The Unthinkable: Swapped out 5D3 for 6D

[JohnDizzo15]

Good points. Ultimately only you can answer that question for yourself. I personally find both the GPS and Wi-Fi functionality of the 6D very, very helpful. I just came home from traveling and had over 1300 images already geotagged. I will be writing on locations and even using some of the images in teaching, and having them placed on a map by the camera means that I had to take fewer notes. I can see where I was while taking the photo in LR. That is very nice.

I use the Wi-Fi both to remotely shoot (including sitting in the warmth of my car and shooting LE work in sub-zero temperatures) and to transfer images to my iPad when I need to immediately supply images at events. Those two things are more important to me personally than dual card slots or (slightly) higher sync speed.

The question I often ask people is whether the additional features of the 5DIII are worth more to them than the $1300 that they could spend on lenses or other gear by buying the 6D. That is the question you have to answer.

Agreed re the wifi functionality except that I don't think it is as developed as the camranger UI and feature set. The only thing I like about the 6D wifi feature is that it is built in and I don't have to have an extra attachment. Otherwise, the camranger makes the oem wifi look like a beta version (albeit still very usable and perfectly sufficient).

For me personally, the decision between the two ultimately falls on the price difference and the AF need for the individual. Although the other differences between the two play a role, the AF is where the core of the separation is in my opinion.

Agreed re your earlier comment about ISO performance and shadow noise. Surprisingly enough, I on average prefer the files out of the 6D which was a surprise to me.

If you are someone who is on the fence at the moment, I think the first question you should ask yourself is whether you will be able to consistently get the shots you need with the AF of the 6D. Second would be how badly you need the higher FPS. Then third would be card slots.

 

[Janbo Makimbo]

I'm still on a 5DII and need a reason to upgrade 8)


Ok seriously no, I do want a 5D3, I've missed many worthy shots with the AF, and I shoot too many indoor events/low light subjects and weddings to keep risking more with it. Cool thing is though, I bought my 5D used, and I've found the used value here hasn't dropped, and I will be able to sell it for next to no loss if I do it right~

The 6D can out perform the 5D3 in low light.

Generally a horribly generalized statement. But I will say it does perform better in low light if you are only using the center point. That being said, every other aspect of the AF system is significantly weaker than the 5D3.

Its actually a statement of fact, although general it has been proved that the 6d CAN outperform the 5D3 in low light albeit with the centre point. Many pro photogs in a poorly lit church for example would use the centre point anyway which at -3 EV is clearly superior to the 5D3. Yes you do have squillions of focus points but that is not the point here!

 

[bleephotography]

So over the Thanksgiving weekend, I finally gathered the nerve to just let go of my 5D3 as I was offered a fair price for it. That, in conjunction with the deal for the 6D at $1400 pushed me into pulling the trigger on the swap out. Done and done.

Some things I'm struggling with, some not so much. Either way, I think the decision was the right one for me (for now).

Wondering if anyone else has given the same move some thought.

I actually made the same moves as you John, and for the same reasons. However, after using my 6D for only a few months I soon realized that I sorely missed the more advanced AF system of the 5DIII and have since sold the 6D and bought a 5DIII...again. Although the 6D is truly a superb FF DSLR, I found myself (as an amateur) unable to get a sufficient keeper rate using fast glass and the outer AF points, therefore I would end up using only the center AF point and cropping in because focus-and-recompose at < f/1.4 is not especially effective. Although I do miss the aforementioned features of the 6D, including the -3EV center point, built-in Wi-Fi and that all of the buttons are located on the right side for easy, one-handed access, the 5DIII is in fact a better camera and is therefore priced accordingly.

