Shooting With the EOS 6D Part 2: Costa Rica

[verysimplejason]

Hi, thanks for your review and comments.
I think that internet camera specs cause many to look at camera and figures and judge purely on those numbers. In my opinion, it's how a camera performs is more important. A good camera is more than the sum of it's parts. For years I have used a 5DII to good effect, using the single point and recompose method and eg-s view screen. Who needs 61 points when a really good central point and a bit of honed skill work great.

When I looked over the 6D's specs I thought to myself that many photographers will dismiss this fab camera purely on paper specs, which is a pity because I think that often a "back to basics" approach can re-awaken one's photography. A good photo always takes a bit of effort, having a machine which causes one to work at a photo I think is a good thing and helps one to pick their shots and not the all too often seen "pray and spray" approach of the modern generation.
This camera appeals for it's small size, price point and unencumbered features list. I hear what the reviewer says about lens balance with f2.8 zooms. Might I suggest the new 24-70 f4 L IS and 70-200 f4 L IS would be a better suit? Or even the fantastic (and sorely misunderstood) 70-300 L IS.

Quite funny.

I specify that this is not a personal attack to the author I quoted, and that I'm quite sure the 6D is capable of delivering outstanding IQ.

There's one thing that I would like to highlight though.

I remember the time when the D800 proved to have better IQ than the 5D3. Back then many many people swore that a camera is not just the sensor, and that the 5D3's ruggedness and superior AF were unexpendable and very well worth the premium over the D800. They even threw in the rear LCD, just as icing on the cake.

Now the same people say the 6D is a great camera because the sensor's IQ is all you should care about. One-point AF? Not a tragedy. Plasticky construction? It's called light weight. Poor performance? Well, it encourages people to be more interactive with their photography. No fun if the camera does all the effort of focusing at things.

Now I wonder how it would be if the D600 and 6D's specs were swapped... if people would have the same opinion about this camera once the Canon engraving had been removed.

I think not.

I think what makes a Canon camera a Canon isn't because of just name but because of its fabulous L lenses and even the non-L gold ring lenses (very good primes).  6D isn't plasticky as some here would want to portray.  It still has a magnesium alloy body with it's top made of durable polycarbonate material.  Do we need another debate on what's more important (lens or body)?  The primary reason I'm into Canon system is due to its lenses.  I'm not kidding myself that currently, to think otherwise that Nikon has sensors but as many of us experienced, bodies come and go but lenses will always be the consistent factor in taking pictures.  That's why investing in lenses rather than bodies is the wisest course to take.

And no, if the Canon trademark is removed, that means the body can't take Canon lenses so most probably, a lot of Canon users won't even consider it.

[webphoto]

I think what makes a Canon camera a Canon isn't because of just name but because of its fabulous L lenses and even the non-L gold ring lenses (very good primes).  6D isn't plasticky as some here would want to portray.  It still has a magnesium alloy body with it's top made of durable polycarbonate material.  Do we need another debate on what's more important (lens or body)?  The primary reason I'm into Canon system is due to its lenses.  I'm not kidding myself that currently, to think otherwise that Nikon has sensors but as many of us experienced, bodies come and go but lenses will always be the consistent factor in taking pictures.  That's why investing in lenses rather than bodies is the wisest course to take.

And no, if the Canon trademark is removed, that means the body can't take Canon lenses so most probably, a lot of Canon users won't even consider it.

+1

The 6D doesn’t feel cheap. Below is a link to a picture of the 6D body. It has Magnesium alloy body and the top cover is Polycarbonate. The top cover is not metal because of the WiFi/GPS communications.

http://www.engadget.com/gallery/canon-eos-6d-hands-on/5290674/

[Albi86]

My premise was that the 6D is capable of very good IQ - as the 5D2 already was 4 years ago. There's really no surprise about that, being a well-established technology.

What concerns me is how users' opinions vary awfully depending on the brand. In the numerous 5D3 vs D600/D800 debates, Nikon cameras where found faulty exactly in those segments in which the 6D is even faultier (e.g. AF, weather sealing, build quality, etc). All those valid arguments - apparently - no not apply to products with Canon branding. On top on that, the 6D cannot compensate with cutting edge sensor performance and it's a full 300€ more expensive than the D600.

All my favourite lenses are 3rd party (except the 135/2), so I very much don't care about the brand of my body. I'm still undecisive whether to buy a 5D3 or a D600, but if it was D600 or 6D, I would really have very few doubts. Considering the 6D is mainly aimed at crop-upgraders, I'm really dubious about what the concrete reasons for not switching system are.

[Dylan777]

<p>I still don’t like the EF 24-70 f/2.8L II on the EOS 6D. Mainly because of the bulk of the lens compared to the body. The results are terrific, it just doesn’t balance well.

I played with the 6D for 2 days, from 1st patch copies....I shared the same thoughts with CRs members about the 6D chassis with L lenses. Some members didn't take it very well. They thought I was being negative on the 6D over 5D III. Especially people from crop to 6D....oh well

Still...it's a great FF entry camera

Handled one with battery grip, it feels much better even with a heavy lens like a 100mm macro usm.  If I eventually buy it, i'll be sure to add a battery grip immediately.  Try it... You might like it.

