Review: Canon EOS 6D Mark II by DPReview

[jeffa4444]

Very disappointing AF performance which is the case with even 80d.

I would take that with a big pinch of salt - DPR have a long history of not knowing how to use Canon AF. Rishi has been on here before saying they use the Canon AF in the same way they do the testing with Nikon AF and quite few have called him out on this.
I am not saying the 6D2 AF is fantastic, just that DPR history does not give me much confidence in what they write.

I think, DPR staff knows Canon AF stuff which needs user input for starting focus point when all focus points activated otherwise it picks focus point with nearest contrast/object. No option with Canon to pick face and track in view finder like Nikon 3D tracking which is a big feature for DPR staff. They even mentioned this 3d tracking in their recent Nikon d3400 vs sl2 article even with their 11 focus point system.

They reviewed lot of Canon cameras recently. Like 80d, all focus point servo tracking struggled to keep up with subject face. Unlike recent rebels and 80d, live view tracking also bad on 6d2. DPR is pretty big on live view tracking which also fits their mirror less and face tracking expectations). They praised recent rebels for their live view servo tracking. 6D2 live view servo tracking went back to M2.

I'm leaving this afternoon for a long weekend at a lake resort out of town. I'm really looking forward to spending some more time with the 6D2. However with that said, so far I've found the AF to be spot on. Algorithms continue to get tweaked and improved, and processing power goes up with each camera. The 6D2 has no issue crunching the data it receives from it's focus points and continuously moves among them effortless as it tracks a subject. While it doesn't have the fancy/smancy iRGB size metering sensor in the 5D/7D/1D, the modest one they DID put in the 6D2 appears to have improved tracking as well.

The 6D2 is a evolutionary upgrade over the 6D, essentially the same or a little better in every way, except one area, AF tracking. It is a night and day difference between the two.

And I'm sure your return with shots your be more than happy with as I did this weekend shooting on my 6D MKII. Better to use a tool than discuss it and never have used it thinking your an expert because you believe everything in the press or on blogs.

 

[BillB]

For people thinking that FF is an "upgrade", it's only an upgrade if you buy all the accompanying glass, which is an order of magnitude more expensive. If you cheap out on the glass, it's a waste of time.

You're thinking in terms of zooms. 40mm, 50 mm, 85/1.8, 100/2 etc are relatively "cheap" glass but excel on FF.

Agreed, while this forum gives most the attention to the L glass when we get to full frame status, most of the "consumer" primes from Canon are very excellent pieces of glass, and quite affordable (in comparison) to boot!

Fair points. On ther other hand, Canon has done a very impressive job of developing high quality, quite inexpensive, if slowish, EF-S and EF-M zooms over a wide range. Matching that capability at the EF level could get a little pricy.

 

[tomscott]

Here is my initial impressions of shooting the 6DMKII

http://www.canonrumors.com/forum/index.php?topic=33212.msg680597#msg680597

 

[Jopa]

Very disappointing AF performance which is the case with even 80d.

I would take that with a big pinch of salt - DPR have a long history of not knowing how to use Canon AF. Rishi has been on here before saying they use the Canon AF in the same way they do the testing with Nikon AF and quite few have called him out on this.
I am not saying the 6D2 AF is fantastic, just that DPR history does not give me much confidence in what they write.

I think, DPR staff knows Canon AF stuff which needs user input for starting focus point when all focus points activated otherwise it picks focus point with nearest contrast/object. No option with Canon to pick face and track in view finder like Nikon 3D tracking which is a big feature for DPR staff. They even mentioned this 3d tracking in their recent Nikon d3400 vs sl2 article even with their 11 focus point system.

They reviewed lot of Canon cameras recently. Like 80d, all focus point servo tracking struggled to keep up with subject face. Unlike recent rebels and 80d, live view tracking also bad on 6d2. DPR is pretty big on live view tracking which also fits their mirror less and face tracking expectations). They praised recent rebels for their live view servo tracking. 6D2 live view servo tracking went back to M2.