Overall, I did lose a couple hundred bucks by selling the 5DIII to pick up a 6D, and then selling the 6D to pick up a 5DIII, so if I can give any suggestions from my experience it would be to first and foremost go with the one you can afford and if that is either of them, then go with the 5DIII. The only reason I can see someone downgrading from a 5DIII to a 6D is for cost reasons (as is the case with the OP and me), whereas many 6D users perceive the 5DIII as the next step in the upgrade path due to the more professional features (AF system, dual cards, robust body, etc.), hence the cost difference. Either way, both are excellent bodies and offer some noteworthy features over one another, but if both cameras were priced the same I'd be willing to bet that nearly all of those saying that the 6D is a better camera would end up purchasing the 5DIII or eventually exchanging for it because overall, it is a better camera (although from a $/performance standpoint the 6D clearly wins). Just thought I'd share my experiences ;D

 

[MichaelHodges]

I've been shooting wildlife and landscape in Montana for two months. I had the 6D and 5D III shipped to the hotel. I ended up keeping the 6D, even for wildlife. It just has less noise and a nicer looking image when lifting shadows. Also, the center point autofocus was superior to the 5D III when the wildlife comes out most(dawn and dusk). The 5D III build was nicer.


--------------

http://michaelhodgesfiction.com/

 

[mwh1964]

For me the build of the 5D3 felt so much better over the 6D that there was no question about what to choose. Could I live with the 6D? O yea. And even a P&S, but such logical thinking does not apply in this case.

 

[Dylan777]

I actually made the same moves as you John, and for the same reasons. However, after using my 6D for only a few months I soon realized that I sorely missed the more advanced AF system of the 5DIII and have since sold the 6D and bought a 5DIII...again. Although the 6D is truly a superb FF DSLR, I found myself (as an amateur) unable to get a sufficient keeper rate using fast glass and the outer AF points, therefore I would end up using only the center AF point and cropping in because focus-and-recompose at < f/1.4 is not especially effective. Although I do miss the aforementioned features of the 6D, including the -3EV center point, built-in Wi-Fi and that all of the buttons are located on the right side for easy, one-handed access, the 5DIII is in fact a better camera and is therefore priced accordingly.

Overall, I did lose a couple hundred bucks by selling the 5DIII to pick up a 6D, and then selling the 6D to pick up a 5DIII, so if I can give any suggestions from my experience it would be to first and foremost go with the one you can afford and if that is either of them, then go with the 5DIII. The only reason I can see someone downgrading from a 5DIII to a 6D is for cost reasons (as is the case with the OP and me), whereas many 6D users perceive the 5DIII as the next step in the upgrade path due to the more professional features (AF system, dual cards, robust body, etc.), hence the cost difference. Either way, both are excellent bodies and offer some noteworthy features over one another, but if both cameras were priced the same I'd be willing to bet that nearly all of those saying that the 6D is a better camera would end up purchasing the 5DIII or eventually exchanging for it because overall, it is a better camera (although from a $/performance standpoint the 6D clearly wins). Just thought I'd share my experiences ;D

What's the light condition looks like at -3EV? Who photograph at -3EV?

6D might have the advantage with -3EV(on paper speaking), however, will it focus accurate under that light condition or even under -2EV?

To me, having 41 cross-type AF points and 5 dual diagonal AF points are MUST better than 1 AF point camera.

OP will miss his 5D III when he needs to shoot something like this: http://albums.phanfare.com/isolated/t302HPVC/1/6306064

 

[JohnDizzo15]

For me the build of the 5D3 felt so much better over the 6D that there was no question about what to choose. Could I live with the 6D? O yea. And even a P&S, but such logical thinking does not apply in this case.

Agree with you re the build. But my reasoning isn't as simple as whether the 5D3 is a better camera overall or worth the difference in price. My main personal conclusion was that I could get away with the 6D feature set and continue to make the same images I was making with my 5D3 albeit with less ease. Either way though, I got what I felt to be a significant amount of money back, equal to or slightly better files for post, and am now well on my way towards building the fund for a body with a price tag of 5k or more.

Putting all that aside, I also had to bear in mind that I have only minimally used the Canon rig since buying the Fuji.

Much like Dustin has stated, the decision is tough for many simply due to the mindset or thinking that one has to be ultimately be seen as being better than the other. I firmly believe that they are two very different tools with distinct differences which meet varying needs. The key here being variances of need. In this moment in time, the 6D is enough for me based on the collection of circumstances.

