The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is the newest full-frame DSLR released by the business. It is designed to appeal to experienced amateurs, enthusiasts, and professionals interested in purchasing a second Canon DSLR body. It comes equipped with the same 45-point autofocus system as the crop-sensor EOS 80D for viewfinder shooting and the brand-new 26-megapixel sensor with Dual Pixel technology for accurate autofocus when shooting in live view. The kit also includes a touchscreen that can be rotated in any direction, built-in Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities, and burst shooting at 6.5 frames per second.
It should not come as a surprise that the 6D Mark II improves upon the original in practically every regard given that it was released to the market more than five years after its predecessor was made available. Improvements have been made in resolution, focusing performance, burst shooting speed, video shooting, and even battery life.
Key Specs
- New CMOS full-frame sensor with 26 megapixels, dual pixel autofocus, and the ability to record 1080p video at 60 frames per second with in-lens and digital stabilization.
- AF system with 45 points of all-cross configuration
- Combined still and video capture using the camera’s Dual Pixel AF.
- ISO 100-40,000 (expandable to 102,400)
- Continuous filming at 6.5 frames per second (4.5 fps in Live View)
- 3 inches of touchscreen that is completely articulating
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi that supports NFC
- Built-in GPS
The first Canon EOS 6D and Nikon’s D600 are credited with kicking off the concept of an “entry-level” full-frame camera. This refers to a camera whose actual value lies in the sensor’s size, with a scaled-back feature set and body surrounding it. Of course, Nikon’s D600 also played a role in the conception of this type of camera.
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II brazenly takes after its predecessors in design and functionality. Its one-of-a-kind, 26-megapixel full-frame sensor is encased in a relatively plasticky (yet still weather-sealed) body, and it makes do with some compromises compared to its full-frame Canon kin. However, we should emphasize that this is to be expected given its substantial $1,300 discount in contrast to the 5D Mark IV.
In light of the $1,300 savings it offers in comparison to the EOS 5D Mark IV, one should anticipate having to make concessions.
A lower-spec autofocus system counters the bigger sensor inherited from the EOS 80D, a shutter mechanism that maxes out at 1/4000 second, and a lack of 4K video, to mention a few of the sacrifices made by the 6D II, which are much the same as those made by the 6D before it.
Five years is a long period in the market for digital cameras, and the competition has not been stagnant throughout this time. Therefore, the issue that has to be answered is: Has the 6D Mark II improved sufficiently?
However, it is not difficult to dispute that the 6D Mark II has a lot to offer, especially considering the price range at which it is provided. It is smaller and lighter than a 5D IV, its articulating screen makes it easier to work at odd angles, and most importantly, it is an affordable entry into the world of full-frame Canon glass and increased depth-of-field control in comparison to similarly priced cameras with smaller APS-C sensors. Additionally, it is an entry into the world of full-frame Canon glass.
Body & Handling
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is virtually identical to the Canon EOS 80D, although with a few extra bells and whistles. That indicates that even though it has a slightly plasticky texture, it has a sturdy feel. In addition, it is noticeably lighter than the EOS 5D Mark IV, which is a welcome change. It appears that Canon’s boasts of weather-sealing have some basis in reality, as the camera has sturdy covers over its ports and a gasket around the battery door. It is also important to mention that the 6D II is one of the DSLR cameras with a full frame that weighs the least and takes up the least amount of space currently available on the market.
It is hard to resist comparisons with the Canon 80D, as seen below because the rear panels of the two cameras are nearly identical. Because of how nicely the 80D handles, we may deduce that this is a positive development for the most part. However, if you are operating the camera while wearing gloves, the buttons may seem less responsive than usual, even though they all have enough travel.
The back dial and multi-controller are the primary points of contention for us regarding how the 6D II (and the 80D, for that matter) are held in our hands. The dial is working OK. However, the eight-way controller is a complete and utter failure. You are better off deactivating it and doing it the old-school Canon way if you manually shift your AF point. This is because subject tracking in the viewfinder isn’t one of the 6D II’s strong qualities, so it’s probable that you will be doing this. Instead, use the control dials, as well as the selection button that’s located next to the shutter button.
