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

[Loswr]

Boy, how many '+' can I give you.
But I fear that will be falling on deaf ears of the boo-boys.

Falling on deaf ears...or flying right over their heads.

 

[ShootTheStars12]

I still haven't seen a reply of how this is a better camera than the Pentax K-1. I am genuinely interested in seeing arguments for each, as they are in the same general price range.

 

[dak723]

Keep in mind, I certain don't have a problem with the notion that the 6D2 just doesn't have the features you want, at the price you want, or that Nikon or Fuji or Sony or whomever has a product has a product that fits you better. I think that's a healthy part of the competitive process. It's just the whole notion that product X should is priced too high because its materials are not much more than those in product Y just doesn't hold any water with me, because that just isn't how the world works.

You risk being banned from CR for making far too much sense. Please refrain from making sense in the future. We can not have someone who understands the workings of business educate those who think they know better. How the world works is too dangerous an idea for those who believe that the everything should be done to serve their personal wants and needs.

In order to return to the good graces of this forum, please learn the following phrases and make sure you use them in your next post: "Canon is crippling their cameras" and "Canon is doomed." :'(

 

[IglooEater]

I still haven't seen a reply of how this is a better camera than the Pentax K-1. I am genuinely interested in seeing arguments for each, as they are in the same general price range.

I think you might find an EF mount to be a big enough difference for many. AF system, dpaf, touchscreen, and vlog style flippy screen also come to my mind.

 

[Don Haines]

I still haven't seen a reply of how this is a better camera than the Pentax K-1. I am genuinely interested in seeing arguments for each, as they are in the same general price range.

There is no such thing as a camera that is better than another. You have to evaluate ecosystem against ecosystem for what you want to do in a price range that you can afford. Cost, physical size, ergonomics, features, lenses, accessories, and even what your friends/travel buddies have is all important.

For example, let's say that you and 3 friends are going on a safari together. Your friends are all shooting Canon, so it makes sense for you to get a Canon so you can swap lenses and commonality of batteries, but if those friends were all shooting Nikon, then Nikon becomes the better choice.....

 

[dak723]

I still haven't seen a reply of how this is a better camera than the Pentax K-1. I am genuinely interested in seeing arguments for each, as they are in the same general price range.

If you think the Pentax K-1 is a better camera and suits your needs better, than you should get the Pentax. If you think the Canon is better, you should buy the Canon. It really is that simple. You shouldn't buy a camera based on a debate by other folks who may have a totally different set of wants and needs.

Since a camera is part of a greater system - and most folks will already have invested in lenses, flash, and other accessories - camera brands rarely compete with one another. So the fact that they are in the same general price range has little actual meaning unless you are starting from scratch.

 

[Talys]

Keeping it real... I'm happy to report that my Yongnuo RT system works great -- the controller, three 600EX-RT (one of them is a 600EX-RTII), and a couple of remote receivers that I use to attach non-RT flashes.

Of course, my Canon speedlites work (430, 430II, and 580II). Also, my Elinchron Skyports work -- the original as well as the HS that looks like a RT controller. Obviously, the Elinchron strobes themselves work fine.

Also, the 2.4GHz Neewer FC-16 remote trigger, works great (both as a remote trigger and as a remote flash/receiver, though the latter has no HSS).

 

[Loswr]

I still haven't seen a reply of how this is a better camera than the Pentax K-1. I am genuinely interested in seeing arguments for each, as they are in the same general price range.

The 6DII is a far better camera, because it's compatible with my ~$30,000 worth of EF lenses. Of course, your needs may differ.

 

[Jack Douglas]

I still haven't seen a reply of how this is a better camera than the Pentax K-1. I am genuinely interested in seeing arguments for each, as they are in the same general price range.

The 6DII is a far better camera, because it's compatible with my ~$30,000 worth of EF lenses. Of course, your needs may differ.

And I'll be able to use it with my 400DO II X2 III with AF. Haven't honestly checked what the best Pentax long lenses are like so maybe they'd have me covered? I'm guessing not.