 

[DaveMiko]

What does the light condition look like at -3EV? Who takes pics at -3EV? Are those pics usable without flash? The 6D has only a very slim theoretical advantage (if one may call it that) over the 5D Mark III. In real terms, there's no reason why anyone would choose the 6D, with its primitive AF system, over the 5D Mark III. The only fact that makes sense is if you can't afford the 5D Mark III. That's the only, true reason here. Period!

 

[JohnDizzo15]

I actually made the same moves as you John, and for the same reasons. However, after using my 6D for only a few months I soon realized that I sorely missed the more advanced AF system of the 5DIII and have since sold the 6D and bought a 5DIII...again. Although the 6D is truly a superb FF DSLR, I found myself (as an amateur) unable to get a sufficient keeper rate using fast glass and the outer AF points, therefore I would end up using only the center AF point and cropping in because focus-and-recompose at < f/1.4 is not especially effective. Although I do miss the aforementioned features of the 6D, including the -3EV center point, built-in Wi-Fi and that all of the buttons are located on the right side for easy, one-handed access, the 5DIII is in fact a better camera and is therefore priced accordingly.

Overall, I did lose a couple hundred bucks by selling the 5DIII to pick up a 6D, and then selling the 6D to pick up a 5DIII, so if I can give any suggestions from my experience it would be to first and foremost go with the one you can afford and if that is either of them, then go with the 5DIII. The only reason I can see someone downgrading from a 5DIII to a 6D is for cost reasons (as is the case with the OP and me), whereas many 6D users perceive the 5DIII as the next step in the upgrade path due to the more professional features (AF system, dual cards, robust body, etc.), hence the cost difference. Either way, both are excellent bodies and offer some noteworthy features over one another, but if both cameras were priced the same I'd be willing to bet that nearly all of those saying that the 6D is a better camera would end up purchasing the 5DIII or eventually exchanging for it because overall, it is a better camera (although from a $/performance standpoint the 6D clearly wins). Just thought I'd share my experiences ;D

What's the light condition looks like at -3EV? Who photograph at -3EV?

6D might have the advantage with -3EV(on paper speaking), however, will it focus accurate under that light condition or even under -2EV?

To me, having 41 cross-type AF points and 5 dual diagonal AF points are MUST better than 1 AF point camera.

OP will miss his 5D III when he needs to shoot something like this: http://albums.phanfare.com/isolated/t302HPVC/1/6306064

Indeed I will. You are absolutely correct in that assessment, Dylan. However, at this point in time, I rarely encounter these types of situations where the dynamics are such that I could not follow something on my own and get it done anyway.

I recognize that there are definite needs for the focus system of the 5D3, but I can only imagine having that need about 1-2 times in the next year. I have been getting away with using the x100s most days for the last month. Because of that, I think I can survive with the 6D until the new Canon FF bodies come out at which time, I won't like trying to get rid of the 5D3 locally. When I do decide I need to sell the 6D to recoup funds, I don't doubt that I could quickly get at least 1k for it anytime within the next year and a half. The key here is that one of the factors for me was the ability to resell later in an expeditious fashion and be able to sustain only a small loss. I have a wife that doesn't greenlight anything, so this is important.

 

[JohnDizzo15]

How does the light condition look like at -3EV? Who photographs at -3EV? Are those pics usable without flash? The 6D has only a very slim theoretical advantage (if one may call it that) over the 5D Mark III. In real terms, there's no reason why anyone would choose the 6D, with its primitive AF system, over the 5D Mark III. The only fact that makes sense is if you can't afford the 5D Mark III. That's the only, true reason here. Period!

I shoot at -3EV more than I would like to. But I do it. I have a baby and another young child in the house. There are also plenty of times when we are out at night and I don't have my flash with me. This weekend alone, we are going on a carriage ride at 8pm through a decorated neighborhood where there will be -3EV conditions a lot.

Again though, the center point of the 6D was not my motivation for making the swap. Just making a point.