I'm leaving this afternoon for a long weekend at a lake resort out of town. I'm really looking forward to spending some more time with the 6D2. However with that said, so far I've found the AF to be spot on. Algorithms continue to get tweaked and improved, and processing power goes up with each camera. The 6D2 has no issue crunching the data it receives from it's focus points and continuously moves among them effortless as it tracks a subject. While it doesn't have the fancy/smancy iRGB size metering sensor in the 5D/7D/1D, the modest one they DID put in the 6D2 appears to have improved tracking as well.

The 6D2 is a evolutionary upgrade over the 6D, essentially the same or a little better in every way, except one area, AF tracking. It is a night and day difference between the two.

AF tracking on the 6D MK II is pretty good. I used it two days ago on some speedy waterboats. I experienced some limitation of the buffer. Very fast it is full (slowing down). That could happen in a moment I really need some more shots. But knowing this limitation, I need to carefull look when to press and not. Otherwise I really like this camera. It is very nice to use and I did some nice shots


Skyline Rotterdam by Thornmill Images, on Flickr

Superb picture. But according to DPR you couldn't have taken this with your 6d2, so you must be cheating / patching exif. It's a Sony camera for sure!

Seriously people, why you read / care / repost DPR?

 

[Jack Douglas]

@ soloyc I have essentially the same experience. I really like the upgrades and so sold my 6D but it has been a fun, smallish camera that gave me roughly 35 000 photos without a hiccup.

@ neuro Yes I read CR for the humour or humor and often yours is the best. Sad that many can't comprehend that. ;D

BTW, it really is an encouragement hearing a compliment like that. For me photography is about fun and luck with the shutter button. If one is persistent enough then one will get the odd great photo and quite a few decent ones. I generally don't post shots that I know don't cut it technically.

At this moment I am a fan of the 400DO F4 II since its 800 hand held Milly Meaters is a blast. Guess who makes the lens! Guess that makes me a Canonfanman (I'm elderly).

Jack

 

[Jack Douglas]

@ testthewest I'm not surprised. You totally missed my point. I don't disagree with what you're saying, rather I was merely pointing out the slant/style/bias/perspective that DPR takes when reviewing a Canon product. Sure, it's there prerogative to do so but then when one of their staff comes on CR and argues until he's blue in the face that they aren't biased, well it simply provides more humour. It was quality humour but kind of sad. Seems they think that a master's or PhD in some technical field makes them good "reviewers".

I stand by my statement; if this review was a sample in a university course dealing with how to construct a review it would be there as a "bad example". Does bias or poor construction make it useless? No, but reader beware.

Jack

 

[candyman]

<snip picture>

Superb picture. But according to DPR you couldn't have taken this with your 6d2, so you must be cheating / patching exif. It's a Sony camera for sure!

Seriously people, why you read / care / repost DPR?

Thank Jopa. I enjoy every minute of my......6D MK II camera

 

[SecureGSM]

well, you need PHD degree for that. so...

@ neuro Yes I read CR for the humour or humor and often yours is the best. Sad that many can't comprehend that. ;D

Jack

 

[Yasko]

I'm pretty sure the 6D mk II is a reasonable upgrade for a 70D shooter like me.
But I am not looking on upgrading just now. May be when there is a deal around 1500 somewhere the next years...
but realistically seen, the 6D mk II is just that kind of a camera that has me out on a limb waiting for a FF mirrorless from Canon ... or something else that will make me upgrade.

Until then I am happy to have a 70D. Another APS-C is not an option for me. I am into gear and "bells & whistles", but not that much that I want to afford another APS-C camera that really doesn't give me that FF look.

 

[woodman411]

@ testthewest I'm not surprised. You totally missed my point. I don't disagree with what you're saying, rather I was merely pointing out the slant/style/bias/perspective that DPR takes when reviewing a Canon product. Sure, it's there prerogative to do so but then when one of their staff comes on CR and argues until he's blue in the face that they aren't biased, well it simply provides more humour. It was quality humour but kind of sad. Seems they think that a master's or PhD in some technical field makes them good "reviewers".

I stand by my statement; if this review was a sample in a university course dealing with how to construct a review it would be there as a "bad example". Does bias or poor construction make it useless? No, but reader beware.

Jack

Agreed, the dp-review was half-hearted and biased, I've stopped reading their site and forums

 

[Adelino]

I think it was a pretty fair score. Good camera, but not award worthy.

