What do you think will be the Shelf life of the EOS 6D ?

[Cariboucoach]

I would suggest that those who expect an early demise will be disappointed!! In terms of specs and actual use the camera punches well above its weight!! It is a great camera to use and produces great images, similar to what the 40D was!!

[size=12pt]As good as the 40D is/was, that is what I shoot with, it was replaced by the 50D in about 15 months. Why was such a good camera replaced so early in it's cycle? Yet I don't think they will do that with the 6D.

Leo[/size]

 

[RTPVid]

...just like there wouldn't be a 6d at all if Nikon wouldn't have had thrown down the gauntlet with the d600...

The 6D was introduced maybe 3 months after the D600. People who say things like this apparently have no idea what is involved in developing a new high tech consumer product and the time it takes to bring it to market.

 

[CarlTN]

Just depends on what the market wants ...

Very good points overall and I do agree with them (for a change ).

Anyway, hard to tell how long the 6D will 'live'.
It definitely won't be replaced next year but who knows what will happen after that.

My overall impression is that the 6D is not selling all that well (unless discounted).
And despite having better specs, Nikon's D600 is not faring better either.

So, we'll see what happens to the so called 'entry level' FF category in 2015.
Canon might decide that it's better for them to sell a higher-spec'd 6DII for $2500 - rather than the 'entry level' 6D.

Thanks, and it shouldn't be "for a change"...my points are always valid...there...yes I did say that! Your personal animus toward me is simply the result of schoolyard group think on this forum, nothing more.

It's not my impression that the 6D and D600 are not selling well. I suspect the 6D has outsold the 5D3, since the 6D was released. That might not mean that it is "selling well", since the 5D3 had been out a while...but to me it does seem like it's holding it's own. Again, the dropping price, is the result of the product finding its true price...and not the result of discounts which weren't meant to cut into profit. I.E., Canon intro'd it as a $2k camera, took those higher margin profits, then let the price settle where they meant for it to be all along. Again, the price for used units has not dropping accordingly...so there is decidedly high perceived value for the product in the marketplace. If there was not...again you would see the asking price for most of the used units well under $1400 right now. And they're still from $1600 and up.

As for an up-spec 6D2, keep in mind that this would move the 5D4 farther up market, closer to $4000+. Perhaps everyone who loves the 5D3 who posts on this forum, would immediately pay $4k, or even $5k for a 5D4. But would the vast majority of those who buy it want to spend that much more? I submit that they would not. Canon seems to know how to run a business, their business model works, their products are high quality for the most part...they are Number One in the world...so I trust their judgment. If they want to turn a 6D2 into something very close to the current 5D3, and turn the 5D4 into an even higher spec camera...then they will know they're making the right call. I just don't see that happening at all.

 

[x-vision]

Thanks, and it shouldn't be "for a change"...my points are always valid...there...yes I did say that!

Heh. I mean to say that we are, for a change, in agreement - unlike other times, when we argue 8).

If they want to turn a 6D2 into something very close to the current 5D3, and turn the 5D4 into an even higher spec camera...then they will know they're making the right call. I just don't see that happening at all.

I see you point but there are other equally valid views as well.

Like I said, I'm waiting to see what happens to the 'entry level FF' concept.
Both Canon and Nikon will likely do some reshuffling of their FF lineups.
Just my opinion. We'll see.

 

[tcmatthews]

Not sure but I fully expect the release of the Rebel F next year. It will contain the exact same senor as the 6D. Loose the shoulder display. It will have a pentamirror instead of the pentaprism and be around the same size as existing rebels. It will have articulating screen. Should complete Canons goal to move to full frame dominance. It would also end any need to have a major sensor update in the rebel line for the next 4-5 years.

Intro price around 1500 but street will be around 1100 within 6 months.

End sarky but plausible remark that will most likely never happen.

 

[Dylan777]

I reckon 18 months.

It's single digit model(6D), not 60D, rebel or consumer level cameras.

How long 7D(single digit) been around again?