Your assessment of why anyone would choose a 6D over a 5D3 is quite flawed and already proven to be so based on several users here in this thread alone. I already owned a 5D3 (two of them at one point). Furthermore, I'm pretty sure my glass collection alone covers the value of everything you have in your signature (if we want to get into being able to afford things). ;D

 

[DaveMiko]

How does the light condition look like at -3EV? Who photographs at -3EV? Are those pics usable without flash? The 6D has only a very slim theoretical advantage (if one may call it that) over the 5D Mark III. In real terms, there's no reason why anyone would choose the 6D, with its primitive AF system, over the 5D Mark III. The only fact that makes sense is if you can't afford the 5D Mark III. That's the only, true reason here. Period!

I shoot at -3EV more than I would like to. But I do it. I have a baby and another young child in the house. There are also plenty of times when we are out at night and I don't have my flash with me. This weekend alone, we are going on a carriage ride at 8pm through a decorated neighborhood where there will be -3EV conditions a lot.

Again though, the center point of the 6D was not my motivation for making the swap. Just making a point.

Your assessment of why anyone would choose a 6D over a 5D3 is quite flawed and already proven to be so based on several users here in this thread alone. I already owned a 5D3 (two of them at one point). Furthermore, I'm pretty sure my glass collection alone covers the value of everything you have in your signature (if we want to get into being able to afford things). ;D

I don't want to get into that (because I haven't listed in my signature everything I own 8) ). ... Unless you're using a 1DX, pics snapped at very high ISOs aren't usable.

 

[MichaelHodges]

For those of you who do night sky stuff, the 6D smokes the 5D III (another reason why I picked it instead):

http://petapixel.com/2012/12/13/canon-6d-and-5dmk3-noise-comparison-for-high-iso-long-exposures/

 

[Sporgon]

The only fact that makes sense is if you can't afford the 5D Mark III. That's the only, true reason here. Period!

That isn't strictly true. You're assuming that sophisticated AF is important to everyone, and that is not the case.

At Building Panoramics we could have afforded a 5D III but chose the 6D because of it's smaller size, lighter weight and interchangeable screens.

The 6D AF is superior to the 5D & 5DII despite 'looking' the same.

 

[JohnDizzo15]

How does the light condition look like at -3EV? Who photographs at -3EV? Are those pics usable without flash? The 6D has only a very slim theoretical advantage (if one may call it that) over the 5D Mark III. In real terms, there's no reason why anyone would choose the 6D, with its primitive AF system, over the 5D Mark III. The only fact that makes sense is if you can't afford the 5D Mark III. That's the only, true reason here. Period!

I shoot at -3EV more than I would like to. But I do it. I have a baby and another young child in the house. There are also plenty of times when we are out at night and I don't have my flash with me. This weekend alone, we are going on a carriage ride at 8pm through a decorated neighborhood where there will be -3EV conditions a lot.

Again though, the center point of the 6D was not my motivation for making the swap. Just making a point.

Your assessment of why anyone would choose a 6D over a 5D3 is quite flawed and already proven to be so based on several users here in this thread alone. I already owned a 5D3 (two of them at one point). Furthermore, I'm pretty sure my glass collection alone covers the value of everything you have in your signature (if we want to get into being able to afford things). ;D

I don't want to get into that (because I haven't listed in my signature everything I own 8) ). ... Unless you're using a 1DX, pics snapped at very high ISOs aren't usable.

I certainly also do not want to get into that. Hence my lack of a signature line or comments/assessments about whether others buy something because they can't afford the other. ;D

Unusable for whom though? I get ISO 6400 files out of my Fuji x100s that are technically "usable" for some purposes. Different strokes for different folks. I won't be using high ISO files for large prints for paid gigs. I am also not a pro. As such, my photos are seldom paid for. When they are, I will certainly not be shooting at >3200 if I can help it.

Again, the core of the issue here is that I don't believe the 6D is a more usable or better camera than the 5D3. I made the decision based on the fact that I could get the things I need done with it. That is a personal choice which I in no way believe is applicable for all situations for all shooters. But it certainly bears no reflection on whether I can afford a 5D3.

