Hands on Field Test of the Canon EOS 6D Mark II

[JonB8305]

Disappointing for me - I fully understand nerfing the product to protect the higher priced products and it's not a stopper for me as a "prosumer hobbyist". I can live without the dual cards and while the lack of 4k was disappointing but the other features were good enough coming from a 6D (better AF, better ISO, DPAF and built in IS for video) that it looked like a reasonable upgrade.

But if they've killed the bandwidth on the 1080 and the DR is WORSE than the 6D - two things which directly impact IQ and, let's face facts, for all the features were talking about IQ is the entire point. I'm not THAT good of a photographer and frequently try to correct my mistakes in LR in RAW (I've done some fantastic saves with that too)

Why should I upgrade? Why would an APS-C shooter migrate from the 80d?!

I'm looking at the 5DIV now but the 4k there isn't supposedly that great either and I don't need all the other features of it for an extra $1k.

So I guess I'm in a holding position for the next 5 years...

+1

I'll just have to keep my 6d mk i until I decide to sell my canon glass, and switch to a company that doesn't egregiously gimp their products. (Some gimping is to be expected, but this is ridiculous)

 

[BillB]

Just for reference, the 6D2 AF point spread is almost identical to the D750; a bit better spread in the vertical direction and a bit worse in the horizontal direction. The way the review presented it was a bit misleading.

It's really interesting to see how many people keep harping on this fake issue after it's been proven to be a fake issue.

Oh well, some people never get the memo.

 

[Billybob]

...

Latest rant noted. No need to repeat. Either you are right or Canon is. We shall find out.

Many of us feel same way and want to rant.

I went Canon when I went SLR because they were innovative.. first to bring video to an SLR, many other features etc. It was a leader.

I loved it and invested into their ecosystem and had hoped to work towards full frame, more pro bodies. But I don't make money from it and I can't afford to keep changing glass on each whim, so it's painful watching luke warm release after luke warm release while you see some really good innovation elsewhere.

Still watching the reviews, but looking more and more like I'll be still waiting.. again.

Yes, today Sony and Nikon are vying for the innovation crown. Recent rumors for the D850 release are pretty heady. 45-46MP, a true ISO 50, improved low and high ISO DR, up to 10 fps continuous (not clear if this will be just in 20MP crop-sensor mode), D5 AF, tilty screen, and XQD card slot, and full-frame 4k video. Now, video AF will still pale compared to Canon's, but if true, most of these rumors are true, this will be an amazing camera. Of course this is a whole different category from the 6DMII. What it means though is that Nikon has created enough room below the D850 that it won't have to "nerf" the D750 replacement to create product differentiation. Nikon can release a (D780?) with a 30MP sensor, 8-10FPS, 4k video, dual-card slots and marginally improved sensor (if at all) and still have a far superior camera campared to the 6DMII.

Yes, Nikon has had quality control problems, and yes, Canon's lens portfolio is a bit better. However, between Nikon's offerings and third party lenses, there is nothing that isn't covered from my perspective.

Will this cut into Canon's lead? Probably not. The switching costs are simply too high. But since I'm not invested in Canon stock, their lead in market share does me absolutely no good.

So bye bye Canon. I have a few L lenses in good shape--24-70mm L II, 70-300mm L, 100mm L, 85mm L II, and 100-400mm L II--that are going on the market soon. Selling these lenses should more than cover the purchase of D850 and Nikon 105E lens.

 

[Frodo]

I have focused on image quality in the past and the move from a 5DII to a 6D was a step up.

The 5DIII was an extra $1000, so this needs justification when I don't earn a lot from photography.

Yesterday I did a photoshoot at an event. Biggest limitation was focus accuracy, especially when using (moderately) fast primes wide open the central focus point and then recompose (the other points are poor). I think the focus accuracy of the central point is overrated; its okay, but I'd really like functional focusing points at the four points where one third width and height lines intersect.

I do a lot of landscape photography and the 6D is usually fine (although more DR at base ISO would be nice).

But price is an important consideration if bodies are to be changed every three years or so. Here in NZ, the prices of bodies are (NZD):
- 5D IV $4428
- 5DSR $4149
- 5DS $3739
- 5D III $2974
- 6D II $2828
- 6D $1719

I'm looking to a second FF body. At current pricing the 6DII does not look attractive.

 

[Jack Douglas]

...

