Review: Canon EOS 6D Mark II by TDP

[Skywise]

I've read lots of reviews of how it's a great entry level FF camera.

But what about those of us that already HAVE an entry level FF camera... like the 6D? It's marginal upgrade at best with a trade-off of with potentially lower video quality and slightly worse DR but some better DR depending on what ISO you're shooting at.

If it had the SAME video/IQ at all levels of the older 6D I'd at least be thinking of an upgrade to grab the DPAF and video AF capabilities and to a lesser extent the flippy screen.

Maybe when promo pricing kicks in it'll be worth a look... maybe

 

[Ryananthony]

I've read lots of reviews of how it's a great entry level FF camera.

But what about those of us that already HAVE an entry level FF camera... like the 6D? It's marginal upgrade at best with a trade-off of with potentially lower video quality and slightly worse DR but some better DR depending on what ISO you're shooting at.

If it had the SAME video/IQ at all levels of the older 6D I'd at least be thinking of an upgrade to grab the DPAF and video AF capabilities and to a lesser extent the flippy screen.

Maybe when promo pricing kicks in it'll be worth a look... maybe

The same can be said for anyone who is looking to upgrade from one generation to the next. I own a 5d3, and 1dx, I didn't upgrade either of them. For me, it was not worth the upgrade. If you don't feel it is, don't purchase it, wait another generation or change brands.

 

[stevelee]

If I already owned a 6D, I wouldn't have started reading the Canon Rumors site to see about the 6D2. I'm not suggesting that it is not a good upgrade for some people who have a 6D, just an unlikely one for me.

That said, I have an increased appreciation for the flippy screen on my T3i. Even the tilty screen on my G7X II came in really handy photographing inside the dome of the Colorado state capitol last fall and church towers in Britain this spring.

The sun has popped in and out of clouds today. My eclipse glasses were in my PO box when I checked after church today, and I tried one out by looking at the sun when it was out. I didn't go blind, so the glasses seem to work. I certainly couldn't see anything besides the sun through them.

Then about 2pm the sun came back out, and I took the T3i out to test the filter that came Thursday. I positioned the flippy screen in the shadow of the camera and wore a ball cap. Focusing was not easy, even so. The 75-300mm lens is by far the worst Canon lens I own, but I have made some decent moon pictures with it in the past. So I don't know how much was my fault, and how much was the lens's problem. I'll practice more before next Monday and continue trying different exposures. I don't know if I'm going to view the 98% version here or drive two hours south for totality. Traffic between here and there is a zoo even on good days. I plan to put more emphasis on what I can see and experience over taking pictures. I see that totality in the place I'm considering going to has just over a minute of totality. Not much time to take a filter off. So here is my least bad sun picture from this afternoon:

What you see is the full frame, with the picture reduced in size for posting.

 

[stevelee]

And while I'm inflicting my flippy pictures from this afternoon on you, here is one as the clouds moved over the sun. It is a somewhat more interesting picture. 5 seconds, f/8, ISO 100. The other picture was taken at 1/200, f/8, ISO 200.

Cropped very slightly and again resized from the original 5184x3456. I didn't do anything to reduce the obvious noise.

 

[Mt Spokane Photography]

And while I'm inflicting my flippy pictures from this afternoon on you, here is one as the clouds moved over the sun. It is a somewhat more interesting picture. 5 seconds, f/8, ISO 100. The other picture was taken at 1/200, f/8, ISO 200.


Cropped very slightly and again resized from the original 5184x3456. I didn't do anything to reduce the obvious noise.

Steve, just a guess, but it may be a issue with the filter. Some of them soften the images a lot. What brand is it?

I was not thrilled with my first try, then the sun was blotted out by smoke and not visible at all for over 2 weeks, but it does look sharper. It was captured with my 5D MK III and 100-400mm L II, and cropped way down. I used live view and live autofocus.

 

[Don Haines]

I have a 6D and a 6D2. The 6D2 beats the 6D in every way. The 6D2 at high ISO is FREAKIN AWESOME!!!!!!

This is a JPG from the camera, no adjustments, just resampled to 1/2 width to meet file sizes for uploading here...... ISO 102400 on a dark porch. The light source was moonlight through the trees! All the eye could see was that there was a cat in the bag, you could not even tell which cat it was. the fact that you can get anything under those conditions is amazing!

The second shot is of a fireplace, lit by a 60W light bulb 25 feet away in the far corner of the room, and the lamp has a thick yellow shade on it. This is also at ISO102400.

I also played around some with the time-lapse feature.... easy to use and great results! It lets you expose picture by picture, or from a master frame at the start. I am very impressed with this camera.

 

[Talys]

Well, a few high ISO 6DII photos to share, all with Sigma 150-600mm. These shots didn't have to be high ISO; I purposely shot them that way to see how they would come out. All photos were processed to taste with DPP.