BTW, I was one of the immediate adopters of the 5D3 (early enough that I had to have the tape fix from Canon). No qualms about spending money when I deem fit. There are also a few others in the thread that have made the same switch downward. Not always a matter of whether or not someone can afford something as some of us have owned the more expensive item first.

 

[bleephotography]

I actually made the same moves as you John, and for the same reasons. However, after using my 6D for only a few months I soon realized that I sorely missed the more advanced AF system of the 5DIII and have since sold the 6D and bought a 5DIII...again. Although the 6D is truly a superb FF DSLR, I found myself (as an amateur) unable to get a sufficient keeper rate using fast glass and the outer AF points, therefore I would end up using only the center AF point and cropping in because focus-and-recompose at < f/1.4 is not especially effective. Although I do miss the aforementioned features of the 6D, including the -3EV center point, built-in Wi-Fi and that all of the buttons are located on the right side for easy, one-handed access, the 5DIII is in fact a better camera and is therefore priced accordingly.

Overall, I did lose a couple hundred bucks by selling the 5DIII to pick up a 6D, and then selling the 6D to pick up a 5DIII, so if I can give any suggestions from my experience it would be to first and foremost go with the one you can afford and if that is either of them, then go with the 5DIII. The only reason I can see someone downgrading from a 5DIII to a 6D is for cost reasons (as is the case with the OP and me), whereas many 6D users perceive the 5DIII as the next step in the upgrade path due to the more professional features (AF system, dual cards, robust body, etc.), hence the cost difference. Either way, both are excellent bodies and offer some noteworthy features over one another, but if both cameras were priced the same I'd be willing to bet that nearly all of those saying that the 6D is a better camera would end up purchasing the 5DIII or eventually exchanging for it because overall, it is a better camera (although from a $/performance standpoint the 6D clearly wins). Just thought I'd share my experiences ;D

What's the light condition looks like at -3EV? Who photograph at -3EV?

6D might have the advantage with -3EV(on paper speaking), however, will it focus accurate under that light condition or even under -2EV?

To me, having 41 cross-type AF points and 5 dual diagonal AF points are MUST better than 1 AF point camera.

OP will miss his 5D III when he needs to shoot something like this: http://albums.phanfare.com/isolated/t302HPVC/1/6306064

What does the light condition look like at -3EV? Who takes pics at -3EV? Are those pics usable without flash? The 6D has only a very slim theoretical advantage (if one may call it that) over the 5D Mark III. In real terms, there's no reason why anyone would choose the 6D, with its primitive AF system, over the 5D Mark III. The only fact that makes sense is if you can't afford the 5D Mark III. That's the only, true reason here. Period!

To give you an idea, -3EV is comparable to shooting under moonlight, which is pretty significant if you ask me. You might wonder who would shoot under such conditions on a regular basis, but I say every little bit helps

Nonetheless, I have no regrets in re-purchasing a 5D III and I may even get a 6DII as a backup body when it's announced (assuming it has a significantly better AF system). Sure the 5DIII may be an overall better camera, but it doesn't make any sense for the OP to keep it if he doesn't really need the added benefits and he can use the funds for something else. The IQ differences between the two are fairly negligible, therefore choosing one over the other should be based on their static features or lack thereof (as Sporgon mentioned, size, interchangeable screens, AF system, etc.) and one's needs and affordability. Sometimes an overall "better" camera isn't better for everyone.

 

[JohnDizzo15]

To give you an idea, -3EV is comparable to shooting under moonlight, which is pretty significant if you ask me. You might wonder who would shoot under such conditions on a regular basis, but I say every little bit helps

Nonetheless, I have no regrets in re-purchasing a 5D III and I may even get a 6DII as a backup body when it's announced (assuming it has a significantly better AF system). Sure the 5DIII may be an overall better camera, but it doesn't make any sense for the OP to keep it if he doesn't really need the added benefits and he can use the funds for something else. The IQ differences between the two are fairly negligible, therefore choosing one over the other should be based on their static features or lack thereof (as Sporgon mentioned, size, interchangeable screens, AF system, etc.) and one's needs and affordability. Sometimes an overall "better" camera isn't better for everyone.

