Comparing 6D with 5D3

[neuroanatomist]

One thing no one has mentioned so far, but might be relevant for some users.  The 5DIII does not have a user-replaceable focus screen, but the 6D does - and it's compatible with the Eg-S super precision screen (whereas even the 1D X is not metering compatible with the corresponding Ec-S).

This is not true. Adapted screens can be fitted to the 5D Mark III by simply removing two small screws. There are a limited number of suppliers for the screens that, while not as easy to replace as in the 1Dx, or in fact the consumer APS-C devices, take no more than ten minutes to swap.

Perhaps I should have been more clear.  I'm sure there are users out there who can field strip a 1D IV down to it's component parts and put it back together in perfect working order with all sealing intact.  Canon considers the focus screen on the 5DIII to be not user replaceable.  User replaceable screens are designed to seat properly when inserted into the slot (granted, they don't always), whereas if you swap a non-replaceable screen yourself, you may need to shim it, etc.  Not saying it can't be done, just that it may not be so easy for the casual user.  On the 5DII, I could swap in the Eg-S in little more time than it took to mount the 85L II, and swap back in the Eg-A stock screen when I switched to the 100-400mm.  Two screws and '10 minutes' would be a bigger inertial barier to using the appropriate screen.

[Act444]

Played around with a 5D3 at the store yesterday for a few minutes. Probably shouldn't have done that- couldn't put the thing down! 

Coming from a 60D, this just seems like a whole new world of camera. But I was most impressed with the FF IQ. Notably cleaner at high ISOs...and seems like the FF sensor tends to be better than 1.6x at capturing minute details?

Makes me more intrigued by the 6D, if the quality can hold up...then again, probably wouldn't be a TRUE upgrade from a 60D besides the sensor (and still spending nearly 2K, come on). 60D will probably stick around in that case.

If 5D3 price falls into high $2000s/good deals arise, perhaps the temptation to go "all out" will be there...only thing that sucks would be having to give up the 17-55 (for a 24-70 + lose IS), great lens...

[Botts]

I've been trying to research the difference between a 97% and 100% viewfinder.

Could someone point me to a diagram of a viewfinder and the differences between each?  The 7D has a 100% viewfinder.

What would I be losing going to a 97% coverage?

[architect]

AF Center Point:   -3 vs. –2 EV   = 6D is 33% more sensitive in low light

EV, like stops, is log₂.  So, not 33% more sensitive, the 6D works in half as much light.

But of the two, I'd still pick the 5DIII.

Am I reading it wrong? The 6D performs better in half the light of MKIII is able to do??? What does that mean exactly? Focusing in low light? 

[neuroanatomist]

Am I reading it wrong? The 6D performs better in half the light of MKIII is able to do??? What does that mean exactly? Focusing in low light? 

Yes, AF (with the center point and an f/2.8 or faster lens) is possible in half as much light with the 6D as with the 5DIII/1D X.  In theory, based on specs - whether that holds true in practice remains to be seen.

[RLPhoto]

The Real comparison should be if the 6D is worth the $$$ over the MK2. 

[architect]

Am I reading it wrong? The 6D performs better in half the light of MKIII is able to do??? What does that mean exactly? Focusing in low light? 

Yes, AF (with the center point and an f/2.8 or faster lens) is possible in half as much light with the 6D as with the 5DIII/1D X.  In theory, based on specs - whether that holds true in practice remains to be seen.

That makes a huge difference. I don't shoot sports but lots of candid in-motion people. I'm just use to using center point focus on everything I do in low light situations. Now I wonder if I really need all the extra AF points for from the MKIII if the 6D center point is actually that much better and what I'm use to. I never had good enough AF on any of my previous cameras so I just learned to only use center.

[neuroanatomist]

That makes a huge difference. I don't shoot sports but lots of candid in-motion people. I'm just use to using center point focus on everything I do in low light situations. Now I wonder if I really need all the extra AF points for from the MKIII if the 6D center point is actually that much better and what I'm use to. I never had good enough AF on any of my previous cameras so I just learned to only use center.

I suppose it depends on what you're used to.  The 5DII center point AF is spec'd to -0.5 EV (2.5-stops brighter than the -3 EV of the 6D), and with my 5DII, I was able to AF with an f/5.6 lens with netered exposure of 1/80 s at ISO 25,600...so, I'm not sure where I'd need the extra 2.5 stops...

[Marsu42]

so, I'm not sure where I'd need the extra 2.5 stops...

I remember shooting in Egyptian tombs where no flash is allowed to be mounted, and thus you cannot even use the af focus pattern :-> ... but really, the -3ev seems to be more of an excuse to tell people why the af system has to be so much dumbed down in comparison to the 5d3/d600.

Generally I'd say don't look a gift horse in the mouth, but only @$2099 it's not really a gift.

[architect]

Sounds like I should get buy a MK II

The MKII still floats around 1600~ used here in Toronto, Canada. Harder decision.

[bdunbar79]

That makes a huge difference. I don't shoot sports but lots of candid in-motion people. I'm just use to using center point focus on everything I do in low light situations. Now I wonder if I really need all the extra AF points for from the MKIII if the 6D center point is actually that much better and what I'm use to. I never had good enough AF on any of my previous cameras so I just learned to only use center.

I suppose it depends on what you're used to.  The 5DII center point AF is spec'd to -0.5 EV (2.5-stops brighter than the -3 EV of the 6D), and with my 5DII, I was able to AF with an f/5.6 lens with netered exposure of 1/80 s at ISO 25,600...so, I'm not sure where I'd need the extra 2.5 stops...

At night when you're taking pictures inside your....................VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER!

[CatfishSoupFTW]

id stick with the mrk3. Im hopefully making such a purchase soon, and the 6D is kinda cool spec wise, but I dunno, for me, the better build, the feel, the AF, 100 percent viewfinder and weather sealing is real nice. oh and dual cards is real nice. I would imagine that the video could be better. the extra fps would be real nice too. an extra added punch. as nice as the 6D would be especially from your xsi upgrade (im on a 40D still) then either would initially feel amazing, but id go mrk3. especially because its older brother, mrk2 had such a history.

[RC]

Don't forget ergonomics and button layout.   Myself coming from a 7D, it would be awkward going to the smaller joystick less 6D.   Personally I like the larger body, even the 60D feels a bit small. 

Personally I think the joystick is a con.  The setup on the 6D is just like the 60D and I loved it.  Once I went to my 7D, I was disappointed.  You have to constantly switch back and forth between the pad and joystick.

I guess it's whatever you are use to.  I was playing with a 60D in a shop trying to simulate what a 6D might feel like.  I found the inner Multi-controller inside the Quick Control Dial extremely awkward, but that is because I'm use to the 7D's joystick.  It was hard for me to navigate without pressing the Set button.  I'm sure with practice and time, either can be efficient although my bias prefers the joystick by a long shot.

[Marsu42]

It was hard for me to navigate without pressing the Set button.  I'm sure with practice and time, either can be efficient although my bias prefers the joystick by a long shot.

Given the mediocre af system of the 60d/6d there's really no pressing need for a joystick to select af points, and to zoom around the preview imho the multicontroller is ok. So that wouldn't be the reason no to buy the 6d for me, it's simply "too little (features) for too much (money)".

[Nishi Drew]

One thing that isn't talked of so much is how much life one can expect from the shutter of a 6D. I expect a cheap build, and the 1/180 sync is telling of a cheaper shutter, so how durable it is will determine the 6D as pro worthy or just an FF rebel.