I view this as mostly Canon saying that the 6d was too close a competitor to the 5D3, and they didnt want similar with the 6D2 vs the 5DIV. Fair enough, but as a result I choose neither at this stage.

If they had named it the 8D or 9D would people better accept the feature separation?

Good point, I think so actually, if it meant that there would be another body between the new 8D and the 5D, a more worthy 6D successor. I'm still hoping a middle model (your alluded to 8D?) will be announced the sooner the better.

 

[Luds34]

AF tracking on the 6D MK II is pretty good. I used it two days ago on some speedy waterboats. I experienced some limitation of the buffer. Very fast it is full (slowing down). That could happen in a moment I really need some more shots. But knowing this limitation, I need to carefull look when to press and not. Otherwise I really like this camera. It is very nice to use and I did some nice shots

Oh for sure. I was only speaking to the AF performance and not to continuous shooting. Thankfully I don't do a lot of that. I will point out though the buffer appears to be deeper than the original 6D, enough to capture at least a dozen or so frames in RAW at the max 6.5 fps.

Great shot by the way!

 

[Luds34]

I'll add to that that, if I were to buy the DOF equivalent lenses to the lenses that I currently use with my 6Ds within, for example, Fuji's lineup, it would actually cost me a little bit more than Canon's FF lenses.

Completely agree, and it is one of my personal knocks against the Fuji XF lens lineup. While their prices are not in the crazy L lens territory, they remain quite pricey, especially for APS-C size lenses. A while back I someone had down a comparison between the Fuji XF 56mm f/1.2 and the Canon 85mm f/1.8. Both lenses were shot on native bodies and therefore delivered an equivalent focal length and DOF. If I recall one could not really tell a huge difference. Of course the big take away was that the Canon lens was a third of the price of the Fuji.

 

[candyman]

AF tracking on the 6D MK II is pretty good. I used it two days ago on some speedy waterboats. I experienced some limitation of the buffer. Very fast it is full (slowing down). That could happen in a moment I really need some more shots. But knowing this limitation, I need to carefull look when to press and not. Otherwise I really like this camera. It is very nice to use and I did some nice shots

Oh for sure. I was only speaking to the AF performance and not to continuous shooting. Thankfully I don't do a lot of that. I will point out though the buffer appears to be deeper than the original 6D, enough to capture at least a dozen or so frames in RAW at the max 6.5 fps.

Great shot by the way!

O yes, I am used to the 5D MK III for action. I hardly used my 6D for action so my statement is a little unfair since I should have mentioned I am used to the buffer of the 5D MKIII. The buffer improved over the 6D. I just need to remember it is different from the 5D MK III.


Thank you for your compliment

 

[Jack Douglas]

well, you need PHD degree for that. so...

@ neuro Yes I read CR for the humour or humor and often yours is the best. Sad that many can't comprehend that. ;D

Jack

 

[testthewest]

Honestly, you seem more biased then them. And in your fanboydom, you can't even see that.

Their questions are valid. That a second version is better than the first should be a given, otherwise why even make such a product? So stating it is better than 6D Mark I is obsolete. Stating it is a quality product is also obsolete, if the 6D Mark I already was that. The only question is the one they posed: Did Canon improve enough?

Same with your problems about the viewfinder remark. They just state it isn't 100% and they wish it was. What's wrong with that?

And the DR is a disappointment! No beating around the bush here. If you tell me that doesn't matter, then I say what is even mattering to you!
Canon can do better, even in the hobbist market as shown with the 80D. Giving us such a old tech sensor is an insult. But you can't see that, because as long as the Canon logo is on it, you are happy.
And you accusing others of being biased is just rich.

DR a disappointment when it is so close to the 5DIV? And it certainly beats the 80D when you have two images framed the same.
When you say the 6D2 image is 'old tech' what exactly do you mean? Personally I don't care what tech they used as long as it turns out good images and the 6D2 does just that. Could they have done better? Maybe. But what would have made you happy? one more stop DR/ WOW! Big move, that.

Jack is far from a fanboy but you in turn seem hellbent on criticsing Canon for areas that they did not see as critical to what they saw as the intended market.

That's just the problem: The DR is not like the 5D Mark IV! It's the like the Mark III.

