks Mark.

Apr 24 13 10:52 am Link

Photographer

Steven Velasquez

Posts: 22

Corona, New York, US

ontherocks wrote:
what's wrong with the 7D? seems like most people like it?

if you don't normally shoot in the dark or shoot sports, what about a 5D MK II? i handled the 6D in the store and preferred the ergonomic of my 5D MK II. i wouldn't mind having a 6D for dark churches and reception halls, though.

i tried a 5D MK III and it seemed like it would take a bit to get used to the new AF system (seemed quite complex) and the focus points didn't light up the same way on the III at least by default. it might be confusing having both a III and II at the same event (whereas the MK I and MK II are very similar in operation).

Hello. The 7D is a wonderful camera but it definitely has it's limitations as far as resolution especially when we start talking about video. I guess I failed to mention that I do a lot of video production with my DSLR as well.

The 5D Mark III is an awesome camera I've rented but like I said it's just out of my budget at the moment.

The 5D Mark II is also a great camera but for video it doesn't support 60 frames which I tend to use a lot especially for slow motion shots.

The 6D seems to be a step in the right direction with Full Frame sensor and better resolution, low-light capabilities, etc at an affordable price.

Apr 24 13 10:56 am Link

Photographer

Steven Barnhart

Posts: 6

Orlando, Florida, US

The full-frame sensor is a great upgrade. But you'll find on a lot of your lenses when you shoot wide open you'll get more vignetting than on your 7D.

I've shot a single video with it so far. And it was in the dark, but the quality turned out great. A lot better than I would expect.

Make the jump, don't go for a product that's ten years old. The 5DII is a great camera, but there's no arguing that it's going to start showing it's age very soon.

Apr 24 13 11:02 am Link

Photographer

Marin Photo NYC

Posts: 7348

New York, New York, US

The 6D is a good deal. If it was out when I bought my 5DIII, I would have gotten it instead. There isn't a huge difference. I might pick one later on as a back up camera.

The major differences are the focal points - 5D has 61 and the 6D has 11.  The 6D is better with noise but not faster than the 5D shooting or focusing. A bit of a trade off, the price for both is a bit high either way.

I will add though I paid more for my 5D, I am extremely happy with it's performance. I have nothing to complain about. I wouildn't trade it for a 6D or anything else for that matter.

Apr 24 13 11:13 am Link

Photographer

Steven Velasquez

Posts: 22

Corona, New York, US

Steven Barnhart wrote:
The full-frame sensor is a great upgrade. But you'll find on a lot of your lenses when you shoot wide open you'll get more vignetting than on your 7D.

I've shot a single video with it so far. And it was in the dark, but the quality turned out great. A lot better than I would expect.

Make the jump, don't go for a product that's ten years old. The 5DII is a great camera, but there's no arguing that it's going to start showing it's age very soon.

Thanks for the feedback! Unfortunately I'll be having to sell a couple of lenses that won't be compatible anymore. Luckily I still have my nifty 50 and my cheap (relatively speaking) 17-40 L Lens. Anything else I may need in particular can rent easily in NYC for reasonably good prices. Can't wait to try it though. You guys are getting me excited! lol

Apr 24 13 12:40 pm Link

Photographer

Steven Velasquez

Posts: 22

Corona, New York, US

Marin Photography wrote:
The 6D is a good deal. If it was out when I bought my 5DIII, I would have gotten it instead. There isn't a huge difference. I might pick one later on as a back up camera.

The major differences are the focal points - 5D has 61 and the 6D has 11.  The 6D is better with noise but not faster than the 5D shooting or focusing. A bit of a trade off, the price for both is a bit high either way.

I will add though I paid more for my 5D, I am extremely happy with it's performance. I have nothing to complain about. I wouildn't trade it for a 6D or anything else for that matter.

Thanks for the feedback! Yeah the focal points are a huge difference but honestly I'm almost positive I can live without them. Especially for video where I shoot all manual anyway. I've worked with the 5D Mark III. Definitely a beautiful camera.. especially coupled with a nice Zeiss lens.. whew!

Apr 24 13 12:42 pm Link

Photographer

ThomasBlanchardFineArt

Posts: 231

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US

Moved from 5d II to 5diii recently.   Huge difference in low light focusing and the "better" focusing point options.   If I could not afford the iii I'd definitely would go 6d ... Newer technology behind it over the Mark ii at this point ... Which I still use as my back up.

Apr 24 13 02:30 pm Link

Photographer

robert b mitchell

Posts: 2218

Surrey, British Columbia, Canada

I have the 5D Mark 1 , the Mark II , and several of the other D models including the 60D. I prefer the 60D ove the Mark 5D II even with the full frame. Its lighter, I LOVE the swing out screen and the images seem  sharper in the screen too. Would not go 5D Mark III. I  think Canon blew that one! It isn't worth the money.

Apr 24 13 02:43 pm Link

Photographer

Nytetym

Posts: 66

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

I just purchased one, upgrading from the 60D so the controls are very familiar to me.  I love the full frame-y goodness & am very happy with how it's working on the couple shoots I've used it in.

The AF is a bit limiting compared to the Nikon but honestly for portraiture, I always tend to reposition after get focus anyway.  Otherwise, I find the images are crisp & the low light is amazing, being able to focus on a subject with only a crescent moon is stupid cool, no more using a flashlight to lock on in dark spaces.  Haha or was that just me?  smile

Apr 24 13 03:09 pm Link

Photographer

Ken Marcus Studios

Posts: 9421

Las Vegas, Nevada, US

Bought one a month ago and it's the best camera I've ever used

The extended ISO range is amazing !

Forget about shooting in available light . . . I'm now having more fun shooting in Available Darkness !

KM

Apr 24 13 03:24 pm Link

Photographer

Steven Velasquez

Posts: 22

Corona, New York, US

Ken Marcus Studios wrote:
Bought one a month ago and it's the best camera I've ever used

The extended ISO range is amazing !

Forget about shooting in available light . . . I'm now having more fun shooting in Available Darkness !

KM

Oh man that sounds awesome. Have you tried the video capabilities ?

Apr 24 13 05:07 pm Link

Photographer

S Jonas

Posts: 609

Amundsen-Scott - permanent station of the US, Unclaimed Sector, Antarctica

If it was able to take a CF card I'd have given it a chance.

Apr 24 13 05:16 pm Link

Photographer

San Francisco Nudes

Posts: 2910

Novato, California, US

Stephen Jonas wrote:
If it was able to take a CF card I'd have given it a chance.

That ship has sailed.

Apr 24 13 08:29 pm Link

Photographer

365 Digitals Exposed

Posts: 807

Perris, California, US

Apr 24 13 09:24 pm Link

Photographer

Steven Velasquez

Posts: 22

Corona, New York, US

Stephen Jonas wrote:
If it was able to take a CF card I'd have given it a chance.

That's the only reason? I don't mind the CF Cards. They're much cheaper and compact.

Apr 25 13 10:22 am Link

Photographer

Steven Barnhart

Posts: 6

Orlando, Florida, US

Scar Media NYC wrote:

That's the only reason? I don't mind the CF Cards. They're much cheaper and compact.

The lack of CF card isn't a big deal, but keep in mind you only have a single slot for an SD card. Means you gotta go big if you plan on doing longer shoots and don't want to have to swap out.

And regarding your lenses, I suggest keeping them and use your 7d as a backup. Never hurts to be prepared. Or getting that little extra distance out of a crop-sensor.

Apr 25 13 12:30 pm Link