Latest rant noted. No need to repeat. Either you are right or Canon is. We shall find out.

Many of us feel same way and want to rant.

I went Canon when I went SLR because they were innovative.. first to bring video to an SLR, many other features etc. It was a leader.

I loved it and invested into their ecosystem and had hoped to work towards full frame, more pro bodies. But I don't make money from it and I can't afford to keep changing glass on each whim, so it's painful watching luke warm release after luke warm release while you see some really good innovation elsewhere.

Still watching the reviews, but looking more and more like I'll be still waiting.. again.

Yes, today Sony and Nikon are vying for the innovation crown. Recent rumors for the D850 release are pretty heady. 45-46MP, a true ISO 50, improved low and high ISO DR, up to 10 fps continuous (not clear if this will be just in 20MP crop-sensor mode), D5 AF, tilty screen, and XQD card slot, and full-frame 4k video. Now, video AF will still pale compared to Canon's, but if true, most of these rumors are true, this will be an amazing camera. Of course this is a whole different category from the 6DMII. What it means though is that Nikon has created enough room below the D850 that it won't have to "nerf" the D750 replacement to create product differentiation. Nikon can release a (D780?) with a 30MP sensor, 8-10FPS, 4k video, dual-card slots and marginally improved sensor (if at all) and still have a far superior camera campared to the 6DMII.

Yes, Nikon has had quality control problems, and yes, Canon's lens portfolio is a bit better. However, between Nikon's offerings and third party lenses, there is nothing that isn't covered from my perspective.

Will this cut into Canon's lead? Probably not. The switching costs are simply too high. But since I'm not invested in Canon stock, their lead in market share does me absolutely no good.

So bye bye Canon. I have a few L lenses in good shape--24-70mm L II, 70-300mm L, 100mm L, 85mm L II, and 100-400mm L II--that are going on the market soon. Selling these lenses should more than cover the purchase of D850 and Nikon 105E lens.

This sounds pretty logical. Let us know how it all goes in a year or two.

Jack

 

[Jack Douglas]

@ Frodo You may have camera price issues but you sure have wonderful photographic opportunities in NZ to counter that. Envy.

Jack

 

[Frodo]

@ Frodo You may have camera price issues but you sure have wonderful photographic opportunities in NZ to counter that. Envy.

Jack

Thanks Jack. yes I like it here.

Its not just: "do I buy a 6DII or 5DIV or even a D850?"
I have a discretionary budget for photography and have just invested the equivalent of a 6D body in something completely different.
I've just bought a new Epson P600 printer and lots of paper, ink and framing material. This has already done much more for my photography than a new 6DII would have.

 

[Deleted member 379512]

I have focused on image quality in the past and the move from a 5DII to a 6D was a step up.

The 5DIII was an extra $1000, so this needs justification when I don't earn a lot from photography.

Yesterday I did a photoshoot at an event. Biggest limitation was focus accuracy, especially when using (moderately) fast primes wide open the central focus point and then recompose (the other points are poor). I think the focus accuracy of the central point is overrated; its okay, but I'd really like functional focusing points at the four points where one third width and height lines intersect.

I do a lot of landscape photography and the 6D is usually fine (although more DR at base ISO would be nice).

But price is an important consideration if bodies are to be changed every three years or so. Here in NZ, the prices of bodies are (NZD):
- 5D IV $4428
- 5DSR $4149
- 5DS $3739
- 5D III $2974
- 6D II $2828
- 6D $1719

I'm looking to a second FF body. At current pricing the 6DII does not look attractive.

Where are you finding those cameras so cheap? Local shop here in Christchurch has them all for about 600-1000 more expensive. The 6dmk2 sitting about 3.3k and the 5dmk4 sitting about 5.6k at cost to 4, the 5d would be getting close to palatable, even without the flip screen

 

[dsut4392]

I think I'm on the record in this forum saying that the IQ of the 6D was 'good enough', and that the only must-haves for me to upgrade to the 6D2 were the tilt flip screen and better AF. _Improved_ DR was on the wish list, but not a must-have. I don't think I contemplated that there would be a downgrade in DR...

On balance, I think the increased 'keepers' due to the improved AF will more than offset the reduced keepers when pushing shadows at base ISO, and the tilt flip screen will still be great for ergonomics (particularly with DPAF).

But psychologically a downgrade in IQ is hard to stomach, and I think will lose or at least delay a lot of upgrades from existing 6D users like myself.