Moon shot, 600mm, f/6.3, 1/500, ISO 2000 (tripod):
The yellow tint of the moon is unedited; it's due to smoke from wildfires near my area.

Stellar's Jay, 347mm 1/800, f/5.6, ISO 4000:

Stellar's Jay, 347mm, 1/800, f/5.6, ISO 4000:

And to go a little crazy, Stellar's Jay, 244mm, 1/800, 5.6, ISO 8000

The ISO 4000 shots came out way better than I expected; I could never have gotten pictures that looked anything like that, at ISO 4000, with an APSC.

 

[YuengLinger]

Really glad to read the many positives in this thorough review. Not sure why I reacted to early impressions by sites that have largely degenerated to click-bait.

Also, I don't understand the thinking, the expectations of owners of a camera one generation older. Why would you think any company is targeting you with an incremental upgrade? The 6D II is for, among others, those buying a first FF camera and those who want a good, reliable second camera that doesn't cost as much as a 5D IV. If a percentage of 6D owners see AF or other features as a worthwhile upgrade, or have used their 6D to the point of disintegration and want a similar but better replacement, great for Canon and for those replacing their 6D.

 

[jeffa4444]

Really glad to read the many positives in this thorough review. Not sure why I reacted to early impressions by sites that have largely degenerated to click-bait.

Also, I don't understand the thinking, the expectations of owners of a camera one generation older. Why would you think any company is targeting you with an incremental upgrade? The 6D II is for, among others, those buying a first FF camera and those who want a good, reliable second camera that doesn't cost as much as a 5D IV. If a percentage of 6D owners see AF or other features as a worthwhile upgrade, or have used their 6D to the point of disintegration and want a similar but better replacement, great for Canon and for those replacing their 6D.

I'm one of those that bought the 6D MKII as a replacement for my very well used 6D. Still early days but so far I don't have buyers remorse and the positives out-weigh any negatives thus far.

 

[hbr]

Really glad to read the many positives in this thorough review. Not sure why I reacted to early impressions by sites that have largely degenerated to click-bait.

Also, I don't understand the thinking, the expectations of owners of a camera one generation older. Why would you think any company is targeting you with an incremental upgrade? The 6D II is for, among others, those buying a first FF camera and those who want a good, reliable second camera that doesn't cost as much as a 5D IV. If a percentage of 6D owners see AF or other features as a worthwhile upgrade, or have used their 6D to the point of disintegration and want a similar but better replacement, great for Canon and for those replacing their 6D.

I'm one of those that bought the 6D MKII as a replacement for my very well used 6D. Still early days but so far I don't have buyers remorse and the positives out-weigh any negatives thus far.

I also purchased the 6D2 but I also kept my original 6D. I am finding that the 6D2 is better in every way than the original. Love the articulating screen, the improved AF, the improved resolution, the faster fps and I am completely blown away by the high ISO performance, especially in very low light. I simply do not understand all the negative comments - I guess these people making these comments have not used the camera, but want to sound important.

Brian

 

[stevelee]

Steve, just a guess, but it may be a issue with the filter. Some of them soften the images a lot. What brand is it?

I was not thrilled with my first try, then the sun was blotted out by smoke and not visible at all for over 2 weeks, but it does look sharper. It was captured with my 5D MK III and 100-400mm L II, and cropped way down. I used live view and live autofocus.

Thanks for the reply. It is a Firecrest, made in the UK by Formatt Hitech. I couldn't find anything on line that looked like it was worth ordering and was in stock. I put in requests with B&H to notify me when any of a few models were in stock, and I got email about this one, so I ordered it and a pack of glasses immediately. They rate it at 18 stops. The company seems rather serious about neutral density filters, and their other models get good ratings on Amazon and B&H. But that doesn't necessarily prove that the filter is not the weakest link in an otherwise already iffy chain. As I already said, I know the lens is not very good, certainly relative to my other Canons. The user is incompetent at this, but getting better with a little practice. For this test, I didn't put the little eyepiece cover back in after it came out on my way outside. Clouds were coming and going, so even at its clearest, there was almost for sure some haze.

And its not like I can run much alternate setups for testing. The only other lens I might try is the 100mm macro (non L). It is a fine lens, but I don't know that the tiny image of the sun it would produce would tell me anything. Since you used autofocus, maybe I should try that. Or maybe use it once and switch it off.

From the weather forecast, I may not even bother to drive to SC that morning, and just hope that I get a break in the clouds some time from here, where it will peak at 97%. Maybe I will visit my friend in Dallas in 2024 if we are both still alive and not too senile by then.