 

[jdramirez]

I didn't read all the comments, but I think of the 6D as the 5d mkii mkii. It is basically a upgraded and stripped down 5d mkii as I see it though I do acknowledge all of the upgrades the 6D has over the mkii. But I tend to agree with others that it isn't going to have a yearly cycle. The 60D has been out for three years, the 7D for four years, and bother of those are considered consumer or prosumer cameras. The demand for a good quality full frame option at a reasonable cost is rather high (I'm surprised at exactly how so). So they will keep pumping them out as long as people buy them. It also helps to separate and inflate the price of the 5D mkiii because those who need the 5d mkiii performance know they have to shell out more money for better otherwise they are settling for an excellent camera, but one that might not fit the bill.

 

[MLfan3]

I think it'll depend on what Nikon does with the D600. I'm hoping it'll get replaced sooner rather than later with a better AF system so my hope would be around 2 years.

It is obvious how canon sees the camera, the 6D falls into the same CPS category as a 40D which should hopefully mean it'll be changed quicker. It would also be a reasonable upgrade if they specced it with a better AF system and could see the enthusiasts upgrade.

well, I have both the 6D and D600 and the D600 AF is not better in any area.
seriously , the D600 AF is the same old consumer grade AF of the D7000, which is very inaccurate and unreliable.
you may be an only Canon system user and are not very aware of the other side(Nikon).

many many Nikon shooters consider the D600/7000 AF was one of the worst AF systems ever made by Nikon despite of its quite decent paper specs.

Nikon tends to give you great numbers on paper but in real life it does not work as well as the spec sheet suggests.
I wished my D600 had gotten the same AF used in my D800E(or the D4).
That said even the D4 AF is not as good as the 5D3 AF , and the for that AF , I may make complete switch to Canon after a couple of church events over in this summer.
I still prefer UI of Nikon since I am very very very used to shooting D800/D700/D600 but now video and AF are becoming most important aspect of camera qualities, at least in my area of work.
the 6d AF on paper is poor , but in real life it is excellent, at least the center point of it is very very sensitive and reliable even in an extremely dark church or rave.
I think having even one very sensitive AF sensor is better than having useless 39 points that cannot focus in dim light.
honestly, the D600 is one of the most over rated and hyped cameras ever , it is not that good.
it has dust issue , LV issue ,LCD green cast issue and its weak plastic pop-up flash makes my PCE lenses useless(I really hate popup-crap , and never understand why Nikon has to put that crap in every Nikon prosumer camera?)
the 6D was harshly criticized when it was first announced but most of its actual users love it while many many D600 users having the infamous dust issue or AF issue or LV issue or all of these like me.
so, if possible, go Amazon.com and read some D600 horror stories and compared that to EOS6D reviews.
the 6D is bashed only by haters or trolls but the real users love it.

 

[jdramirez]

I think it'll depend on what Nikon does with the D600. I'm hoping it'll get replaced sooner rather than later with a better AF system so my hope would be around 2 years.

It is obvious how canon sees the camera, the 6D falls into the same CPS category as a 40D which should hopefully mean it'll be changed quicker. It would also be a reasonable upgrade if they specced it with a better AF system and could see the enthusiasts upgrade.

well, I have both the 6D and D600 and the D600 AF is not better in any area.
seriously , the D600 AF is the same old consumer AF of the D7000, which is very slow and unreliable.
you may be a one system user and do not know anything about the other side(Nikon), but you should know the D600/7000 AF was one of the worst AF systems ever made despite of its decent paper specs.

Nikon tends to give you great numbers on paper but it does not work in real life.
I wished my D600 had gotten the same AF from the D4 used in my D800E.
That said even the D4 AF is not as good as the 5D3 AF , and the for that AF , I may make complete switch to Canon after a couple of church event works over in this summer.
I still prefer UI of Nikon since I am very very very used to shooting D800/D700/D600 but now video and AF are becoming most important aspect of camera qualities, at least in my area of work.
the 6d AF on paper is poor , but in real life it is excellent at least the center point of it is very very sensitive and reliable , I think having even one very sensitive AF sensor is better than having useless 39 points that cannot focus in dim light.
honestly, the D600 is one of the most over rated and hyped cameras ever , it is not that good.
it has dust issue , LV issue , green cast issue and its weak plastic pop-up flash makes my PCE lenses useless(I really hate popup-crap , and never understand why Nikon has to put that crap in any Dxxx model?)
the 6D was harshly criticized when it was first announced but most of its actual users love it while many many D600 users having the infamous dust issue or AF issue.
so go Amazon and read some D600 horror stories and compared to EOS6D stories.