Jack

 

[Luds34]

Seems more like a FF Rebel than anything else.

That is all the 6D series was ever meant to be - an entry level camera that just happens to be full-frame. When you look at the original 6D when it came out, it was behind the curve in almost every operational area compared to anything higher than a Rebel and even the latest contemporaneous Rebel had it beat in a number of areas (rear dial and center AF point excepted). The sensor was considered great, but really was that due to anything that separated it from other FF cameras, or was it because it was a "typical" FF sensor offered in an relatively affordable, but competent, body?

I'm starting to wonder if any of you have ever shot a Rebel. The 6D/6D2 have so little in common with the Rebel. Just the pure ergonomics/handling alone put it in a different class. Rear dial, dedicated buttons on top, dedicated AF back button, and on and on. The ability to AFMA a lens is another important checkbox. I couldn't give two hoots about stuff such as 1/4000th max shutter speed, the stuff I think some of you think makes it a "full frame Rebel". That matters not in real world shooting 99.9% of the time. Not being able to AFMA fast glass? Can get you on every shot.

 

[Talys]

I'm starting to wonder if any of you have ever shot a Rebel.

I couldn't agree more.

It's actually almost like some people have never even picked up a Rebel at a Best Buy or Costco. I mean, build quality. They don't even feel remotely similar, never mind if you attach a big, heavy lens to a Rebel, compared to a 6D/6D2. It's the difference between wobble/give and a solid, confident connection.

Take a few seconds, and anyone short of blind would see the difference in the OVF. Actually use it to you know, take pictures, and the differences in functionality are instantly apparent. Stuff that never makes the top line spec sheet like electronic level, flicker sync for fluorescent lights, CFn, or PC wifi liveview can make all the difference in the world.

But hey, they all have a mirror, they all have DPAF now, and none of them take 4k video, so, right, t7i, 80D, 6D2, same thing.

 

[Yasko]

Well there is truth in it. But still 1/8000 matters. Has happened quite often when shooting beach volleyball that I needed 1/5000 or faster shutter speed. May be wih ISO 400 but again, I dont want to adjust that on the fly when shadowy shots on different parts of the field (I am always at the net) have only 1/1000 or 1/1250 s speed. Yeah, no sports camera... my 70D has 0.5 more fps and I use it for that... and every rebel has 1/8000 which you guys aboth me discussed.
Another story is 1/250 flash sync, but ok, 1/180 is still fine most of the time.

The discussion about features that set a higher line apart has already led to nowhere. Yet still I assume that a headphone jack would have cost 5$ extra... I may be wrong there, but I have to do with electronics parts too in my profession, and it really shouldnt be much more. Of course that amounts to a no lonher neglibile sum when considering other featires, too...
When separation is purely about the feature and not real costs (just an assumption, not saying that is Canons approach), I get the idea yet I also get crinkles on my forehead. What about state of the art, we are not talking top level here .

Btw just for fun: My old account got banned and I have no idea why. Not one swear nor bullshit talk, I looked up all my posts during the last months with that account... just because you mentioned one should continue booing Canon to not get 'banned' (I get the sarcasm).

 

[Don Haines]

Seems more like a FF Rebel than anything else.

That is all the 6D series was ever meant to be - an entry level camera that just happens to be full-frame. When you look at the original 6D when it came out, it was behind the curve in almost every operational area compared to anything higher than a Rebel and even the latest contemporaneous Rebel had it beat in a number of areas (rear dial and center AF point excepted). The sensor was considered great, but really was that due to anything that separated it from other FF cameras, or was it because it was a "typical" FF sensor offered in an relatively affordable, but competent, body?

I'm starting to wonder if any of you have ever shot a Rebel. The 6D/6D2 have so little in common with the Rebel. Just the pure ergonomics/handling alone put it in a different class. Rear dial, dedicated buttons on top, dedicated AF back button, and on and on. The ability to AFMA a lens is another important checkbox. I couldn't give two hoots about stuff such as 1/4000th max shutter speed, the stuff I think some of you think makes it a "full frame Rebel". That matters not in real world shooting 99.9% of the time. Not being able to AFMA fast glass? Can get you on every shot.