If you haven’t used older Canon DSLRs before, you might find that using this approach takes some time. However, you’ll find it’s relatively efficient after you’ve built up your muscle memory. Unfortunately, we have discovered that it is highly probable that you will miss photos while using the eight-way controller because it will refuse to respond to your commands. If only Canon had carried over the fantastic joystick from the 5D IV, this problem might have been avoided.
The EOS 6D Mark II handles well in live view mode, thanks mainly to the touchscreen and Dual Pixel technology it incorporates. Admittedly, it is less comfortable to hold at arm’s length than other cameras, like the EOS 77D, due to its larger size; nonetheless, the articulating touchscreen makes it simple to take photos when shooting from the hip.
The EOS 6D Mark II has a bigger viewfinder than the EOS 80D because the larger sensor requires a giant mirror, which allows for a larger viewfinder. This is a significant benefit of the 6D Mark II over the EOS 80D. In addition, there is space for the upgraded electronic level, which is significantly more precise than on Canon’s lower-end offerings; however, we do wish the viewfinder was 100 percent coverage: you may find that some unwanted objects are creeping into the edges of your images, even when you have carefully composed them.
Connectivity without wires or cables
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth with Near Field Communication (NFC) are included in the 6D Mark II, allowing for speedy and straightforward connection with Android devices. However, Bluetooth is somewhat pointless if you have an Apple iPhone because it can automatically pair your device with the camera when they are both turned on. However, you still need to manually initiate Wi-Fi in the settings or within the app to accomplish anything with Canon’s Camera Connect software.
It’s very smooth once you get Wi-Fi functioning (which might take a few tries, at least on my iPhone 6), but until then, you can have some trouble. You can remotely operate the 6D II and browse and download photographs from the camera. You may even use your finger to tap the display on your smartphone to activate the Dual Pixel tracking feature on the camera.
In Use
The Canon 6D Mark II has the responsiveness of a DSLR and a spec sheet that is rather well-rounded, and as a result, it appears to be well-suited to a range of jobs. So let’s get down to business and find out how it does compare to some of the more prevalent genres of photography.
Landscape
Landscape photographers will find that the Canon 6D Mark II is an excellent choice in many respects. Because this camera has a resolution of 26 megapixels, you will have no trouble zooming in on minute details or printing huge images. In addition, because it has been weather-sealed, it should withstand some rain or snow as long as the lens has been weather-sealed.
The battery life is excellent for a DSLR, which is great for long shots and exposures. Additionally, the touchscreen can be tilted, which makes it simple to use at strange angles when mounted on a tripod.
The full-frame sensor is perhaps the single most significant component. It enables using a wide range of high-quality wide-angle lens alternatives, ranging from prime to zoom lenses. In addition, specialty lenses, such as Sigma’s 14mm F1.8 and others like it, will come to life once they can offer the field of view intended for them on a larger sensor. Although many low-cost and entry-level comprehensive options are available for crop-sensor cameras, these options do not offer as much depth of field.
The dynamic range of the 6D II is weak at lower ISO settings, which will result in less flexibility in post-processing as well as photos that are noisier overall.
However, a few significant drawbacks exist to utilizing the 6D II for most of your landscape photography needs. If you’re hiking in the wilderness, you should know that there are solutions available for mirrorless cameras, which may help you make your gear more compact and lighter.
Last but not least, we have observed that the dynamic range of the 6D II is severely deficient at lower ISOs. This will lead to less flexibility in post-processing and photos that are significantly noisier overall. In fact, despite their more compact size, even Canon’s most recent APS-C sensors deliver superior performance in this area.
Is it possible to take landscape photographs with the Canon 6D Mark II? Just as you could do with a Nikon D5, which likewise has a limited dynamic range at lower ISO settings. If, on the other hand, you are an expert seeking the instrument that is most suited to this task, it is recommended that you search elsewhere.
Social
Whether you’re just taking photos of friends at a barbecue, covering an event, or even photographing a wedding, the 6D Mark II is a very responsive camera that will allow you to react quickly to changing social situations. This is true whether you’re just taking photos of friends at a barbecue or covering an event.
Even though we are concerned about the low ISO dynamic range performance, it still works quite well at higher ISO levels, which you might require in low-light situations or when you need to stop moving quickly with a fast shutter speed.