Exactly.

Also, to give you an idea, I have captured many images of my 13 month old daughter while she was asleep at night without turning the lights on merely because I wanted to capture her the way she was at that exact moment without disturbing her. I did the same with my son when he was younger and occasionally still do today as he is quite the peculiar sleeper. Again, I won't be selling those images or doing the same ones for a client. But they are definitely important to myself and my family/friends. Regardless, although I find the added sensitivity of the center point useful at times, it was not a significant factor in my decision.

With regard to the financial aspect of the decision. You are absolutely right about being able to spend it on other things. In this case, I am saving up for what will probably be a much more expensive body than the 5d3.

@DaveMiko - God forbid I get the next 6k-8k price tagged body before you do. And if it happens to be a 1 series body, I will try my best not to assume that you don't have it because you can't afford it and are content with using a lowly 1Dx ;D

 

[DaveMiko]

@DaveMiko - God forbid I get the next 6k-8k price tagged body before you do. And if it happens to be a 1 series body, I will try my best not to assume that you don't have it because you can't afford it and are content with using a lowly 1Dx ;D

;D The bottom line is: If you have the money and you want it, you will get the best that there is out there. ... Currently, that is the mighty 1DX! 8)

 

[jrista]

The 5D3 is a great camera but not worth (at least to me) the $3400 price tag. After reading people's thoughts and reviews I was expecting a powerhouse of a camera, and it really wasn't. I just couldn't justify spending the money on it to upgrade. The 7D is a VERY fast camera and very hard to beat in that department. I shot BIF (birds, raptors exactly, in flight) with the 5D3 and got 10 times more blurry bird shots than I did with my 7D! (Yes I KNOW how to set up my camera for birds in flight, I am NOT new to this! Please don't waste your time telling me how I didn't know what I was doing... I always select the center point on AF and use AI Servo...) I was also using my own EF 70-300L on the 5D3. That lens is lighting fast on AF, so I know the fault wasn't with the lens.

Not trying to start a fight here but.... you definitely didn't have the 5DIII AF set up correctly for the type of shooting you were doing (or something else was going on). I have shot extensively with Rebels, 7D, 1DIV, 5DII and 5DIII for BIF... hands down the 5DIII is the best out of all of these regarding AF speed and accuracy. The 7D does have a very good AF system but once you get the setup right on the 5DIII it is nothing short of amazing.

Regarding the OP. Glad you sorted out your priorities. It sounds like you are looking for some justification for your decision from the forum and there are definitely a lot of people who think along similar lines. The 5DIII is a fully customizable workhorse and for many shooters it is certainly overkill. The cameras you are using are great and will not hold you back from making great images. Happy shooting.

Canon1, would you please share your setup for the 5DIII? I have been shooting with the 6D and I am not happy with it's AF, particularly it's slow focus lock time using a 70-300Lens. My 60D is much better.

So I intend to sell the 6D and buy a III. I shot a lot of birds and think I will be much happier.

How do you have your 6D focus set up? Are you using AI Servo?

For tracking moving subjects, such as birds in flight, you want to tune the AF system for AI Servo tracking of a locked on subject, with continuous AF search. You also want to make sure that the AF system is tuned to ensure focus is locked before releasing the shutter. These are all options in your 6D custom functions. Pull out your manual and read up on them, so you understand what each setting does. It only takes a minute to set it all up, then you are ready to go.

It also helps to decouple the AF-ON function from the shutter button. I usually configure the * button on the back of the camera as my AF-ON button, and the shutter button as meter on (half pressed) and activate shutter when fully pressed. This gives you FAR more control over AF, and gives you the ability to explicitly refocus on a different subject or retry focus when it stops just by releasing and pressing the * button again.