A FF Rebel is not the best comparison. Right now, there is a 6D2, a 5D2, a 7D2, and a 60D sitting on top of the desk. The similarities between the 60D and the 6D2 are striking! Size, controls, shoulder display, tilt/swivel screen, and build are pretty well the same..... the 6D2 is a FF 80D.

 

[tomscott]

With a new contract I have been doing a lot of studio work and have been using the 70D and its articulating screen a lot with using studio lights there isnt really much worry for shadow lifting etc and the images have been great.

So I thought to myself I really like the features like the tility screen of the 70D and love the 7DMKIIs "modern" features like the viewfinder II. Ive been waiting for the price drop of the 5DMKIV and it hasn't happened yet.

Never really felt the 5DMKIIIs IQ was an that much of an issue just hated the banding and purple muddy noise if that 1 image didn't come out the way I wanted and I had to push more than I would usualy. The 6DMKII from the files I have looked at look much better in that regard although the overall IQ is similar which is fine by me!

As most of you know unfortunately I was burgled and had my 5DMKIII stolen along with other items that I have had to replace which has cost me quite a lot. A hard lesson learned (now everything is noted on the insurance as they were very difficult to deal with) So spending £3k on a 5DMKIV has been on the back burner until I had recouped the saving I have spent replacing other items.

I was wanting to get by with a pre owned MKIII but i was dissatisfied with it compared to my 7DMKII when it got stolen for the reasons above and it was feeling 5 years old with 2 new shutters and the body was battered and bruised.

So this morning I ordered a 6DMKII!

In the UK preowned 5DMKIIIs with under 30k actuation's are running anywhere from £1400-£1700

Picked up a 6DMKII this morning for £1489 which for its feature set is awesome IMO. Hard to resist and worth a punt.

This will be an interim cam for me until the 5DMKIV comes down a bit. If I dont like the 6 i will most certainly buy a 5.

My only reservations are the lack of 2 card slots and missing thumb stick for AF. I do shoot weddings so the 2 card slot is an issue but I have never had a card fail in the 10 years I have been shooting professionally so im not too concerned although it is a small concern. I was thinking the remedy is just to stick a big card in and not touch it until I offload.

It is not the best camera for all my needs but I travel a lot too, love GPS for this reason, so I think this fits the majority of the bill. I find myself grabbing different cameras for different needs so will probably keep it anyway.

I am looking forward to the multiple AF points at F8 and cant wait to use the 100-400mm MKII with 1.4x to try it out with some wildlife.

Also really excited to get all my L glass out! 16-35mm F2.8, 24-70mm F2.8, 24-105mm F4! As I have had the EF-s 17-55mm F2.8 for most of my shoots because the 24-70/105 isnt wide enough on crop making it inconvenient for a standard lens and the 16-35 is the same focal length without IS. Most of my lenses have been sat in a box for the last 4-5 months.

Anyway I will share my thoughts when I get it. I have a shoot with Laing O Rourke on Tuesday focusing on PPE products glasses etc (a huge internationally engineering enterprise currently working on the Manchester tram system to the Trafford center). I have a wedding on Friday also so should be able to put it through its paces.

The 6DMKII and the 7DMKII I think will make a great pairing.

Cant wait.

 

[candyman]

When I go through the various 6D MKII threads on this forum I read that there is a lot of discussion going on about the 6D MKII but mainly based upon specifications of the camera. However I suggest to rent the camera – upon availability – and give it a thorough workout. This enables you to judge this cameras features and image quality based upon your own RAW files (and/or JPG) instead of making a judgement based on images that others took. The real impression about this camera can only be achieved by using the camera yourself. I am very impressed by the improvements over the 6D. This is why I bought the camera. It shines on high ISO and it has a lot of plus features/improvements over the 6D. Not for one moment I expect it would perform as good as or better than the 5D MK IV. That is a 2000 euro more expensive camera.