Suppose you decide to use the optical viewfinder rather than a live view. In that case, the burst speed of 6.5 frames per second should be sufficient for most scenarios, allowing you to capture the exact emotion or moment you want to remember.
If rapid burst shooting isn’t your thing, you can always switch to live view, which will significantly slow down your burst shooting, and then use Live View’s superb face identification capabilities. Simply toggling left or right on the directional pad lets, you quickly choose between several faces spotted inside a scene.
Before you go into the quiet shutter mode, the shutter is silent, making it even easier for you to blend in with your surroundings and be a fly on the wall.
The Canon EOS 6D Mark II has a well-implemented Wi-Fi system that includes Bluetooth. This makes it quite simple for users to transmit photographs to their friends, family members, or anyone they choose immediately after snapping a photo with the camera.
If you are not overly particular about post-processing your files before giving them off, it is a lovely touch that people enjoy very much. People will thank you for it.
The lack of a built-in flash is one of the features that social photography lacks. It is not a deal-breaker, and the performance of the 6D II at high ISO is quite decent, but it can be handy when time is of the essence.
The Canon 6D Mark II is a solid option for social photography. However, we recommend going into live view to achieving higher reliability while photographing off-center subjects and using lenses with larger apertures.
Action / Sports Related
People frequently consider Canon’s distinctive large, white telephoto lenses when considering photography, sports, and action since those lenses are white. However, if you’ve been shooting with an APS-C camera, switching to the Canon 6D Mark II, which has a full-frame sensor, will mean that you’ll have less reach than you’re used to, but in exchange, you’ll get better subject separation (blurrier backgrounds).
It should come as no surprise that the autofocus performance of the 6D Mark II while shooting via the viewfinder is quite close to that of the earlier EOS 80D, from which the technology was extracted; yet, it is still not very competitive in terms of absolute precision. In addition, the optical viewfinder has a relatively limited range of AF points, which restricts both the usability of the camera and the compositional possibilities available to the photographer.
When photographing sports in broad daylight, you could still discover that your camera’s restricted dynamic range makes it difficult for you to get the shots you want. However, when shooting in conditions with less available light or extremely rapid shutter speeds, which need higher ISO values, the image quality of the 6D Mark II is generally on par with that of its rivals.
When it comes to shooting sports and action, the 6D II leaves you with two alternatives that aren’t ideal to choose from.
The 6D Mark II has a mixed bag of results regarding subject tracking, which is when you select a topic and watch as the autofocus points continue to follow them. When using the viewfinder autofocus system, there is a short blackout period when the camera is operating at its maximum burst speed of 6.5 frames per second; however, the limited spread of the points may prove to be less than helpful, and the system still struggles with a string of out-of-focus shots in the middle of bursts.
Be aware that there is a perceptible delay between when you tap your target and when the camera begins to track it if you transition into live view to use the tap-to-track feature with Dual Pixel AF. This delay occurs when you switch to live view. After it has begun tracking a subject, it will adhere tenaciously to that subject for single pictures; but, when shooting in burst mode at ‘high’ speed in this mode, the camera will frequently just give up on focusing entirely, making the results embarrassingly poor.
If you switch to the lower-speed burst mode, the hit rate will still be respectable; however, the shooting speed will frequently dip to between 1 and 2 frames per second, which is far too slow to be truly useful.
The 6D Mark II only provides you with two alternatives that aren’t great. It is possible that it would make an excellent backup camera for a sports photographer who is already involved in the Canon ecosystem and a photographer who just infrequently has to capture moving objects. But if competition and excitement are what you live for, there are plenty of other, more satisfying possibilities available to you.
Travel
It might be argued that the 6D Mark II is neither a good nor a decent travel camera. Do you like to travel with something that you could forget is on your shoulder or something that can slide into a pocket? If you prefer the second option, you can stop reading right now: the 6D II is a full-size DSLR, and even if it’s light compared to a 5D IV or a Pentax K-1, it won’t be fair enough for you because it’s a full-frame camera.
If you don’t mind a touch of weight or love bigger cameras for their comfortable handles and ergonomics, the 6D Mark II has a lot going for it, and you should consider purchasing it.
