6D or 5D Mk II

[Jotho]

So Ricku, can you please elaborate on that? What makes you draw to that conclusion? Specs only?

Nicku, next thing for you now is to abandon this forum and go to the Nikon forum instead then.

So, now this forum is only for Canon-loving fanboys, eh?

No, but as any internet forum it is very delicate. People often throw out unsubstantiated opinions for reasons beyond my understanding. Let's keep an adult discussion going instead. Canon will have their reasons for developing and launching the products they do. In my view, Nikon is not leading Canon in the market, if they or you have a different opinion, there are nicer ways to express that. But really, I don't care much who's leading who, I am happy with the stuff I use and it suits my purposes.

 

[Marsu42]

I'm considering picking up either the 6D or 5D Mk II, which camera would you expect to be better?

You cannot pick up the 6d, it doesn't exist yet. And just that Canon states "December" doesn't mean anything knowing their release schedule problems, the "newly developed sensor" might very well produce a delay.

I'd wait for real life ISO performance and comparison of the AF systems, otherwise the two cameras appear quite comparable. No mention of AFMA on 6D, which may be an issue on FF sensors

6d has afma (and silent shutter, gps, wifi over the 5d2).

Well it is now confirmed that the 6D has 11 point AF with only one cross type point.

Actually Canon specs implies that the 6d has *no* cross sensor at all if you're using a f2.8 lens - if this is correct it would be arrogant beyond belief and a measure to protect the "pro" 5d3 at all costs.

 

[Albi86]

Actually Canon specs implies that the 6d has *no* cross sensor at all if you're using a f2.8 lens - if this is correct it would be arrogant beyond belief and a measure to protect the "pro" 5d3 at all costs.

Found this:

A cross-type sensor with an f/2.8-sensitive horizontal line and an f/5.6-sensitive vertical line will function as a cross-type sensor with an f/2.8 or faster lens, but if you use a slower lens, you'll still have a functional AF point (but with only single-line orientation).

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Photography-Tips/Canon-EOS-DSLR-Autofocus-Explained.aspx

 

[7enderbender]

I'm considering picking up either the 6D or 5D Mk II, which camera would you expect to be better? How many 5D Mk II owners would swap their camera for the 6D? Are there any advantages the 5D Mk II holds over the 6D?

Obviously, I haven't seen the 6D yet and all of this is a matter of personal preferences anyway. But from the specs I haven't seen anything whatsoever that would get me interested in the 6D. So without seeing it I would chose the 5DII any day over a smaller camera that loses out on a few important points: shutter speed, viewfinder coverage, sync speed - without offering anything really useful in return. And all that at a (currently) higher price? Nah, I wouldn't consider for second swapping my 5DII. In fact, if I had extra cash right now I'd be looking to pick up a second body and store it away. It pretty much does everything I need it to do which I haven't seen a reason yet to swap it for a MarkIII (though that one is really really nice).

 

[Musouka]

Also I do not understand why Canon can release a camera today that is USB2, non-UHS SD and has such an antiquated autofocus system.

Let us not distort the facts. Canon's literature says that UHS-I is supported.

For FF cameras of similar form factor, only the Nikon D800 has USB3. Sony A99, Nikon D600 and Canon's offerings all have USB2.

I guess there are no good excuses for the lackluster AF module.

 

[bdunbar79]

I have a nice 5DMkII. I would be stupid to swap it for a 6D. Now if someone starts from scratch I guess it could be a 50/50 decision. Personally, I would still choose between a 5D MkII or 5DMkIII (when the price comes down a little).

I agree here. I don't think the 6D is for 5D Mark II owners. I suppose the upgrade for 5D Mark II owners was intended to be the Mark III or maybe some other high MP camera down the road. The 6D I feel is for those who are entering FF for the first time. Can you compare which is better? Well, I don't know, maybe the 6D with a Digic 5+ vs. the 5D Mark II's Digic 4. It's hard to say. This is the same exact scenario when the 7D was released, if you had a 50D you probably weren't going to get a 7D b/c the differences weren't enough. Same with the 5D2 and 6D. I think this camera is just a 2012 version of the 2008 5D Mark II, simply a 5D2 with a Digic 5+. The improvements are probably marginal between those two, however, maybe significant from users going to FF for the first time.

 

[infared]

I have a nice 5DMkII. I would be stupid to swap it for a 6D. Now if someone starts from scratch I guess it could be a 50/50 decision. Personally, I would still choose between a 5D MkII or 5DMkIII (when the price comes down a little).

I agree here. I don't think the 6D is for 5D Mark II owners. I suppose the upgrade for 5D Mark II owners was intended to be the Mark III or maybe some other high MP camera down the road. The 6D I feel is for those who are entering FF for the first time. Can you compare which is better? Well, I don't know, maybe the 6D with a Digic 5+ vs. the 5D Mark II's Digic 4. It's hard to say. This is the same exact scenario when the 7D was released, if you had a 50D you probably weren't going to get a 7D b/c the differences weren't enough. Same with the 5D2 and 6D. I think this camera is just a 2012 version of the 2008 5D Mark II, simply a 5D2 with a Digic 5+. The improvements are probably marginal between those two, however, maybe significant from users going to FF for the first time.

