Canon EOS 6D Mark II Talk [CR1]

[Canon Rumors]

Specification lists this detailed about a camera a few months away are rarely accurate, but we’re posting it for the purpose of discussion. These specifications come from an unknown source.</p>
<p>What’s most interesting is the mention of the camera coming with a version of Android which will replace the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DRYOS" target="_blank">DRYOS</a> system developed by Canon that is on the current EOS 6D. What advantages that could have, I’ll let the software techs out there comment in the forum.</p>
<p>I will note that this source said they’d be replacing VXWorks with Android, but Canon switched to DRYOS from VXWorks quite a while ago.</p>
<p>Canon EOS 6D Mark II Rumored Specifications:</p>
<ul>
<li class="p1"><span class="s1">24mp Full Frame CMOS</span></li>
<li class="p1"><span class="s1">1.5 stops better at higher ISO</span></li>
<li class="p1"><span class="s1">Low-light autofocus (centre point) at -5 EV</span></li>
<li class="p1"><span class="s1">Two AF systems are currently being tested or the EOS 6D Mark II and which was chosen is unknown at this time. There will be more AF points than the current camera.</span></li>
<li class="p1">WiFi with NFC and GPS</li>
<li class="p1"><span class="s1">Wireless battery charging with the Qi standard</span></li>
<li class="p1"><span class="s1">Internally Canon switches from VxWorks (Could have meant DRYOS) to an Android-based embedded OS, 6D Mark II will be the first Android-based camera from Canon.</span></li>
<li class="p1"><span class="s1">Dual-pixel autofocus technology</span></li>
<li class="p1"><span class="s1">Touchscreen</span></li>
<li class="p1"><span class="s1">Swivel LCD</span></li>
<li class="p1"><span class="s1">Will ship in a new box design in gold colour.</span></li>
</ul>
<p>Again, this is a CR1 rumor and we’re posting it more for the interesting discussion that could come from the potential software changes that are reported here. This comes from a completely unknown source, but it’s plausible enough to not be CR0.</p>
<p><b>*UPDATE*</b></p>
<p>It looks like the source of these specifications is from a <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/56451436">thread on DPReview</a>.</p>

 

[dufflover]

If it's still meant to sit below the 5's, an FF equivalent of the 'ol 7D/70D 19pt AF system is my bet. Could be completely "new" in terms of development but that's what I think the end result will look like, compared to the much more complicated systems on the 5D3/1's. Always might've considered a "FF 70D" to be a next step for me as I use the flippy screen + DPAF in combo a lot with my 70D, but I have a feeling they might leave the buffer and fps down the low end to keep that differentiation with the upper models.

 

[Maximilian]

Hmm!

Sounds like some really interesting detail innovations.

The android thing of course is something really big - if true.
That'll open possibilites one couldn't think of today.

Edit: To good and bad. Consider viruses and anit virus scanners :

 

[OmarSV11]

Gimme 1/200 sync speed, more autofocus points, and I might upgrade my 6D or get the mk2 as main body.

 

[meywd]

I don't think the wireless charging will included on a high end camera before a rebel, and the same for Android, as for the benefits, apps and easier customization are the first things that come to the mind, a stable Magic Lantern will become a reality.

 

[raydee]

I strongly doubt the Android switch, but it will be a more than welcome change if camera api functions will be exposed to android apps.
A full frame camera with a swivel touchscreen LCD will be the prime reason to upgrade for me... bring it on!

 

[Ladislav]

The last thing I want in my DSLR is Android! Please don't do that.

 

[zim]

Will ship in a new box design in gold colour.

I'd treat a lot of this with the same humour, a few were almost guaranteed the day after the 6D1 specs were announced

 

[aclectasis]

Sounds like horseshit.

 

[brianleighty]

I strongly doubt the Android switch, but it will be a more than welcome change if camera api functions will be exposed to android apps.
A full frame camera with a swivel touchscreen LCD will be the prime reason to upgrade for me... bring it on!

Yup, fullscreen on a full frame is my dream as well. Here's hoping that comes true. Perhaps they'll follow the 7D Mark ii lead and give us clean HDMI output with audio as well. Would make a sweet camera then.

 

[Bernard]

Will it have interchangeable focusing screens? The 6D and 1Dx are the only two models that offer this key feature.

As far as I'm concerned, a camera that can't be focused by eye (like the 5D3 and 5Ds) may as well be mirrorless.

I realize that having interchangeable screen on a high-megapixel SLR costs more, but the real choice is between offering a true SLR with a decent screen, or losing market share until there's nothing left.