I haven't try with battery grip yet...will keep that in mind. Thanks

[RC]

Awesome window shot!

[verysimplejason]

My premise was that the 6D is capable of very good IQ - as the 5D2 already was 4 years ago. There's really no surprise about that, being a well-established technology.

What concerns me is how users' opinions vary awfully depending on the brand. In the numerous 5D3 vs D600/D800 debates, Nikon cameras where found faulty exactly in those segments in which the 6D is even faultier (e.g. AF, weather sealing, build quality, etc). All those valid arguments - apparently - no not apply to products with Canon branding. On top on that, the 6D cannot compensate with cutting edge sensor performance and it's a full 300€ more expensive than the D600.

All my favourite lenses are 3rd party (except the 135/2), so I very much don't care about the brand of my body. I'm still undecisive whether to buy a 5D3 or a D600, but if it was D600 or 6D, I would really have very few doubts. Considering the 6D is mainly aimed at crop-upgraders, I'm really dubious about what the concrete reasons for not switching system are.

If you have bought your favorite third party lenses already, then I guess you'll care very much for the brand of your body.  If not, then that's the only time you're open to switching systems.  Even third party lenses have their own separate mounts for different systems.  6D is only more expensive in Europe but not in Asia.  In Asia, some deals for the 6D are entirely better than D600.  Even if you found some offering a better deal for D600, you just need to wait a little bit and you can be sure you'll be finding similar deals for 6D.  Build quality and weather sealing of 6D is comparable with 5D3.  You'll only find the top part of 6D lacking in durability compared to 5D3 due to its being made of polycarbonate and not of magnesium alloy.  If you want better sealing, then you have to go for 1D bodies.  AF wise, 6D isn't for sports.  D600 is better for sports though not much.  I'll still vote for 5D3 if you want an all-rounder camera body.  D800 is a very good camera but versatility-wise, 5D3 is still the best out there.

[RustyTheGeek]

I took the 5D3 and 6D to a youth all night lock-in event recently.  Bowling, Laser Tag and old gym at a church.  In general, very low light.  I used the 6D much more than the 5D3 because the 6D would focus and take pictures quickly in all lighting conditions.  In addition, the pictures look better.  The 5D3 is not a bad camera but it isn't that good in low light.  That's just a fact.  The 6D runs circles around it in low light.

I haven't had time to finish post work on the pictures but I throw a few up soon.

Happy New Year coming soon!

[Albi86]

My premise was that the 6D is capable of very good IQ - as the 5D2 already was 4 years ago. There's really no surprise about that, being a well-established technology.

What concerns me is how users' opinions vary awfully depending on the brand. In the numerous 5D3 vs D600/D800 debates, Nikon cameras where found faulty exactly in those segments in which the 6D is even faultier (e.g. AF, weather sealing, build quality, etc). All those valid arguments - apparently - no not apply to products with Canon branding. On top on that, the 6D cannot compensate with cutting edge sensor performance and it's a full 300€ more expensive than the D600.

All my favourite lenses are 3rd party (except the 135/2), so I very much don't care about the brand of my body. I'm still undecisive whether to buy a 5D3 or a D600, but if it was D600 or 6D, I would really have very few doubts. Considering the 6D is mainly aimed at crop-upgraders, I'm really dubious about what the concrete reasons for not switching system are.

If you have bought your favorite third party lenses already, then I guess you'll care very much for the brand of your body.  If not, then that's the only time you're open to switching systems.  Even third party lenses have their own separate mounts for different systems.  6D is only more expensive in Europe but not in Asia.  In Asia, some deals for the 6D are entirely better than D600.  Even if you found some offering a better deal for D600, you just need to wait a little bit and you can be sure you'll be finding similar deals for 6D.  Build quality and weather sealing of 6D is comparable with 5D3.  You'll only find the top part of 6D lacking in durability compared to 5D3 due to its being made of polycarbonate and not of magnesium alloy.  If you want better sealing, then you have to go for 1D bodies.  AF wise, 6D isn't for sports.  D600 is better for sports though not much.  I'll still vote for 5D3 if you want an all-rounder camera body.  D800 is a very good camera but versatility-wise, 5D3 is still the best out there.

I agree with you, but I often hear that people stick with Canon for the lenses, and that this makes them overlook on possible better deals from other manufacturers. What I meant is that my favourite lenses are available in different mounts, so I'm not as bound from  this point of view

[Hobby Shooter]

My premise was that the 6D is capable of very good IQ - as the 5D2 already was 4 years ago. There's really no surprise about that, being a well-established technology.

What concerns me is how users' opinions vary awfully depending on the brand. In the numerous 5D3 vs D600/D800 debates, Nikon cameras where found faulty exactly in those segments in which the 6D is even faultier (e.g. AF, weather sealing, build quality, etc). All those valid arguments - apparently - no not apply to products with Canon branding. On top on that, the 6D cannot compensate with cutting edge sensor performance and it's a full 300€ more expensive than the D600.

All my favourite lenses are 3rd party (except the 135/2), so I very much don't care about the brand of my body. I'm still undecisive whether to buy a 5D3 or a D600, but if it was D600 or 6D, I would really have very few doubts. Considering the 6D is mainly aimed at crop-upgraders, I'm really dubious about what the concrete reasons for not switching system are

I think you should buy a D600.