I agree with all your comments AND to take this a step further (I am a 5DII owner who wincingly upgraded to a 5DIII)....I think if you upgraded(?) to the 6D from a 7D (hmmm...that somehow is so telling) you would be greatly disappointed in the 6D after being used to an incredible auto focus system, way faster frame rate, etc. The performance would be lacking. Not to mention selling off your lenses and starting from scratch.
So I think this camera is more for customers who what to get into full frame but are coming from a few notches down in the pecking order or are completely new.
I have to say, after using the autofocus and extended bracketing capabilities (my main reason for shelling out all of that cash!) of the 5DIII, it would be painful to go back to a 5DII or a 6D. The 5DIII is incredible from my viewpoint, but at a very dear cost to this photographer. I do not care that the 5DIII does not have GPS or Wifi...but for the price it certainly should!!!!! LOL!
From an over view, without comparing all 4 cameras (6D, 7D, 5DII and 5DIII) are all incredible image-making devices. They are all "There-There" for creating great photographs in capable hands.

 

[seacritter]

I have a 5D Mark II. I bought it a few months ago for $1500 on craigslist. After owning it for a short time, I now know that I should have made that purchase years ago. I have a considerable amount of money tied up in "L" lenses. I've always spent the money on glass first. That being said...

If I were upgrading from anything less than FF, and could afford it, I'd probably go for the new technology. The 6D has Digic 5+, built in Wifi, silent shutter mode, GPS and a smartphone app. That alone would sway me towards the 6D. Though, imagine the used price market on the Mark II when the 6D hits. It would be very affordable to pick up a nice used Mark II for backup or whatever.

So, in the end, you can't go wrong with either choice. I absolutely enjoy my Mark II. This is a total win-win...

Scott

 

[aznable]

This is the same exact scenario when the 7D was released, if you had a 50D you probably weren't going to get a 7D b/c the differences weren't enough.

100% coverage, 3more megapixels, 10 af points more and the rest of AF trhat put the on in 50 is shame, 2 more fps.

quite differente here...it'ìs for new customers

 

[thejoyofsobe]

yeah this isn't for folks who already own 5D2s. it's for us schlubs who've never had a full-frame DSLR. it's not a pro-AF but can it really be worse than the 5D2? i doubt it if the -3EV AF is even close to correct. really the biggest disappointment is the lack of articulated screen. i would trade GPS and a touchscreen just for that after finding it so useful on my 60D.

provided it passes the hands-on test, i'll probably give it a year after its release when the retail price goes down well sub-$2000 and then pick up a refurb. maybe it'll be available on the CLP by then as well. that should be a pretty fair price for a FF with Digic 5+

 

[7enderbender]

I have a 5D Mark II. I bought it a few months ago for $1500 on craigslist. After owning it for a short time, I now know that I should have made that purchase years ago. I have a considerable amount of money tied up in "L" lenses. I've always spent the money on glass first. That being said...

If I were upgrading from anything less than FF, and could afford it, I'd probably go for the new technology. The 6D has Digic 5+, built in Wifi, silent shutter mode, GPS and a smartphone app. That alone would sway me towards the 6D. Though, imagine the used price market on the Mark II when the 6D hits. It would be very affordable to pick up a nice used Mark II for backup or whatever.

So, in the end, you can't go wrong with either choice. I absolutely enjoy my Mark II. This is a total win-win...

Scott

What is your prediction regarding the used-price market for the 5DII? My guess is that if it's discontinued the price will go up and you'll likely pay more for it than the current new price. It all depends of course where the 5DIII price is going and we just saw some positive indicators. The 6D seems too much of a trade off in my opinion to be taken serious by people who had invested in and are used to a 5DII.

If my 5DII broke tomorrow beyond repair I'd be willing to spend up to $2000 for a replacement. I'd be hard pressed to add another 800 bucks for a 5DIII. I would not consider the 6D at all at any price really. 1/4000 max shutter speed, 1/180 sync speed, smaller form factor with more plastic, worse viewfinder are total deal breakers.

 

[brianleighty]

First question is when you do need it? If you can wait then obviously do that. If not then you only have one option. Waiting will also give time for reviews and such. If it's anything like the 5d mark iii it'll come down in price a fair amount soon after it's released so if you can afford to wait that would make sense.

Next is what are you shooting? The biggest advantage the 6D will have over the 5d mark ii is most likely in the sensor. If you don't need the higher sensitivity then the things you loose like the shutter speed and build quality might be worth sticking with 5d ii. The other thing that factors in is price. I bought my 5d mark ii brand new for pretty much $1600 after you factor in $800 for the 24-105. For $500 more I don't think it's worth it. However when that price comes down then it becomes more tempting. It looks like it has the same metering system as the 5D iii and the AF should at least be a little better. The other deficiencies aren't a huge deal to me and are things I can work around. The wifi could open up a lot of really cool uses but once again none of this will be known until we have units shipping to reviewers.