If this were critical, or even important, I would have used it as an excuse to buy a decent telephoto lens. But I would like to see what is the best I can do under the circumstances, weather permitting. If we get any sunshine this week, I guess I'll try out f/5.6 and f/11 and see if the lens does any better. If I have way plenty of time in the sun, I might even try the 100mm. But as I think I said somewhere on this forum, the zoom at 300mm (480 equivalent crop) has produced passable moon pictures, such as this one (full resolution, cropped, I think, obviously not corrected for CA):

 

[wunderpink]

Because of the nice tilting screen of the 6D II, for many the 5D IV isn't a good alternative (regardless of price).

If there would be a 5D-IV-like camera with tilting screen, I wouldn't hesitate to throw my money at Canon. This would be so incredibly helpful for outdoor tripod work.

Does anyone think it is possible that Canon releases a higher end camera with a tilt screen in the future? In my opinion, a 5DsR (II) with tilt screen could be a proper D850 rival. On the other hand, Canon really believes in keeping the handling of the 5D series consistent. A flipping screen would require to move the left row of buttons... :'( :'( :'(

 

[reef58]

Because of the nice tilting screen of the 6D II, for many the 5D IV isn't a good alternative (regardless of price).

If there would be a 5D-IV-like camera with tilting screen, I wouldn't hesitate to throw my money at Canon. This would be so incredibly helpful for outdoor tripod work.

Does anyone think it is possible that Canon releases a higher end camera with a tilt screen in the future? In my opinion, a 5DsR (II) with tilt screen could be a proper D850 rival. On the other hand, Canon really believes in keeping the handling of the 5D series consistent. A flipping screen would require to move the left row of buttons... :'( :'( :'(

I would not be surprised if the 5dsr2 have a tilt screen. It may have more pixels than I prefer though. The 5d4 is close to being perfect if only it had a tilt screen and 10fps.

 

[Talys]

I would not be surprised if the 5dsr2 have a tilt screen. It may have more pixels than I prefer though. The 5d4 is close to being perfect if only it had a tilt screen and 10fps.

Yeah, this is where a theoretical EVF that I fell in love with would work out - in my imagination, an EVF that performed "just like" an OVF would let a 50 MP camera run in crop mode basically work like an APSC, or give me 30ish MP out of full frame. I don't really want 50MP out of every picture, because the files just become too unwieldly, and the first thing I'm going to do is reduce them (a lot) anyhow.

The problem is, I haven't found an EVF that I want to use.

I don't know how to deal with the articulating screen. I would love one (it might even convince me to buy a top-end Canon), but so many people who are actually in the target market seem to really dislike the idea.

 

[Talys]

I am completely blown away by the high ISO performance, especially in very low light. I simply do not understand all the negative comments - I guess these people making these comments have not used the camera, but want to sound important.

Brian

Me too. The high ISO performance is really something.

 

[reef58]

I would not be surprised if the 5dsr2 have a tilt screen. It may have more pixels than I prefer though. The 5d4 is close to being perfect if only it had a tilt screen and 10fps.

Yeah, this is where a theoretical EVF that I fell in love with would work out - in my imagination, an EVF that performed "just like" an OVF would let a 50 MP camera run in crop mode basically work like an APSC, or give me 30ish MP out of full frame. I don't really want 50MP out of every picture, because the files just become too unwieldly, and the first thing I'm going to do is reduce them (a lot) anyhow.

The problem is, I haven't found an EVF that I want to use.

I don't know how to deal with the articulating screen. I would love one (it might even convince me to buy a top-end Canon), but so many people who are actually in the target market seem to really dislike the idea.

The reason I prefer a tilt screen and max image quality as ISO100 is I primarily do landscape on a tripod with long exposures. The tripod is normally a foot off of the ground or lower. My knees would love the tilting screen. It would be nice if Canon designed a 5d4 with a tilt screen as an option. Who knows?

 

[Aglet]

The reason I prefer a tilt screen and max image quality as ISO100 is I primarily do landscape on a tripod with long exposures. The tripod is normally a foot off of the ground or lower. My knees would love the tilting screen. It would be nice if Canon designed a 5d4 with a tilt screen as an option. Who knows?

Can you get by using an "angle-finder?"
I had one for my 40D... clipped onto the VF and allowed me to compose even with the camera on the ground.
Had some optical issues but worked well enough and I could keep my face off the ground.

https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=angle+finder+camera+accessory

 

[reef58]

Soon I am going to get something with the tilting screen. Meanwhile I guess I will keep getting dirty. Thanks for the heads up though.

The reason I prefer a tilt screen and max image quality as ISO100 is I primarily do landscape on a tripod with long exposures. The tripod is normally a foot off of the ground or lower. My knees would love the tilting screen. It would be nice if Canon designed a 5d4 with a tilt screen as an option. Who knows?