 

[Jack Douglas]

@ Frodo You may have camera price issues but you sure have wonderful photographic opportunities in NZ to counter that. Envy.

Jack

Thanks Jack. yes I like it here.

Its not just: "do I buy a 6DII or 5DIV or even a D850?"
I have a discretionary budget for photography and have just invested the equivalent of a 6D body in something completely different.
I've just bought a new Epson P600 printer and lots of paper, ink and framing material. This has already done much more for my photography than a new 6DII would have.

Frustrating when finances get in the way. For me it was that way all my life until now with kids gone etc. I used to drool of various collector cars but now it's camera gear. Here in Canada I've gotten really good deals using Canonpricewatch but only after some time has passed. Do you have similar?

Jack

 

[BillB]

I think I'm on the record in this forum saying that the IQ of the 6D was 'good enough', and that the only must-haves for me to upgrade to the 6D2 were the tilt flip screen and better AF. _Improved_ DR was on the wish list, but not a must-have. I don't think I contemplated that there would be a downgrade in DR...

On balance, I think the increased 'keepers' due to the improved AF will more than offset the reduced keepers when pushing shadows at base ISO, and the tilt flip screen will still be great for ergonomics (particularly with DPAF).

But psychologically a downgrade in IQ is hard to stomach, and I think will lose or at least delay a lot of upgrades from existing 6D users like myself.

From the curves that I have seen, I doubt that you would have worse results pushing shadows with the 6II than you would with the 6D. There isn't much difference in the curves, which is a huge disappointment to many of us, but that does not make it worse than the 6D. It just that it is not as good as we hoped it would be.

 

[Jack Douglas]

I think I'm on the record in this forum saying that the IQ of the 6D was 'good enough', and that the only must-haves for me to upgrade to the 6D2 were the tilt flip screen and better AF. _Improved_ DR was on the wish list, but not a must-have. I don't think I contemplated that there would be a downgrade in DR...

On balance, I think the increased 'keepers' due to the improved AF will more than offset the reduced keepers when pushing shadows at base ISO, and the tilt flip screen will still be great for ergonomics (particularly with DPAF).

But psychologically a downgrade in IQ is hard to stomach, and I think will lose or at least delay a lot of upgrades from existing 6D users like myself.

I feel similar. However, it recently registered in my brain that in 4 years I've virtually never even pushed my photos more than 2 stops; mostly never more than 1 stop. When I would be shooting in situations that were awful I'd just consider some alternative or reject the opportunity.

I'm not knocking folk who feel they need the big push just reminding myself that my style has not been to give DR a high mark in the check-off list.

Now when it comes to photographing on my knees on a rock at a lake shore, I've sure felt that the tilty screen would be awful nice, especially on a second camera that's light and more likely to be with me on vacations. I think a person has to make a list of what they do the most and how worthy the 6D2 is in that regard. I'm pretty sure for me it will be worth it.

Jack

 

[Frodo]

I have focused on image quality in the past and the move from a 5DII to a 6D was a step up.

The 5DIII was an extra $1000, so this needs justification when I don't earn a lot from photography.

Yesterday I did a photoshoot at an event. Biggest limitation was focus accuracy, especially when using (moderately) fast primes wide open the central focus point and then recompose (the other points are poor). I think the focus accuracy of the central point is overrated; its okay, but I'd really like functional focusing points at the four points where one third width and height lines intersect.

I do a lot of landscape photography and the 6D is usually fine (although more DR at base ISO would be nice).

But price is an important consideration if bodies are to be changed every three years or so. Here in NZ, the prices of bodies are (NZD):
- 5D IV $4428
- 5DSR $4149
- 5DS $3739
- 5D III $2974
- 6D II $2828
- 6D $1719

I'm looking to a second FF body. At current pricing the 6DII does not look attractive.

Where are you finding those cameras so cheap? Local shop here in Christchurch has them all for about 600-1000 more expensive. The 6dmk2 sitting about 3.3k and the 5dmk4 sitting about 5.6k at cost to 4, the 5d would be getting close to palatable, even without the flip screen

Expert Infotech in Auckland (www.einfo.co.nz). Often parallel-imported, but I've bought quite a bit of stuff through them without any problems at all.

 

[Deleted member 379512]

I feel similar. However, it recently registered in my brain that in 4 years I've virtually never even pushed my photos more than 2 stops; mostly never more than 1 stop. When I would be shooting in situations that were awful I'd just consider some alternative or reject the opportunity.