 

[MK5GTI]

i would say it comes down to Handling Vs Image Quality.

the 6D with new metering, newer sensor (which doesn't mean much in Canon book), Digi5+, possible useable higher ISO looks like will delivery better IQ than the "older" 5d2.

Handling and specs, the 5D2 still sounds better, namely VF, 1/8000, CF card.

i think whats missing from all the post above is the video capability of the 6D, looking at the spec, looks like its 5D3 territory?

 

[Marsu42]

i think whats missing from all the post above is the video capability of the 6D, looking at the spec, looks like its 5D3 territory?

No, video looks like 1dc or Nikon territory - uncompressed hdmi, 1080p/60fps ... let's hope Magic Lantern will be able to do something about that.

 

[Half Way To Nothing]

I'm considering picking up either the 6D or 5D Mk II, which camera would you expect to be better? How many 5D Mk II owners would swap their camera for the 6D? Are there any advantages the 5D Mk II holds over the 6D?

If you are in the UK, I was looking at the 5D Mk iii or the 6D. The UK price of the 6D is £1800 (delivery before xmas) and then saw Digital Rev (Hong Kong) have them for £2080, free delivery and they pay the TAX. £280 of my maths seemed like a lot more camera for the money.

5D Mkiii ordered, awaiting delivery!!

 

[bbasiaga]

Agreed, if you got a MK II, save your money. If you have no FF, I'd go 6d. Same AF performance. Likely better high ISO peformance (need to see real world images to confirm). Assuming the ISO is there its worth the money over the MKII just for that, plus you'll get wifi built in, a better LCD, etc.

If you got a MKII already, look for one of those $2800USD Ebay deals on a MKIII...


-Brian

 

[iaind]

I'm considering picking up either the 6D or 5D Mk II, which camera would you expect to be better? How many 5D Mk II owners would swap their camera for the 6D? Are there any advantages the 5D Mk II holds over the 6D?

If you are in the UK, I was looking at the 5D Mk iii or the 6D. The UK price of the 6D is £1800 (delivery before xmas) and then saw Digital Rev (Hong Kong) have them for £2080, free delivery and they pay the TAX. £280 of my maths seemed like a lot more camera for the money.

5D Mkiii ordered, awaiting delivery!!

Change from £2050 now

 

[Marsu42]

Agreed, if you got a MK II, save your money. If you have no FF, I'd go 6d. Same AF performance.

Um, you did notice the 6d looses its one cross point af with lenses of f2.8 and faster? That is hardly "same af performance" and unfortunately will be the reason I won't buy a 6d at any price. It kills the 6d as the 5d2 upgrade as "poor man's event/wedding ff" and this is probably what Canon intended to do.

 

[karen1961]

i have a 450d at the moment,and was getting a 5dii but with the release of the 6d,i just don't know which one to go with :-\

 

[funkboy]

(apologies for the cross-post)

The 5D c was "the original entry-level full-frame camera"

The 5DII was the upgrade of the original entry-level FF camera, to which they added movie mode almost as an afterthought & turned the cinematography world on its head.

The 5DIII is clearly *not* an entry-level FF camera; it's very much a professional camera that sits in the lineup with cameras like the 1DIV. It's got professional AF, professional construction & sealing (which is why it doesn't have built-in wi-fi & gps; the signals won't go through the all-metal body). And a professional price...

But the 5DII is still selling like crazy several months after the 5DIII was released, because you can get a brand one now from reputable shops for a little over half the price of a mk3 (or a guaranteed refurb for ~$200 less than that, putting it comfortably under half the cost of its "replacement").

As noted here the other day, the 5DII just hit four years old. The supply contracts on some of the components are probably running out soon, which means that some of the parts needed to make it won't be available anymore (or at least not in the prices & volumes that they're used to). This would require redesigning circuits (& possibly firmware) to use newer components that replace the discontinued ones. I'm sure Fukushima didn't help the supply contract situation much either. The end result is that they have a near-obsolete camera (from a manufacturing perspective) that is still selling like crazy, which is not really a situation they've been in before in recent memory.

So they would be braindead not to replace the "just under $2K" full-frame position in their lineup with something in the segment that will continue capitalizing on the demand for an FF camera in this price range.

And it'll appeal to a wider audience than the 5DII it replaces. It's smaller, lighter, takes the SD cards that the cameras that a lot of people upgrading to it have, and has better low-light performance & better AF (which is why I'm getting one).

I think it's clear by now that the 6D is *not* in fact a reaction to the D600; if it was they surely would have put at least 7D-grade AF and the LCD viewfinder overlay screen in there.

The 6D is the replacement for the 2012 5DII.