Canon 6D or 5D Mark III

[Marsu42]

Some of my photos are in the below link, please check and let me know if I should consider going for FF and if FF, should I go for the 5D MIII?

For what you seem to shoot af performance doesn't seem to be critical, you can afford to refocus, take a 2nd shot and then pick the best one - in this case I'd advise the 6d, even as underspeced (or overpriced) as it is in comparison to the competition.

I recently compared 5d3/6d side by side for 2 hours, the 5d3 is clearly the more professional gear not only because of faster fps, higher shutter rating and a bit faster x-sync, but because the handling is faster (like double button layout, mfn button, firmware customization). But if you don't depend on this speed gain or the upcoming f8 af with Canon lenses+tc, the investment in glass will give you better results.

If you want a better performing camera, 5D3 is the best route. It won't limit you later on like the 6D could with its AF performance.

True, but what exactly is "later on"? Like 2014 when the 5d4 arrives with higher mp/dr and the 5d3 can be bought for $2000? Imho an advanced investment in lenses can be a good idea, but I'll get the camera body that fits my requirements as they are right now.

 

[J.R.]

You mentioned you were interested in low-light photography. In that case, the 5D2 will not fit your needs, but the 6D would beautifully (as of course would the 5D3). I love my 6D for it's low light capabilities and while the 5DIII does more, you can put the money you save on buying a 6D rather than the 5D3 on or toward another lens. I guess it all comes down to whether you'd really get the use out of the extra features of the 5D3 more than you'd get from another lens.

Can you explain what you mean by low-light capabilities? And why would the 5DII not fit his needs for that? I never had any issues with my 5DII in low light settings. Quite the opposite actually. I'm not sure how the 6D is even better with that. But even if that is the case I doubt that that has more practical implications than the 6D's lower x-sync speed, missing 1/8000 and the small plasticky form factor.
The 5DII is not only a bargain at this point - at least for my needs I'd still consider it the better camera. The MarkIII of course solves all those issues pretty much but still comes in with a much higher price tag and I'd only shell that out if I'd really need the additional features and upgrades over the MarkII. I'm in no rush with that personally.

The 6D gives you approximately 1 stop better high ISO performance than the 5D2. While that is the way it is, it doesn't make the 5d2 any less of a camera for the OP's needs. Just because a new model is out does not mean that the one of the best and most popular cameras of its age, is rendered useless.

 

[J.R.]

The truth of the matter is that the 6D actually has more modern technology than any other Canon camera at the moment, even if the form factor and AF are not premium.

-1

The technology that you cite mostly consists of the *** and the WiFi ... Hardly any technological breakthrough. The 6D is also unnecessarily crippled because Canon wanted to put some distance between it and the 5D3.

IMHO, the AF of the 5D3 is a massive factor, leave aside the other modern technology that you mention - if you could get a good sharp shot in a single attempt with the 5D3, why would you want to focus, recompose, shoot and pray with a 6D?

 

[J.R.]

If you want a better performing camera, 5D3 is the best route. It won't limit you later on like the 6D could with its AF performance.

True, but what exactly is "later on"? Like 2014 when the 5d4 arrives with higher mp/dr and the 5d3 can be bought for $2000? Imho an advanced investment in lenses can be a good idea, but I'll get the camera body that fits my requirements as they are right now.

If I understand this correctly, RLPhoto could have been referring to a buyer's remorse over a $1K once they come to grips with the 6D. At one point you are bound to feel the pangs of having an outdated AF system.

BTW Marsu42 ... Not everyone has your level of self-control, if I can call it that.

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

The truth of the matter is that the 6D actually has more modern technology than any other Canon camera at the moment, even if the form factor and AF are not premium.

-1

The technology that you cite mostly consists of the *** and the WiFi ... Hardly any technological breakthrough. The 6D is also unnecessarily crippled because Canon wanted to put some distance between it and the 5D3.

IMHO, the AF of the 5D3 is a massive factor, leave aside the other modern technology that you mention - if you could get a good sharp shot in a single attempt with the 5D3, why would you want to focus, recompose, shoot and pray with a 6D?

Wow, I hope that isn't what you think I am doing!

 

[K-amps]

You know if you need the 5d3's AF capabilities or not. If you do then by all means buy it and be happy.

If you don't... then probably you have no need for it and in that case, save yourself some cash, and buy a nice L lens to go with your new 6D.

If the 6D was released in march 2012... I'd probably own that and not the 5D3 (which is overkill for a hobbyist like me).

So it boils down to what you are shooting.