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

I actually made the same moves as you John, and for the same reasons. However, after using my 6D for only a few months I soon realized that I sorely missed the more advanced AF system of the 5DIII and have since sold the 6D and bought a 5DIII...again. Although the 6D is truly a superb FF DSLR, I found myself (as an amateur) unable to get a sufficient keeper rate using fast glass and the outer AF points, therefore I would end up using only the center AF point and cropping in because focus-and-recompose at < f/1.4 is not especially effective. Although I do miss the aforementioned features of the 6D, including the -3EV center point, built-in Wi-Fi and that all of the buttons are located on the right side for easy, one-handed access, the 5DIII is in fact a better camera and is therefore priced accordingly.

Overall, I did lose a couple hundred bucks by selling the 5DIII to pick up a 6D, and then selling the 6D to pick up a 5DIII, so if I can give any suggestions from my experience it would be to first and foremost go with the one you can afford and if that is either of them, then go with the 5DIII. The only reason I can see someone downgrading from a 5DIII to a 6D is for cost reasons (as is the case with the OP and me), whereas many 6D users perceive the 5DIII as the next step in the upgrade path due to the more professional features (AF system, dual cards, robust body, etc.), hence the cost difference. Either way, both are excellent bodies and offer some noteworthy features over one another, but if both cameras were priced the same I'd be willing to bet that nearly all of those saying that the 6D is a better camera would end up purchasing the 5DIII or eventually exchanging for it because overall, it is a better camera (although from a $/performance standpoint the 6D clearly wins). Just thought I'd share my experiences ;D

What's the light condition looks like at -3EV? Who photograph at -3EV?

6D might have the advantage with -3EV(on paper speaking), however, will it focus accurate under that light condition or even under -2EV?

To me, having 41 cross-type AF points and 5 dual diagonal AF points are MUST better than 1 AF point camera.

OP will miss his 5D III when he needs to shoot something like this: http://albums.phanfare.com/isolated/t302HPVC/1/6306064

Interestingly, one of my primary uses for that is when using a heavy ND filter (10 stop). Traditional focusing is almost impossible (viewfinder is dark and even live view only shows so much). When I used a 5DII I often would have to mount the ND filter after focusing, running the risk of slightly affecting focus. The 6D can focus just fine with my ND filter attached.

 

[TWI by Dustin Abbott]

How does the light condition look like at -3EV? Who photographs at -3EV? Are those pics usable without flash? The 6D has only a very slim theoretical advantage (if one may call it that) over the 5D Mark III. In real terms, there's no reason why anyone would choose the 6D, with its primitive AF system, over the 5D Mark III. The only fact that makes sense is if you can't afford the 5D Mark III. That's the only, true reason here. Period!

I shoot at -3EV more than I would like to. But I do it. I have a baby and another young child in the house. There are also plenty of times when we are out at night and I don't have my flash with me. This weekend alone, we are going on a carriage ride at 8pm through a decorated neighborhood where there will be -3EV conditions a lot.

Again though, the center point of the 6D was not my motivation for making the swap. Just making a point.

Your assessment of why anyone would choose a 6D over a 5D3 is quite flawed and already proven to be so based on several users here in this thread alone. I already owned a 5D3 (two of them at one point). Furthermore, I'm pretty sure my glass collection alone covers the value of everything you have in your signature (if we want to get into being able to afford things). ;D

I don't want to get into that (because I haven't listed in my signature everything I own 8) ). ... Unless you're using a 1DX, pics snapped at very high ISOs aren't usable.

Wow, that is simply not a tenable statement.

ISO 20,000 from the 6D, no additional noise reduction:


ISO 25,600 (6D) - this one is licensed through Getty, has been purchased for commercial use, and I have directly sold art prints of it.


ISO 25,600 (6D) - taken at an event I was there to shoot professionally - client was very happy.


My point? These are just a few examples of images that I have personally taken at very high ISOs with 6Ds that have had critical and commercial success. As long as you nail exposure, images even at ISO 25,600 are often very usable. It has been further noted that the noise from the 6D renders much more like film grain, superior even to the 5DIII in that regard.