Because it has wireless connectivity, you won’t have any trouble sending pictures out into the vastness of the Internet.
If you do not spend excessive time chiming your photographs or using the camera in live view, the battery should easily last multiple days of moderate to heavy use. In addition, the weather sealing should help it withstand unforeseen weather events no matter where in the world you are, and the fact that there is such a wide variety of great Canon-mount lenses is a pleasant added plus.
The built-in Wi-Fi will make it simple for you to distribute your photographs across the vastness of the Internet. The built-in GPS will ensure that you are never at a loss for determining the location of a picture, and it will be of great assistance when it comes to organizing your photographic collection. The plastic case looks sturdy, and our test device is entirely free of cracks; it should be able to shrug off a couple of knocks if you’re the kind of person who likes to be more adventurous.
When shooting at low ISOs, the Canon 6D Mark II has a somewhat narrow dynamic range, which should be kept in mind if you plan to take photos of sunrises or sunsets on your travels. Also, despite having a decent number of megapixels, the 6D II will produce images with a higher noise level in situations with a high contrast ratio than any of its immediate competitors.
Despite this, we think the 6D Mark II would make an excellent travel companion for the photographer who enjoys the improved ergonomics and grip comfort of using bigger cameras.
Video
Suggesting the Canon 6D Mark II to anyone interested in producing professional-quality videos is tough. It cannot record in 4K, consistent with most of Canon’s recent consumer products. To add insult to injury, the 1080p video quality is poor and lacks clarity. Finally, because there is no port for headphones, it is difficult to objectively evaluate the sound captured by either the device’s built-in microphones or an external one.
Curiously, Canon has eliminated the choice for All-I video compression and the ability to shoot in the MOV format, both of which are options on the previous model of the EOS 80D. Both of these options are available on the new EOS 80D.
On the other hand, using the 6D II to record smooth, steady, and focused film is straightforward for users who are not professional videographers. The controls on the touchscreen are excellent, including a tap-to-focus feature and the ability to track. In addition, the film looks nearly like it was shot with a glide cam thanks to the combination of in-lens and digital stabilization, and the colors are pleasant. As a result, the 6D Mark II is a good choice for taking casual pictures of day-to-day life and viewing those images on smaller devices such as tablets and smartphones.
Suppose you are interested in taking more formal portraits. In that case, the limited autofocus coverage through the viewfinder may pose a problem if you put your subject far enough off-center. Additionally, if you fall back on the “focus-and-recompose” method at wider apertures, it is possible that your issues will not be in focus. Since we’ve also seen some problems with the viewfinder’s ability to focus on the subject while using the viewfinder accurately, it’s recommended to go into live view whenever you are taking formal portraits or covering a paid event, just to be cautious.
If you decide to use the live view feature, though, the touchscreen can be tilted to simplify navigating the interface. In addition, it enables a shooting technique known as “shooting from the hip,” which, despite the relatively big size of the camera, can be a bit less obvious to onlookers. Finally, before you go into the quiet shutter mode, the shutter is silent, making it even easier for you to blend in with your surroundings and be a fly on the wall.
Quality of the Image
The actual world is full of various textures, colors, and details, which our test scene attempts to replicate. In addition, it features two illumination modes to witness the effect of different lighting circumstances.
The sharpening has a somewhat large radius when left at its default settings, adding visible emphasis to some edges at the price of the smallest detail (when viewed at 100 percent ).
You can fine-tune the sharpening’s radius, quantity, and threshold to meet your particular requirements, just as you would with any other Canon camera powered by Digic 7. Even better, you get in-camera Raw conversion, which enables you to export the same image using a variety of settings to assist you in determining which combination serves your needs the best. [For further clarification, see the following sentence.]
The noise reduction performs a fair job of keeping edge information at high ISOs, which means it does not wipe away detail as aggressively as the D750. On the other hand, the Canon camera’s outcome appears to have lost some of its definition when compared to the more straightforward and gritty output of the Pentax K-1 when the two sets of photographs are seen at the same size.
Unfiltered performance
Raw detail capture is on par with what you would anticipate from a camera with 26 million pixels. In addition, what appears to be a mild anti-aliasing filter defends against the more severe excesses of moiré, contributing just a minimal smoothing to the finest detail in return.