Jack

Funnily enough, i also never used to use big pushes, mainly because I'd reject the opportunity due to knowing that my 6d wouldn't handle dark shadows and brighter skies together. It had only been got the last year or so, since I started shooting with a few Nikon shooters that, after seeing some of the shots they recovered when I didn't have a hope without huge noise, that I realised quite what I was missing.

Sure, a number looked over cooked, but some were really nice images, from single files, and you start to notice all the shots you'd have liked to have taken, but weren't able to

 

[tron]

...

Latest rant noted. No need to repeat. Either you are right or Canon is. We shall find out.

Many of us feel same way and want to rant.

I went Canon when I went SLR because they were innovative.. first to bring video to an SLR, many other features etc. It was a leader.

I loved it and invested into their ecosystem and had hoped to work towards full frame, more pro bodies. But I don't make money from it and I can't afford to keep changing glass on each whim, so it's painful watching luke warm release after luke warm release while you see some really good innovation elsewhere.

Still watching the reviews, but looking more and more like I'll be still waiting.. again.

Yes, today Sony and Nikon are vying for the innovation crown. Recent rumors for the D850 release are pretty heady. 45-46MP, a true ISO 50, improved low and high ISO DR, up to 10 fps continuous (not clear if this will be just in 20MP crop-sensor mode), D5 AF, tilty screen, and XQD card slot, and full-frame 4k video. Now, video AF will still pale compared to Canon's, but if true, most of these rumors are true, this will be an amazing camera. Of course this is a whole different category from the 6DMII. What it means though is that Nikon has created enough room below the D850 that it won't have to "nerf" the D750 replacement to create product differentiation. Nikon can release a (D780?) with a 30MP sensor, 8-10FPS, 4k video, dual-card slots and marginally improved sensor (if at all) and still have a far superior camera campared to the 6DMII.

Yes, Nikon has had quality control problems, and yes, Canon's lens portfolio is a bit better. However, between Nikon's offerings and third party lenses, there is nothing that isn't covered from my perspective.

Will this cut into Canon's lead? Probably not. The switching costs are simply too high. But since I'm not invested in Canon stock, their lead in market share does me absolutely no good.

So bye bye Canon. I have a few L lenses in good shape--24-70mm L II, 70-300mm L, 100mm L, 85mm L II, and 100-400mm L II--that are going on the market soon. Selling these lenses should more than cover the purchase of D850 and Nikon 105E lens.

Troll or simply illogical? You do not want to pay for 5DMkIV but you are willing to sell your excellent lenses to pay for ... D850 ?

 

[Chaitanya]

...

Latest rant noted. No need to repeat. Either you are right or Canon is. We shall find out.

Many of us feel same way and want to rant.

I went Canon when I went SLR because they were innovative.. first to bring video to an SLR, many other features etc. It was a leader.

I loved it and invested into their ecosystem and had hoped to work towards full frame, more pro bodies. But I don't make money from it and I can't afford to keep changing glass on each whim, so it's painful watching luke warm release after luke warm release while you see some really good innovation elsewhere.

Still watching the reviews, but looking more and more like I'll be still waiting.. again.

Yes, today Sony and Nikon are vying for the innovation crown. Recent rumors for the D850 release are pretty heady. 45-46MP, a true ISO 50, improved low and high ISO DR, up to 10 fps continuous (not clear if this will be just in 20MP crop-sensor mode), D5 AF, tilty screen, and XQD card slot, and full-frame 4k video. Now, video AF will still pale compared to Canon's, but if true, most of these rumors are true, this will be an amazing camera. Of course this is a whole different category from the 6DMII. What it means though is that Nikon has created enough room below the D850 that it won't have to "nerf" the D750 replacement to create product differentiation. Nikon can release a (D780?) with a 30MP sensor, 8-10FPS, 4k video, dual-card slots and marginally improved sensor (if at all) and still have a far superior camera campared to the 6DMII.

Yes, Nikon has had quality control problems, and yes, Canon's lens portfolio is a bit better. However, between Nikon's offerings and third party lenses, there is nothing that isn't covered from my perspective.

Will this cut into Canon's lead? Probably not. The switching costs are simply too high. But since I'm not invested in Canon stock, their lead in market share does me absolutely no good.