I saw your portfolio (nice shots by the way) and you don't need a 5D3 to shoot those beautiful sunsets... a 6D will do just fine... hook it to your ipad and compose away!

 

[J.R.]

The truth of the matter is that the 6D actually has more modern technology than any other Canon camera at the moment, even if the form factor and AF are not premium.

-1

The technology that you cite mostly consists of the *** and the WiFi ... Hardly any technological breakthrough. The 6D is also unnecessarily crippled because Canon wanted to put some distance between it and the 5D3.

IMHO, the AF of the 5D3 is a massive factor, leave aside the other modern technology that you mention - if you could get a good sharp shot in a single attempt with the 5D3, why would you want to focus, recompose, shoot and pray with a 6D?

Wow, I hope that isn't what you think I am doing!

Surely not because you are doing this professionally. But can you say that the AF of the 5d3 doesn't and won't make a difference?

 

[Marsu42]

If I understand this correctly, RLPhoto could have been referring to a buyer's remorse over a $1K once they come to grips with the 6D. At one point you are bound to feel the pangs of having an outdated AF system.

Well, all I can say it took me years to get to the limits of the 60d af system (and to be sure it's the camera's fault and not mine) - of course if using servo af a lot it's another story, but for general stills shooting the 6d af system might be outdated, but still perfectly usable. And we have to remember that the 5d3/1dx af has to be accompanied by the latest Canon lenses to really shine esp. concerning precision.

BTW Marsu42 ... Not everyone has your level of self-control, if I can call it that.

you have to explain that one to me... but you managed to confuse me alright, which reminds me of one of my favorite quotes:

"If you can't convince them, confuse them." (Harry Truman)

 

[RLPhoto]

If I understand this correctly, RLPhoto could have been referring to a buyer's remorse over a $1K once they come to grips with the 6D. At one point you are bound to feel the pangs of having an outdated AF system.

Well, all I can say it took me years to get to the limits of the 60d af system (and to be sure it's the camera's fault and not mine) - of course if using servo af a lot it's another story, but for general stills shooting the 6d af system might be outdated, but still perfectly usable. And we have to remember that the 5d3/1dx af has to be accompanied by the latest Canon lenses to really shine esp. concerning precision.

The 60D's AF is all cross-type, not too shabby. As for the 6D, Its little improvement over 5D2 /5Dc / 20D :|

Its disappointing when a Rebel series camera has better AF than the same generation FF mid-range camera.

 

[Marsu42]

The 60D's AF is all cross-type, not too shabby. :|

Absolutely, and I'm quite happy with the 60d except for high iso and shadow noise - but I've learned that if taking shots of something important, it's a good idea to take 2-3 shots just to be on the safe side because (rough guess) every 1:20 shots the af is off looking @100% crop, even more when doing handheld macro.

So I wouldn't say I "trust" the 60d's af system, but I heard 5d3 users really trust theirs to be reliable.

 

[J.R.]

Well, all I can say it took me years to get to the limits of the 60d af system (and to be sure it's the camera's fault and not mine) - of course if using servo af a lot it's another story, but for general stills shooting the 6d af system might be outdated, but still perfectly usable. And we have to remember that the 5d3/1dx af has to be accompanied by the latest Canon lenses to really shine esp. concerning precision.

Testing the limits of the 6D is fairly easy ... Try the outer AF points. The other way to test the limits of the AF is to try to shoot anything that moves ... I have jammed the AF to the centre point and was having fun this Sunday trying to shoot my kids who were running around. Every shot that was in focus was great but there was just too much wastage.

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

The truth of the matter is that the 6D actually has more modern technology than any other Canon camera at the moment, even if the form factor and AF are not premium.

-1

The technology that you cite mostly consists of the *** and the WiFi ... Hardly any technological breakthrough. The 6D is also unnecessarily crippled because Canon wanted to put some distance between it and the 5D3.

IMHO, the AF of the 5D3 is a massive factor, leave aside the other modern technology that you mention - if you could get a good sharp shot in a single attempt with the 5D3, why would you want to focus, recompose, shoot and pray with a 6D?

Wow, I hope that isn't what you think I am doing!

Surely not because you are doing this professionally. But can you say that the AF of the 5d3 doesn't and won't make a difference?

I can't and I won't. The AF system is the one thing that I wish was more robust on the 6D. That being said, it is FAR from pray and spray. I find the AF (and all the tests also show) of 6D that it is MUCH more accurate than the 5DII - the camera that until a year ago almost everyone that was a serious hobbyist or professional was using. The 5DIII is one of the best AF systems out there right now, and so it was a big step up. The 6D's AF is a step back (other than the super center point), but it is far from a step back to 5dII or 5DC levels. It is very accurate; it just isn't as flexible as the 5DIII.