Even though it is an unpopular and more costly solution, Canon has made it because they believe it will lessen the likelihood of moiré compromising a critical photo. Admittedly, that isn’t nearly as classy as having an AA filter (or filter simulation) system that can be turned off. Still, it’s probably a safer option than completely removing it from the equation altogether.
At low ISO settings, the camera produces noise levels comparable to those of its competitors; nevertheless, the better resolution of the Pentax K-1 offers it a substantial detail advantage, despite the camera’s reduced size. As the ISO setting is increased, the 6D II maintains a performance equivalent to that of its contemporaries in more restricted exposures; it only falls far behind at the maximum settings.
The range of available energies
The dynamic range of the 6D II was the topic of a different essay we had previously written. However, this is our single most significant concern regarding the overall image quality of the EOD 6D II. When shot at a low ISO, the Raw files produced by the 6D II have a substantially smaller adjustment range than we are accustomed to seeing in modern cameras. This is because noise appears in the image at higher ISO settings.
This will most likely affect landscape photographers because they will probably be in high dynamic range scenes where they must bracket their exposures. However, it will affect anyone (including users of the EOS 80D) who has become accustomed to having a high degree of processing flexibility in their files.
Enhancement of JPEG images
The JPEG engine in the 6D Mark II allows users to control three facets of the camera’s sharpening: strength, fineness, and threshold. The strength setting determines the extent to which edges are stressed; the fineness setting determines how fine the highlighted detail is. Finally, the threshold setting determines the contrast level of the sharpening that will be applied.
We often put our studio scene through the Raw conversion process of Strength to obtain the balance we consider the best. The situation is immediately improved upon by decreasing the fineness to 1, which helps to bring out finer detail.
When done in this manner, the outcome is more nuanced, which opens up the possibility of boosting the Strength from 3 to 4. Finally, we discovered that decreasing the Threshold setting also helps bring out finer details. After examining some photographs taken with a higher ISO, we found that a set of 1 or 2 produces results that look better overall, even though the sharpening causes noise to become a little more noticeable.
An examinaStrengthautofocus
As previously mentioned, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is equipped with a 45-point all-cross-type focusing system directly inherited from the Canon EOS 80D. Unfortunately, because the camera comes with a smaller sensor and viewfinder, the distribution of AF points in the viewfinder of the 6D II is, to put it mildly, limited. You can get a comprehensive overview of it in our review of the EOS 80D, which can be found here.
This system is unquestionably an advancement on the old 6D, which included 11 AF points, only one of which was of the cross-type variety: the center point. Unfortunately, this central point on the original 6D was also the only point sensitive down to -3 EV for low-light shooting. Regrettably, this tradition has been carried over to the 6D II: all other surrounding issues are only liable to -0.5 EV. At the very least, the center point of the 6D II has been upgraded to a dual cross-type, which ought to result in improved accuracy.
When you switch to live view, you’ll use Canon’s Dual Pixel AF, which takes autofocus measurements from the image plane and covers approximately 64 percent of the frame (80 percent in each dimension). This autofocus system is typically accurate because it measures autofocus from the image plane. Unfortunately, as you will see, it only has a limited value when used with the 6D Mark II.
When you convert to a lesser burst speed for focus priority, you can only fire off images at 1-2 frames per second. This is because the continuous focusing performance during burst shooting at maximum speed in live view resulted in a poor hit rate.
It is important to note that the Canon EOS 6D Mark II has the same autofocus configuration parameters as the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. However, these parameters are scattered throughout a custom functions menu. Moreover, they do not include any ‘use-case’ presets, which users already familiar with high-end Canon cameras may be accustomed to.
The default settings and our attempt to emulate the parameters for ‘Case 4’ on the 5D IV (which are said to be optimal for unpredictable patients) were tested during our bike workout, but the default settings produced the most outstanding results.
When shooting a single moving subject in the viewfinder with continuous autofocus set to a single point, the 6D Mark II achieves an acceptable level of performance. However, as with the EOS 80D, we discovered that even if the hit rate is satisfactory, a sizeable portion of the captured shots are just a bit blurry, and a lesser proportion is unacceptably out of focus. This result may be deemed “good enough” by many individuals; nevertheless, additional solutions will consistently get a hit rate of one hundred percent on this examination.