That is very interesting. I'm glad to know I'm not missing out on anything AMAZING!

 

[kaihp]

Does the commercial shelf life of the 6D really matter to you? - my step mother has been photographing professionally with her 1Ds since 2003, and have only just now bought a 5D3 as replacement.

 

[RGF]

2-3 years would be my guess. To me its a similar level camera to the 7D and that is over 3 years old. I don't think the refresh cycle will be anywhere close to the Rebels.

Agree 2-3 years. But just because there is a new model, does not mean the old model will stop working. I have a 12 year old 500mm F4. Still works great even though a newer model is out. I used my 1D M4 for 18 months after the 1Dx was released.

So unless you need the latest model, don't worry about life cycle - if the new model has some feature you absolutely must have, then you can upgrade.

 

[wsheldon]

So unless you need the latest model, don't worry about life cycle - if the new model has some feature you absolutely must have, then you can upgrade.

+1

I enjoy reading about the latest camera tech and ogling each new iteration of camera body (that's why I follow CR, after all), but it is important to keep perspective. I only buy new bodies every 3-4 years when I'm ready to "grow" into a new area of photography. I just bought my first FF camera (6D) because I wanted to explore portraiture and other subjects that benefit from shallow DOF. If I get more serious about event photography or wildlife I may eventually get a 5DIII or 1D, but why break the bank now?

Also my older cameras are still great tools, and the existence of newer bodies doesn't change that as RGF says. In fact I just got a 13x19 print from my old 20D + 17-40 into a highly competitive juried art exhibition, and that camera is still clicking away in the hands of my son who's starting out.

 

[CarlTN]

2-3 years would be my guess. To me its a similar level camera to the 7D and that is over 3 years old. I don't think the refresh cycle will be anywhere close to the Rebels.

The 6d won't be a very long life product: It's only rated for 150k shutter cycles, plus it has an outdated af system. Note while Canon is hesitant to annoy their premium and pro customers with obsoleting their cameras too soon, but the 6d is a consumer camera (fw/hardware feature set + only cps silver in the EU).

But in this special case my guess is that a replacement doesn't depend on Canon's schedule alone, but rather on the competition just like there wouldn't be a 6d at all if Nikon wouldn't have had thrown down the gauntlet with the d600:

The 6d is built to be further dropped in price a lot, as long as it goes on selling it won't be replaced, once Nikon releases a d600 successor or the 6d sales stall Canon will put a new af system in once the high-mp 5d4 has been released maybe in the end of 2014.

I think the 6D has been a good seller, and have not seen any stats that say otherwise. And again, I don't see its replacement coming earlier than 24 months after initial release. As for the 150k shutter cycles...I thought it was only 100k. Also thought 100k rating was average, and the only body that's rated for more than 150k is the 1Dx, is it not? Pretty sure the 5D3 is not rated for more than 150k. In any case, that's still a lot of cycles. I don't go out and just hold the shutter down all day long, I only have like 7000 cycles on mine in 4 months, and it feels like I've used it a lot.

You're right about one thing, that Nikon's product release has a lot of impact on what Canon releases.

 

[CarlTN]

Thanks, and it shouldn't be "for a change"...my points are always valid...there...yes I did say that!

Heh. I mean to say that we are, for a change, in agreement - unlike other times, when we argue 8).

If they want to turn a 6D2 into something very close to the current 5D3, and turn the 5D4 into an even higher spec camera...then they will know they're making the right call. I just don't see that happening at all.

I see you point but there are other equally valid views as well.

Like I said, I'm waiting to see what happens to the 'entry level FF' concept.
Both Canon and Nikon will likely do some reshuffling of their FF lineups.
Just my opinion. We'll see.

Good point. Canon might even bring out a full frame mirrorless to compete with Sony. If it could use EF lenses without an adaptor, it seems like a viable option. If it needed special lenses and an adaptor to use EF lenses, then maybe it won't happen.