Can you take good pictures with it? Of course you can! But that's also true for a 50 year old film camera. Yes, you can take great pictures. But that's not the point. The point is: Any picture you take with the 6D Mark II could have been cleaner and technically better with a sensor like the 5D Mark IV has or the 80D, if it was scaled up to full frame.

You call me hellbent on critizising Canon, and true: I am bitter towards Canon. I waited patiently for this camera, I got EF lenses for my crop body, just to be ready for it. And Canon presents something to me, I could have bought 5 years ago in form of the 5D Mark III.
So excuse my saltiness, if I didn't care for Canon, I wouldn't be.

 

[testthewest]

Having read CR for a number of years, it's pretty clear to those who've been around a while that DPR is biased.

Honestly, you seem more biased then them. And in your fanboydom, you can't even see that.

Jack reads CR for the humor. I hope he finds your post as funny as I do.

Jack has also posted many wonderful images, including some with the original 6D. What images have you posted? Oh yeah, a screenshot of the DPR comparison tool. Too funny.

What exactly does pictures posted have to do with DPR? Oh right, nothing.
Actually, wonderful images can be taken with a 50 year old film camera. Single images are pretty pointless if you discuss specs and tech. And just be clear: Canonrumors is only about that. New tech rumors. Not about art, not about skill in photography, not about user made shots or even a weekly competition for the best shots.
Posting pictures here is like writing a political article in a porn mag. It's pointless.

 

[Mikehit]

I waited patiently for this camera, I got EF lenses for my crop body, just to be ready for it. And Canon presents something to me, I could have bought 5 years ago in form of the 5D Mark III.
So excuse my saltiness, if I didn't care for Canon, I wouldn't be.

Well that is pretty dumb. Spending your hard earned cash on inappropriate lenses in readiness to spend more hard earned cash on a camera whose specs and capabilities you had no idea about? And then you get angry at Canon? I think that says more about you than Canon.

Over the years I have seen countless people ask 'which lenses should I buy, I may go FF sometime in the future', and I always advise to bu the lens they need now not something they may need in the future.

 

[testthewest]

I waited patiently for this camera, I got EF lenses for my crop body, just to be ready for it. And Canon presents something to me, I could have bought 5 years ago in form of the 5D Mark III.
So excuse my saltiness, if I didn't care for Canon, I wouldn't be.

Well that is pretty dumb. Spending your hard earned cash on inappropriate lenses in readiness to spend more hard earned cash on a camera whose specs and capabilities you had no idea about? And then you get angry at Canon? I think that says more about you than Canon.

Over the years I have seen countless people ask 'which lenses should I buy, I may go FF sometime in the future', and I always advise to bu the lens they need now not something they may need in the future.

What's dumb about getting a lens, you can use later on full frame, if that's what you are planing to do? Furthermore, many fast primes are only available as EF lenses. So I chose to buy something more expensive, but future proof (so I thought), instead of first the cheaper stuff, and then all the stuff again in expensive version.
Also I wasn't "I may go FF". I am: "I definitely will go FF!" So why bother with EF-S lenses (of which I also have 2)?
Which brings us to point where I was "pretty dumb": I though Canon would do better, being the biggest fish in the pont. I though the 6D Mark II would be a 80D scaled to full frame.
I was wrong. Anyway, I got my full frame now, but I won't need the EF glass no more.

 

[dak723]

Well, if there is anyone on this site that is NOT a fanboy, it is Jack Douglas. If you have spent any amount of time here and don't know that, you just haven't been paying attention.

Canonrumors is only about that. New tech rumors. Not about art, not about skill in photography....

Well, guess you are wrong about that, too. The site is Canon rumors. So we can discuss new cameras and equipment any way we want, including art, skill, or any other aspect of photography that deal with rumored and recently released equipment.

I can understand that you wanted better sensor specs. But, in all honesty, is that your fault or Canon's. I don't believe they ever promised you the sensor quality of a $3,500 camera in their $2,000 camera.

If all you are interested n is DR, then I guess you should be disappointed. I think the point many of us are making is that DR is not equal to IQ. And the differences in DR between cameras in real life shooting is anywhere from not noticeable at all - to very minimal.