Once more, we observe that the 6D II turns up a solid performance, but nothing particularly stands out. After modifying our weave pattern to account for the limited AF area in the viewfinder, we observed a way similar to the one observed during the straight-on test. Again, we achieve a respectable hit rate, but some of our photographs are slightly blurry, and some are inexcusably out of focus.
Again, this is a test that several rival cameras that are offered at comparable prices may easily pass. The approach that Canon employs for subject tracking through the optical viewfinder entails a “cloud” of AF points over our subject; yet, the subject’s “softness” shows that Canon has incorrectly judged the subject’s distance.
When we examined the camera’s AF locations, we found that they did an excellent job of following the rider. However, this implies that even while the camera can detect and track where the subject is located inside the frame, the autofocus mechanism cannot acquire focus rapidly enough during the burst or correctly estimate the subject’s pace of approach towards the camera.
Dual Pixel Autofocus
After viewing the results produced by some of Canon’s more recent cameras, such as the EOS 77D, we had high hopes that the 6D II would provide comparable results. But, unfortunately, we were left with a bitterly disappointing feeling.
We’ve noticed that Dual Pixel sometimes has trouble focusing on things far away, and the 6D II is no different. It was unusual for the camera to start the run with perfect focus on Dan. Although it improved outcomes after he drew closer to the camera, the focusing performance was still unreliable.
It is essential to note that we carried out this head-on test using the Continuous H burst speed on the 6D II. Once you make this selection in live view, the camera calls to this mode as “speed priority.” “focus priority” refers to what happens when the camera is set on Continuous L mode, drastically slowing the burst rate.
Currently, this activity is not a tough challenge, even for some of Canon’s other digital single-lens reflex cameras. After that, we had Dan begin the weaving, and…oh, no!
Trying to shoot in live view while using the “Speed Priority” shooting mode was a nightmare. After the first turn, the focusing box would lose track of our rider and sit there, with the camera sometimes attempting to reacquire him toward the run’s conclusion. This would happen as soon as the first turn occurred. This is a situation that should be avoided if at all possible.
However, we next tried the slower ‘focus priority’ burst setting in live view, which reduces the number of frames taken in a burst to between one and two per second.
Because Dual Pixel takes time to establish proper focus to the best of its ability before firing the shutter, we see a far more fantastic hit rate in this instance. Unfortunately, the burst rate averaged 1-2 fps with no consistency, so if you were expecting to shoot a burst of shots that would allow you to choose precisely the right moment, you’re out of luck. Unfortunately, this just isn’t very practical for moving objects.
Test of autofocus at close range and in dim light
For its test, we put the subjects in environments with lighting that is not exceptionally bright to simulate the experience of employing subject tracking in natural settings. So, first, let’s talk about the autofocus mechanism for the optical viewfinder.
Here, the Dual Pixel feature on the 6D II begins to make some sense. As long as you are not shooting in a burst mode, the camera will remain steadfastly focused on faces and subjects whenever you are in a scenario such as this one. As a result, dual Pixel makes it extremely simple to take casual photographs of people you know, such as your family and friends.
