Different strokes I guess, also, everyone looking at these bodies has their own needs to fill. For me, I have a mk3 so this would be a backup body. Yeah, the price difference isn't that huge (in the sticker at least, it's closer to $1200 difference after tax though). To me, that is the cost of a 135 f2L. If your on a mk2 looking to upgrade though, then yeah the 6d may not be as big of a leap as you want. But if your on a 60D, then just the FF sensor alone is reason to buy! Different strokes!
And if you're an a 50d? That's what I am and I feel that the 6d would be a downgrade in several ways:
- Maximum shutter speed
- Flash sync speed
- AF-Point distribution across the viewfinder
- Ergonomics (the joystick is missing, so I cannot switch AF points easily)
- Burst rate
- SD instead of CF cards
That's why I am still not sure how my "way to FF" should look like. If the 6d specs were similiar to those of the Nikon d600 I think my decision would be clear. But now I think I will go 5dMk2 (which is still much cheaper than 6d when bought used), so Canon won't be seeing any of my money.
In fact, IMO already the 60d was a downgrade from the great 50d in several ways (worse ergonomics + missing AFMA coming into my mind).
the d600isn't really that much better, at least according to the list you give --
- Maximum shutter speed - 1/4000 on both d600 and 6d
- Flash sync speed - 1/180 on 6d, 1/200 on d600, not a huge difference
- AF-Point distribution across the viewfinder---- see links
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dojoklo/8001132878/#sizes/m/in/photostream/ - 6d
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dojoklo/8000274878/#sizes/m/in/photostream/ - d600
more points but they cover the same area - the d600 does have more cross points though - Ergonomics (the joystick is missing, so I cannot switch AF points easily)
I can't make any statements to how the 6d feels. But, if you are used to canon nikon will feel foreign and backwards to you. And at least for me, on both my 7d and the mk3, i usel the wheel and dial as opposed tothe joystick anyway... - Burst rate the 6d is a little slower, but unless your shooting fast moving stuff like sports its not an issue. I am guessing this is the case because you worry about the flash sync speed, and if your using off cam flash then you don't want to be on high speed anyways
- SD instead of CF cards I'll give you that, i'd rather have CF cards, but, SD is cheap so there is that!
From the sound of your list, your upgrade path seems to be a step up from either of these bodies. The mk3 would cover your list of worries and then some! And so would the d800 if your not too invested in glass. And if money is the issue either of those bodies won't fit the budget, then its a matter of compromise. I still contend that anyone on a XXD (sorry, i only said 60d because its the latest XXD series body) body would be blown away by the capabilities of any FF sensor (I would bet a 5d2 would would blow your mind too!)
I agree with you on the downgrade re: 50d to 60d. Remember though, when the 50D came out there was no 7d. Many of the goodies from the 50d went to the 7d, leaving the 60d to be more of a consumer body.
Last thing to say - "But now I think I will go 5dMk2 (which is still much cheaper than 6d when bought used), so Canon won't be seeing any of my money." Part of me says go for it, the 5d2 is a great camera! Then I see that other part, the Canon won't be seeing any of my money" - get real man! Used or new, if you hate canon that much then go switch - I am so sure nikon is so much more benevolent. Remember, even used you ae supporting them (hell, thats one of the reasons they make high quality bodies, even a used sale gets you into the family as it were, now come see our lenses and flashes!). Yeah, sigma and tamron make a couple good things, but there will always be a few you end up coming back home for. Used, yup, someone down the line bought it new. and that someone is most likely upgrading. Lets say you snag that mk2, but the person selling it was waiting for that to sell to buy a 1dx. You just helped them give money to canon. And then theres the viral effect, whenever you shoot people will see that your using a canon. If your images rock they will say, wow, i want what he has, a canon!
So if you really have that much of a bug up your but against canon, then buying one even used is still supporting them! Good luck making your decision!