So bye bye Canon. I have a few L lenses in good shape--24-70mm L II, 70-300mm L, 100mm L, 85mm L II, and 100-400mm L II--that are going on the market soon. Selling these lenses should more than cover the purchase of D850 and Nikon 105E lens.

I understand your feeling, senior herpetologist Dr. Wolfgang Wuster who was Canon user for longest amount of time recently switched over to Nikon. He and few other people were the reason why I bought into Canon system, but doesnt look like I will upgrade either of my two Canon SLRs and might switch system as I only have two lenses in my bag- Sigma 150mm and MP-E 65mm. So when I get equivalent lenses in other systems I am also done shooting with Canon.

 

[Aglet]

Yup. 6D owner here. I see no reason to fork out +$1k for such a minor upgrade, or $2k to move to a 5DIV. If the 5d had IBIS and 4k I'd feel like I was actually getting something for my money. I expected the 6DmII value to at least match the d750 or K1.

Have you considered that the market for this camera is not people upgrading from the 6D to 6D2 but people upgrading from xxD or xxxD?

6d2 launched overpriced and it under-delivers vs (optimists') expectations.
When it's price drops to $1500us or less then it's comparable to the competition and in line with what it delivers.

 

[Aglet]

...

Latest rant noted. No need to repeat. Either you are right or Canon is. We shall find out.

Many of us feel same way and want to rant.

I went Canon when I went SLR because they were innovative.. first to bring video to an SLR, many other features etc. It was a leader.

I loved it and invested into their ecosystem and had hoped to work towards full frame, more pro bodies. But I don't make money from it and I can't afford to keep changing glass on each whim, so it's painful watching luke warm release after luke warm release while you see some really good innovation elsewhere.

Still watching the reviews, but looking more and more like I'll be still waiting.. again.

Yes, today Sony and Nikon are vying for the innovation crown. Recent rumors for the D850 release are pretty heady. 45-46MP, a true ISO 50, improved low and high ISO DR, up to 10 fps continuous (not clear if this will be just in 20MP crop-sensor mode), D5 AF, tilty screen, and XQD card slot, and full-frame 4k video. Now, video AF will still pale compared to Canon's, but if true, most of these rumors are true, this will be an amazing camera. Of course this is a whole different category from the 6DMII. What it means though is that Nikon has created enough room below the D850 that it won't have to "nerf" the D750 replacement to create product differentiation. Nikon can release a (D780?) with a 30MP sensor, 8-10FPS, 4k video, dual-card slots and marginally improved sensor (if at all) and still have a far superior camera campared to the 6DMII.

Yes, Nikon has had quality control problems, and yes, Canon's lens portfolio is a bit better. However, between Nikon's offerings and third party lenses, there is nothing that isn't covered from my perspective.

Will this cut into Canon's lead? Probably not. The switching costs are simply too high. But since I'm not invested in Canon stock, their lead in market share does me absolutely no good.

So bye bye Canon. I have a few L lenses in good shape--24-70mm L II, 70-300mm L, 100mm L, 85mm L II, and 100-400mm L II--that are going on the market soon. Selling these lenses should more than cover the purchase of D850 and Nikon 105E lens.

Resale value on Canon lenses is ridiculously good (for no good reason) so you won't lose a lot.
Welcome to the dark side, brother. Here we have no noisy band playing in the shadows.

 

[Aglet]

I have focused on image quality in the past and the move from a 5DII to a 6D was a step up.

The 5DIII was an extra $1000, so this needs justification when I don't earn a lot from photography.

Yesterday I did a photoshoot at an event. Biggest limitation was focus accuracy, especially when using (moderately) fast primes wide open the central focus point and then recompose (the other points are poor). I think the focus accuracy of the central point is overrated; its okay, but I'd really like functional focusing points at the four points where one third width and height lines intersect.

I do a lot of landscape photography and the 6D is usually fine (although more DR at base ISO would be nice).

But price is an important consideration if bodies are to be changed every three years or so. Here in NZ, the prices of bodies are (NZD):
- 5D IV $4428
- 5DSR $4149
- 5DS $3739
- 5D III $2974
- 6D II $2828
- 6D $1719

I'm looking to a second FF body. At current pricing the 6DII does not look attractive.

So the 6d2 is launching overpriced in NZ too.

 

[Aglet]

Remember when the early rumors here had the 6D ii going "Up-market".....lol!

you got AF points and flippy-screen!