6D body ergonomics versus 5D

[adebrophy]

Hi,

I have a 5Dii and use it for shooting conferences and events. I do need to get a second body as an insurance - and to let me use a couple of primes in fast moving situations - and was considering the 6D.

I had a look at one in store and was very impressed by its solidity and quality feel. However, I tried it with my 135L straight off the 5Dii and after taking test shots for a few minutes noticed the smaller body, which I thought would be appealing, meant my little finger felt a bit cramped at the base.

This was after a few minutes which I found a bit unexpected. Thinking back I don't know if it was because I was holding the thing awkwardly while trying to use the pad (alas no joystick). Anyone else try a 5 series body and 6 and care to comment based on longer term usage?

Naturally a grip would circumvent the issue, I guess.

Overall though the 6D does seem exceptional value so awfully tempting (although a WiFi 5D mk IV would be ideal if that lottery win comes through...)

Thanks all!

 

[zlatko]

I use the 5D3 and 6D together. In use, the key differences are the 5D3's multiple cross-type AF points and the joy stick controller, and the 6D's smaller size & weight. The 6D also does not have the top button for flash exposure compensation, so I have the Set button set up for that. Other than those differences, I think the ergonomics are about equal. The 6D does not feel cramped to me. I don't use a grip on either camera ... I don't want the extra weight.

 

[sdsr]

I have both and have spent considerable amounts of time carrying each around just by the grip (I don't like wearing cameras via straps) and can't say I notice any real difference - both balance very well for me with lenses large (not that large - my biggest is the Sigma 50-500 OS) and small (40mm) and everything in between. (I certainly can't carry the little Panasonic G5 - to mention another camera with a grip - I recently bought that way, even though it's a fraction of the size and weight.) But that's really neither here nor there, since what's comfortable for me may not be comfortable for you.

As for other ergonomic considerations, I find that if I go for a few weeks without using one of them, it takes a few moments to remember the button layout of the other, and the rather dramatic difference in the number of focus points on the viewfinder is a slight jolt, but for me that's about it (it doesn't help that I also regularly use Panasonic and Olympus m43 bodies). I'm one of the evidently tiny class of people who don't much like the joystick on 5Ds. So far I've not been caught short in storage space, having forgotten that I'm using a 6D and thus not having a second card....

In any event, in terms of ergonomics I don't think I've ever wished while using one of them that I was using the other instead.

 

[adebrophy]

Thanks - good to hear. Must have just been holding it awkwardly while reaching for the buttons. Seems like a stunning camera and the price right now with cashback offers is pretty amazing.

 

[Sporgon]

A little added bonus on the ergonomics; if you add a grip the AF point controller is well positioned and useable in portrait vertical shooting, unlike the joystick on the 5D mki & ii which cannot then be reached.

If you're shooting conferences in doors you may find your 6D back up becomes the main body

 

[adebrophy]

A little added bonus on the ergonomics; if you add a grip the AF point controller is well positioned and useable in portrait vertical shooting, unlike the joystick on the 5D mki & ii which cannot then be reached.

If you're shooting conferences in doors you may find your 6D back up becomes the main body

yep - I hear you! I do think the next body will become the primary one. Particularly as the trusty mkii is getting thrashed on AF and ISO by the new machines. Having said that, anyone looking at a used mkii shouldn't get put off. Still a brilliant camera and does events fine.

 

[Sporgon]

A little added bonus on the ergonomics; if you add a grip the AF point controller is well positioned and useable in portrait vertical shooting, unlike the joystick on the 5D mki & ii which cannot then be reached.

If you're shooting conferences in doors you may find your 6D back up becomes the main body

yep - I hear you! I do think the next body will become the primary one. Particularly as the trusty mkii is getting thrashed on AF and ISO by the new machines. Having said that, anyone looking at a used mkii shouldn't get put off. Still a brilliant camera and does events fine.

I'm a 5D mki, ii and 6D user. Agreed the mkii is as fine a camera now as it ever has been, but it is totally out classed by the 6D at high ISO.

 

[ecka]

The only thing I missed in my 6D (that I had in 5D2) is the CF card slot. In most other aspects it is better than 5D2 and just as good in the rest of it. Ergonomics is a very personal thing. I like this smaller and lighter body and the ability to operate most of the buttons using only my right hand, while holding the lens with my left. IMHO, Canon should have put CF (or CF+SD) in 6D and dual CF in 5D3, but it's not as bad as CF+XQD in D4 .