Canon EOS 6D Mark II Specifications
| Body type | Mid-size SLR |
|---|---|
| Body material | Magnesium alloy |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 6240 x 4160 |
| Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 26 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 27 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | DIGIC 7 |
| Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 100-40000 (expands to 50-102400) |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 50 |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 102400 |
| White balance presets | 6 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, normal |
| File format | JPEG (Exif v2.3)Raw (14-bit Canon CR2) |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View. |
| Autofocus assist lamp | No |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 45 |
| Lens mount | Canon EF |
| Focal length multiplier | 1× |
| Screen/viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Fully articulated |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,040,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder coverage | 98% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.71× |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Exposure modes | ProgramShutter priorityAperture priorityManual |
| Scene modes | PortraitGroup photoLandscapeSportsKidsPanningClose-upFoodCandlelightNight portraitHandheld night sceneHDR backlight control |
| Built-in flash | No |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe) |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/180 sec |
| Drive modes | SingleHigh-speed continuous low-speed continuous silent single silent continuous self-timer (10 sec/remote control)Self-timer (2 sec/remote control)Self-timer (continuous shooting) |
| Continuous drive | 6.5 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 secs) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedSpotPartial |
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±3 (3 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps) |
| Videography features | |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Modes | 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 60 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 30 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 12 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p / 30 Mbps, MP4, H.264, AAC1280 x 720 @ 60p / 26 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC1280 x 720 @ 30p / 4 Mbps, MOV, H.264, AAC |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (Mini-HDMI) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n + NFC + Bluetooth |
| Remote control | Yes (wired, wireless, or smartphone) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | LP-E6N lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 1200 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 765 g (1.69 lb / 26.98 oz) |
| Dimensions | 144 x 111 x 75 mm (5.67 x 4.37 x 2.95″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
| GPS | Built-in |
Final Verdict
After such a protracted period, the 6D Mark II must fill some giant shoes. The first generation of the 6D had things a little easier, as there was a less developed market at the time that was ready to overlook some of its flaws in exchange for a full-frame sensor in an affordable body. However, there have been some shifts in how things operate since then.
Indeed, practically every objective specification of the Canon EOS 6D Mark II has been improved upon when compared to its predecessor, yet, the retail price of the camera has not changed. As a result, it is very tough to see past all of the features that competitor cameras offer unless you are a Canon customer committed to the brand, already invested in a glass, and needs a cheap backup body.
The Nikon D750 costs the same as its predecessor but has almost the exact resolution, an increased dynamic range, and an autofocus technology that is far more advanced. Unfortunately, the same can be said regarding the Sony a7 II, even though this camera is ably priced.
The Pentax K-1 offers an exceptional bargain and superior build quality, distinctive and forward-thinking features such as Pixel Shift, and a significantly higher resolution. However, Dual Pixel AF is the only part that sets the EOS 6D II apart from its competitors. As it turns out, it is only of actual benefit with this camera while taking single images of slow-moving subjects or recording HD video.
Let there be no confusion: like many other cameras, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II can produce superb photos from an experienced photographer. However, even when considering all of Canon’s traditional benefits, such as excellent color, simplicity of operation for video capture, and a comprehensive lens ecosystem, the Canon 6D Mark II is lacking in too many areas for us to recommend it more than the other options. As a result, it does not merit our highest awards.
Canon EOS 6D Mark II Price
Canon EOS 6D Mark II FAQs
Is Canon 6D Mark II a good camera?
The Canon 6D Mark II is an excellent camera, particularly for photographers interested in full-frame DSLRs. The price, the features, and the image clarity it provides are all in perfect balance.
How old is the Canon 6D Mark II?
The Canon 6D Mark II was made available to the public for the first time in June 2017.
What is the lowest price of Canon 6D Mark II?
The Canon 6D Mark II can be purchased for as little as $1,200 to USD 1,500, with the lowest price point varying from retailer to retailer. However, this range is the most common one.
Is 6D Mark II a full-frame?
The Canon 6D Mark II is, in fact, a full-frame camera, which indicates that its sensor is the same size as that of a negative taken with a 35mm film camera.
Compared to smaller sensors, this enables the camera to have a broader range of view, a shallower depth of field, and improved performance in low light.
Is the Canon 6D Mark II good for night photography?
There is no doubt that the Canon 6D Mark II is an excellent choice for night photography due to its high highest ISO sensitivity (which can reach up to ISO 40,000) and its ability to concentrate in low light.
Its full-frame camera also helps capture more light, improving picture clarity when shooting in low-light conditions.
Is the Canon 6D Mark II waterproof?
Although not watertight, the Canon 6D Mark II is weather-sealed and can withstand dampness and dust. However, subjecting it to intense precipitation or thoroughly saturating it in water is not advised.
Is A Canon 6D Mark II good for Street Photography?
Yes, the Canon 6D Mark II is a viable option for street photography because it is small and lightweight for a full-frame camera, that it features a touchscreen LCD with a vari-angle design that makes it simple to frame shots from a variety of angles, and that it provides autofocus that is both quick and accurate.
In addition to this, its full-frame camera is capable of producing pictures of high quality, with a decent dynamic range and excellent performance in low light.