 

[MattBromage]

Not keen on the swivel LCD as it could be a potential weak point structurally. Saying this, I don't know what the fault rate on current DSLRs with movable LCD screens are. However, every camera I've used has had a standard fixed LCD and there's never been an issue. Then again, I look after my camera and treat it like a newborn baby! 8)

 

[cerealito]

As a guy that works integrating Android builds everyday, I really really hope this is not true.
Just imagine:

• Stupid android background processes eating up the battery
• being worried about my privacy because a firmware update may or may not send data to google
• malware being distributed on back-doors or vulnerabilities and such.

If you ever experienced ANY kind of instability in your phone or the apps it runs, try to imagine how frustrating it would be to have the same kind of nasty bugs in your canon camera. Are you willing to lose a shot because 'the review app' just crashed on you and you have to 'kill it' using the task manager?

Android has it's place in the phone industry because it supports a very large set of devices and peripherals, but it does so in exchange for slow integration of changes, fragmentation of the OS. Android is great for general-purpose devices (such as smartphones), but for specific-purpose devices nothing trumps specific-purpose operating systems.

When was the last time your camera's DryOS (or any of its apps) crashed on you?
Can you say the same about your android phone (and its apps)?

Time and again I hear how good the ergonomics of Canon are (this includes the OS). Compare them to those of Sony or Samsung (that have already started using android).
Canon, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[Orangutan]

Has Canon eliminated FPN (fixed pattern noise)?
Has Canon reduced shadow noise to the levels of Sony/Nikon?
If Canon can do the above, will the IQ at base ISO equal that of Sony/Nikon in both noise and DR?

It would not be cost-effective for Canon to put major new sensor tech in a 6D, which is a budget FF camera.

Dilbert, did you ever buy your A7-series mirrorless? If so, how do you like it so far?

 

[bf]

+1 for better focus system, touch and Swivel LCD!
On Android: I don't see any benefit so perhaps it's better to avoid the hassle!?

 

[rfdesigner]

24mp Full Frame CMOS
OK

1.5 stops better at higher ISO
would have to be lower noise and back illuminated, unless of course this is JPEG, so better noise reduction processing in camera.

Low-light autofocus (centre point) at -5 EV
only likely with very very slow AF at -5EV.. if it does it I'll be pleasantly surprised.

Two AF systems are currently being tested or the EOS 6D Mark II and which was chosen is unknown at this time. There will be more AF points than the current camera.
It needs them.. just 9 points as good at the 6D centre point would be nice, so long as the spread is there.

WiFi with NFC and GPS
Make it synch to a portable wifi drive for live backups!

Wireless battery charging with the Qi standard
Don't need it.. how hard is it to put a battery in a charger?

Internally Canon switches from VxWorks (Could have meant DRYOS) to an Android-based embedded OS, 6D Mark II will be the first Android-based camera from Canon.
Sounds like a can of worms...

Dual-pixel autofocus technology
nice

Touchscreen
only if I can turn it off when I want to and button navigating is as easy as it currently is, and it doesn't put the price up.

Swivel LCD
No.. I want it robust, swivel LCDs are a real vulnerability.

Will ship in a new box design in gold colour.
Will only buy if it the gold tone has at least 30 bits of colour depth!

 

[tomscott]

If Canon did implement android it would be a very streamlined customised version by Canon. Ensuring all of the above do not happen, I'm assuming the thought of doing this would enable 3rd party apps to be in stalled which would make the camera so much more flexible as a tool.

In terms of the rotating screen I wish people would get off the high horse about it. Its so annoying trying to compose from a low or high angle with a flat screen. Try composing an image with a gorilla pod on the floor you literally have to lay down to get to the same level makes creative shooting much easier with a rotating screen unless all you guys do is sit at eye level.

Ye it may be a weaker point but if it breaks it will be my fault and il have it fixed or buy another one. Babying gear is a fools errand, the gear is just gear get out and shoot. If the camera gets scratched and marked its paying its way. I don't get these people who spend all this money on gear and let them sit as museum pieces.

 

[Maximilian]

As a guy that works integrating Android builds everyday, I really really hope this is not true.
Just imagine:

• Stupid android background processes eating up the battery
• being worried about my privacy because a firmware update may or may not send data to google
• malware being distributed on back-doors or vulnerabilities and such.

Personally I agree a lot to this.

But I can also understand Canon trying to go the multi media way trying to connect DSLRs to the www.
And also trying to get their piece of "big data" business :-\
(Not that this would be my opinion)

 

[Proscribo]

...
Swivel LCD
No.. I want it robust, swivel LCDs are a real vulnerability.
...

Now, what makes a well-designed swivel screen any more vulnerable to damage vs. fixed?

 

[rosaklebhead]

Two AF systems are currently being tested or the EOS 6D Mark II and which was chosen is unknown at this time. There will be more AF points than the current camera.

I wonder if this will be similar to the new system being used in the C300 Mark II. It's pretty nice and intuitive. Helps with precision focusing.