I just found your comment lacking nuance. If I as at least a part time professional find the AF system adequate and usable on the 6D, I suspect that a hobbyist will do just fine with it, too. In Canada (where I am), the difference in price between the 6D and 5DIII in real dollars (after taxes), is more like $1400. That is a BIG difference for many people, particularly when one considers that both of these cameras will be outdated by new technology in a few years.

 

[J.R.]

The truth of the matter is that the 6D actually has more modern technology than any other Canon camera at the moment, even if the form factor and AF are not premium.

-1

The technology that you cite mostly consists of the *** and the WiFi ... Hardly any technological breakthrough. The 6D is also unnecessarily crippled because Canon wanted to put some distance between it and the 5D3.

IMHO, the AF of the 5D3 is a massive factor, leave aside the other modern technology that you mention - if you could get a good sharp shot in a single attempt with the 5D3, why would you want to focus, recompose, shoot and pray with a 6D?

Wow, I hope that isn't what you think I am doing!

Surely not because you are doing this professionally. But can you say that the AF of the 5d3 doesn't and won't make a difference?

I can't and I won't. The AF system is the one thing that I wish was more robust on the 6D. That being said, it is FAR from pray and spray. I find the AF (and all the tests also show) of 6D that it is MUCH more accurate than the 5DII - the camera that until a year ago almost everyone that was a serious hobbyist or professional was using. The 5DIII is one of the best AF systems out there right now, and so it was a big step up. The 6D's AF is a step back (other than the super center point), but it is far from a step back to 5dII or 5DC levels. It is very accurate; it just isn't as flexible as the 5DIII.

I just found your comment lacking nuance. If I as at least a part time professional find the AF system adequate and usable on the 6D, I suspect that a hobbyist will do just fine with it, too. In Canada (where I am), the difference in price between the 6D and 5DIII in real dollars (after taxes), is more like $1400. That is a BIG difference for many people, particularly when one considers that both of these cameras will be outdated by new technology in a few years.

Well my apologies if that came out wrong. I've learnt English as a foreign language so what I write may differ just a little bit from what I mean.

I guess part of my comment was borne out of my frustration with the 6Ds AF. For any subject that moves, this is a difficult camera.

 

[RLPhoto]

On a side note, I wouldn't pay full price for a MK3. Mine were for 2499$ and the other for 2999$. 8)

 

[skullyspice]

Since you mention you are looking for a camera you can use for the next 5-6 years I would suggest going with the best technology available which I think would be the 5D3.
I upgraded from the 40D to the 5D3 a few months ago and it is fantastic. get the kit lens 24-105, you'll love it.

 

[wickidwombat]

I guess part of my comment was borne out of my frustration with the 6Ds AF. For any subject that moves, this is a difficult camera.

This was inevitable since its basically a rehash of the 5Dmk2 AF with 2 more points and more sensetivity
the 5D2 AF suffered the same way

 

[iaind]

Have handled both and prefer the more rugged 5D3.
Autofocus ia a massive improvement on 5D2. 6D seems to have an upgraded 5D2 set up.

 

[pgsdeepak]

Thanks Everyone for the advice. I decided to wait a little longer save some more money and go for the 5D Mark 3.

 

[iP337]

Thanks Everyone for the advice. I decided to wait a little longer save some more money and go for the 5D Mark 3.

In that case you should sell your EOS 40D, 70-300/4-5.6 IS(low grade USM micro motor) and 28-135/3.5-5.6 IS(basic kit lens).

Keep the 17-40/4L and 100/2.8 macro (the 100/2.8 Macro is the same as the 100/2.8L macro except without IS) then get the 70-200/4L IS and the 50mm/1.4.

That set up should cover you for most anything. The 100/2.8 macro should make an OK indoor sports and macro lens and if you have a 17-40/4 (for landscapes) and a 70-200/4(for portraits and outdoor sports) I'd get a fast prime over the 24-105/4L, because it's pointless to use anything between 40mm-50mm or 50mm-70mm so you just need to make up the gap with a 50mm and it looks like you need something for low light situations so the 50/1.4 is a more practical choice.

 

[pgsdeepak]

Got to try the 5D MIII through CPS equipment evaluation. FIrst impression is "Jaw Dropped". I have not tried it outdoors or did not do anything which would test its AF system yet, So, waiting to see if it justifies me spending over 1K over the 6D. If if like its AF way over my 40Ds, then I am going to make the move sooner