 

[Marsu42]

I think the 6D has been a good seller, and have not seen any stats that say otherwise.

Canon's interest in volume is secondary, as every company they're after profits. So the question is how far the 6d price drops after other enthusiast cameras with much better af are released (70d, 7d2) that also have good iq for most of us. If the profit margin becomes too small, they'll release a 6d2. They won't do it just for sticking a "new" badge on the 6d2 like the quick succession of Rebels though.

As for the 150k shutter cycles...I thought it was only 100k. Also thought 100k rating was average, and the only body that's rated for more than 150k is the 1Dx, is it not? Pretty sure the 5D3 is not rated for more than 150k. In any case, that's still a lot of cycles.

Uhg, you're correct, the 6d has only a 100k rating, just like my 60d and the Nikon d600. I had 150k (like 5d3) in mind since I see the 6d as the "real" 5d2 successor which also has 150k... the 1d series have 200k or even 300k.

 

[Chuck Alaimo]

My overall impression is that the 6D is not selling all that well (unless discounted).
And despite having better specs, Nikon's D600 is not faring better either.

So, we'll see what happens to the so called 'entry level' FF category in 2015.
Canon might decide that it's better for them to sell a higher-spec'd 6DII for $2500 - rather than the 'entry level' 6D.

Yeah, both nikon and Canon I think are having a hard time with the price point on these. I think the market has spoken in saying realistically these bodies should be at max $1800. I am guessing both will be on a 2 year cycle (because their both entry level). Nice side is it will give them a chance to give digic 6 a test run before they roll out the 6+ for the 5d/1d series bodies.

Part of me wonders about a faster upgrade cycle though, just because the target market is a market that likes new things... Also, I am betting both want to go on at least a 2 year cycle, but have a plan to make it a 1 year cycle if the other feels pressured to release a new one quick.

 

[Jay Khaos]

I was going to ask the same... mine only shows the month, no year

 

[BrettS]

.
Interesting question. And frankly, I have no idea since the whole thing has mystified me from the start.

But I'm looking forward to answers, thank you.

+1

 

[CarlTN]

I think the 6D has been a good seller, and have not seen any stats that say otherwise.

Canon's interest in volume is secondary, as every company they're after profits. So the question is how far the 6d price drops after other enthusiast cameras with much better af are released (70d, 7d2) that also have good iq for most of us. If the profit margin becomes too small, they'll release a 6d2. They won't do it just for sticking a "new" badge on the 6d2 like the quick succession of Rebels though.

As for the 150k shutter cycles...I thought it was only 100k. Also thought 100k rating was average, and the only body that's rated for more than 150k is the 1Dx, is it not? Pretty sure the 5D3 is not rated for more than 150k. In any case, that's still a lot of cycles.

Uhg, you're correct, the 6d has only a 100k rating, just like my 60d and the Nikon d600. I had 150k (like 5d3) in mind since I see the 6d as the "real" 5d2 successor which also has 150k... the 1d series have 200k or even 300k.

You'll find I'm correct about a lot of things...and don't compare 1.6x crop cameras to full frame. The 6D's price on new units has fallen about as far as it ever will until its replacement is announced. Used units still holding up well, as I have stated a few times. If you start seeing a lot of used units in new condtion start selling below $1400, I will be very surprised.

 

[Marsu42]

You'll find I'm correct about a lot of things

My, someone's take a lot of self confidence pills this morning :-> ... or do you have any professional/nda insight into Canon internals?

and don't compare 1.6x crop cameras to full frame. The 6D's price on new units has fallen about as far as it ever will until its replacement is announced.

Big -1 ... it's dropping €25 every week and now reached nearly €1600, that's coming from €2100 at the start of the year when the 6d was just out. I'd wager the guess it will continue dropping like this to at least €1400 and Canon will still make a healthy profit looking at the build quality & components of the 6d.

Used units still holding up well, as I have stated a few times.

Same with 5d2, and that's discontinued - to me it seems L lenses and ff cameras simply have a high resale value, no matter what the current market position of new units is.