Can you get by using an "angle-finder?"
I had one for my 40D... clipped onto the VF and allowed me to compose even with the camera on the ground.
Had some optical issues but worked well enough and I could keep my face off the ground.

https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=angle+finder+camera+accessory

Looks interesting. Thanks for the heads up. I will do some digging around on those

 

[jeffa4444]

Really glad to read the many positives in this thorough review. Not sure why I reacted to early impressions by sites that have largely degenerated to click-bait.

Also, I don't understand the thinking, the expectations of owners of a camera one generation older. Why would you think any company is targeting you with an incremental upgrade? The 6D II is for, among others, those buying a first FF camera and those who want a good, reliable second camera that doesn't cost as much as a 5D IV. If a percentage of 6D owners see AF or other features as a worthwhile upgrade, or have used their 6D to the point of disintegration and want a similar but better replacement, great for Canon and for those replacing their 6D.

I'm one of those that bought the 6D MKII as a replacement for my very well used 6D. Still early days but so far I don't have buyers remorse and the positives out-weigh any negatives thus far.

I also purchased the 6D2 but I also kept my original 6D. I am finding that the 6D2 is better in every way than the original. Love the articulating screen, the improved AF, the improved resolution, the faster fps and I am completely blown away by the high ISO performance, especially in very low light. I simply do not understand all the negative comments - I guess these people making these comments have not used the camera, but want to sound important.

Brian

Most if not all those complaining about the 6D MKII on the forum have not shot with it. One negative compared to the 6D is the wheel on the back of the camera does feel more plastic and lightweight for some reason and more inline with a Rebel something I never felt about the 6D.
Small things make a difference and the remote socket being on the front is much better than on the side under a larger rubber cover as on the 6D. Being able to articulate the screen away from the back also avoids suntan lotion smeared on the screen or nose oil! The Bluetooth also works a treat.

Ive found shadow recovery if kept within 1 - 2 stops is also well within the realms of good enough and certainly in real world use no worse than the original 6D and the sharper images help retain the perception than noise is well under control. Like the 5DS the camera has the tendency to under expose and if you purely go by the jpeg on the back of the screen your have to batch correct exposure so definitely expose to the right with this camera.

Ive not compared any side by side shots to the 5DS and would be interested to see how they compare.

 

[candyman]

Really glad to read the many positives in this thorough review. Not sure why I reacted to early impressions by sites that have largely degenerated to click-bait.

Also, I don't understand the thinking, the expectations of owners of a camera one generation older. Why would you think any company is targeting you with an incremental upgrade? The 6D II is for, among others, those buying a first FF camera and those who want a good, reliable second camera that doesn't cost as much as a 5D IV. If a percentage of 6D owners see AF or other features as a worthwhile upgrade, or have used their 6D to the point of disintegration and want a similar but better replacement, great for Canon and for those replacing their 6D.

I'm one of those that bought the 6D MKII as a replacement for my very well used 6D. Still early days but so far I don't have buyers remorse and the positives out-weigh any negatives thus far.

I also purchased the 6D2 but I also kept my original 6D. I am finding that the 6D2 is better in every way than the original. Love the articulating screen, the improved AF, the improved resolution, the faster fps and I am completely blown away by the high ISO performance, especially in very low light. I simply do not understand all the negative comments - I guess these people making these comments have not used the camera, but want to sound important.

Brian

Most if not all those complaining about the 6D MKII on the forum have not shot with it. One negative compared to the 6D is the wheel on the back of the camera does feel more plastic and lightweight for some reason and more inline with a Rebel something I never felt about the 6D.
Small things make a difference and the remote socket being on the front is much better than on the side under a larger rubber cover as on the 6D. Being able to articulate the screen away from the back also avoids suntan lotion smeared on the screen or nose oil! The Bluetooth also works a treat.

Ive found shadow recovery if kept within 1 - 2 stops is also well within the realms of good enough and certainly in real world use no worse than the original 6D and the sharper images help retain the perception than noise is well under control. Like the 5DS the camera has the tendency to under expose and if you purely go by the jpeg on the back of the screen your have to batch correct exposure so definitely expose to the right with this camera.

Ive not compared any side by side shots to the 5DS and would be interested to see how they compare.

I agree about the wheel on the back. I also find the buttons on the back to be more plastic-like when pressing them. The remote socket in the front is a big plus. But why to point it to the left instead down? Pointing to the left makes it more complex for the use of a L-bracket. Looking forward for RSS to introduce that one (they are working on it)
Bluetooth with the Canon app....just great!


I am not sure about the comparison of slight shadow lifting to the 6D. I do not have the 6D anymore but at 100 ISO and a slight shadowlifting I see some color banding. Not sure if/how to avoid that
It can be seen on the left onder the bridge


Giant chordophone by Thornmill Images, on Flickr