I took a JPG photo with in-camera +3 noise reduction on 40000 ISO and that JPG came out with impressive quality. In those rare occasions this ISO level can really save you a nice shot.

I noticed that you can work very well with high(er) ISO’s – quality is better than on the 5D MK III (I use that camera since 2012 with great pleasure). The overall image quality of the 6D MK II is good. Though I still need to give it a landscape workout and include long exposures (using filters). We have some bad weather here but look forward to do so in the next few days. I have no regrets about the purchase of the 6D MK II

 

[tomscott]

I noticed that you can work very well with high(er) ISO’s – quality is better than on the 5D MK III (I use that camera since 2012 with great pleasure). The overall image quality of the 6D MK II is good. Though I still need to give it a landscape workout and include long exposures (using filters). We have some bad weather here but look forward to do so in the next few days. I have no regrets about the purchase of the 6D MK II

Thats good to know 6400 was about as far as I would push on my 5DMKIII.

 

[hbr]

When I go through the various 6D MKII threads on this forum I read that there is a lot of discussion going on about the 6D MKII but mainly based upon specifications of the camera. However I suggest to rent the camera – upon availability – and give it a thorough workout. This enables you to judge this cameras features and image quality based upon your own RAW files (and/or JPG) instead of making a judgement based on images that others took. The real impression about this camera can only be achieved by using the camera yourself. I am very impressed by the improvements over the 6D. This is why I bought the camera. It shines on high ISO and it has a lot of plus features/improvements over the 6D. Not for one moment I expect it would perform as good as or better than the 5D MK IV. That is a 2000 euro more expensive camera.

I took a JPG photo with in-camera +3 noise reduction on 40000 ISO and that JPG came out with impressive quality. In those rare occasions this ISO level can really save you a nice shot.

I noticed that you can work very well with high(er) ISO’s – quality is better than on the 5D MK III (I use that camera since 2012 with great pleasure). The overall image quality of the 6D MK II is good. Though I still need to give it a landscape workout and include long exposures (using filters). We have some bad weather here but look forward to do so in the next few days. I have no regrets about the purchase of the 6D MK II

+1 here. Love mine.

 

[awinphoto]

I noticed that you can work very well with high(er) ISO’s – quality is better than on the 5D MK III (I use that camera since 2012 with great pleasure). The overall image quality of the 6D MK II is good. Though I still need to give it a landscape workout and include long exposures (using filters). We have some bad weather here but look forward to do so in the next few days. I have no regrets about the purchase of the 6D MK II

Thats good to know 6400 was about as far as I would push on my 5DMKIII.

Really? I've shot at wedding ceremonies with no flash (Flash is kinda distracting and unprofessional at a ceremony), and i've had shots go as high as 20,000 ISO with little to no noise when printed at 8x10. There's barely any noticeable noise at full resolution either... When you properly expose an image and dont try these crazy over processing of images, noise isn't that big of an issue, up to that ISO in my 5d3 in my opinion. Then again, clients are usually blown away you got the shot rather than look at any grain in the image.

 

[Mikehit]

Then again, clients are usually blown away you got the shot rather than look at any grain in the image.

And it is for that reason that I have believed for a long time that a lot of guff spoken about 'image quality', and 'only use the best gear', is more about the photographer's ego than it is about what clients expect to see.

 

[SecureGSM]

Tom,
I can confirm that you can push 6D II RAW files about 2/3 of a stop further if the resulting jpeg was down sampled to the size of 5D III image. I am talking about noise levels only. The loss of details in the resulting image is a different story though. you get a very nice and even noise but your details still suffer a great deal.

I noticed that you can work very well with high(er) ISO’s – quality is better than on the 5D MK III (I use that camera since 2012 with great pleasure). The overall image quality of the 6D MK II is good. Though I still need to give it a landscape workout and include long exposures (using filters). We have some bad weather here but look forward to do so in the next few days. I have no regrets about the purchase of the 6D MK II

Thats good to know 6400 was about as far as I would push on my 5DMKIII.