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Canon 6D vs 6D Mark II Review

It could be said that no move is more significant in a photographers' journey than the move from a crop sensor to a Full-Frame DSLR. The original was many photographers' entry into the world of full frame photography, and with the Canon 6D Mark II they've brought a next-generation full-frame DSLR that's ready whatever you need it to do.

So what has changed between the Canon 6D Mark I and the 6D Mark II?

Canon 6D Mark I vs 6D Mark II Key Differences

Canon EOS 6D Mark I

Canon EOS 6D Mark II

20.2 Megapixel CMOS Sensor 26.2 Megaxpixel CMOS Sensor
DIGIC 5+ Imaging Processor DIGIC 7 Imaging Processor
11 AF Points (1 Cross-Type) 45 All Cross-Type AF Points
Fixed 3.0" Non-Touchscreen Vari-Angle 3.0" LCD Touchscreen
4.5fps Continuous Shooting 6.5fps Continuous Shooting
Full HD Video at 30p Full HD Video at 60p
+ Dual Pixel CMOS AF
Wi-Fi Connectivity Only Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy,
& NFC Wireless Connectivity
No Image Stabilisation 5-Axis In-Camera Digital IS for Movies
Size: 144.5 x 110.5 x 71.2mm Size: 144.0 x 110.5 x 74.8mm
Weight: 755g Weight: 765g

Image Quality & Speed

While the 20.2 megapixel CMOS sensor in the Canon 6D was impressive, the Canon 6D Mark II features a next-generation 26.2 megapixel CMOS sensor for even more detailed images.

The full-frame advantage of the 6D Mark II gives you greater control over depth of field and superb low-light performance. The ISO range of the Canon 6D Mark II has been improved to up to ISO 40,000, up from ISO 25,600 in the 6D Mark I.

Handling these higher resolution images in the 6D Mark II is Canon's latest DIGIC 7 processor, with greatly improved read and write speeds over the DIGIC 5 processor in the original EOS 6D. This processor also gives the Mark II the capability to shoot at 6.5fps continuous shooting, over the 4.5fps in the original.

Improved focusing

The original Canon 6D was no slouch on the focusing front with 11 AF points with one being cross-type, but the Canon 6D Mark II now features 45 all cross-type AF points for fast and accurate focusing in all conditions.

Cross-type AF points uses both vertical line and horizontal line sensors at the AF points to increase the likelihood that the camera will be able to determine the focus at that point.

Smooth & Stable Full HD Movies

Video has become a standard feature in modern DSLR cameras now, and although the original Canon 6D was capable of shooting 1080p HD video, it was only shot at a maximum of 30p (frames per second), which meant that slowing down the footage or shooting fast paced action resulted in a less-than-smooth output video.

However, in the latest Canon 6D Mark II, you can now shoot smooth Full 1080p HD movies at up to 60p, which means the footage can be slowed down and you can easily capture fast moving action at the higher frame rate.

Additional video improvements come in the form of 5-axis in-camera digital image stabilisation in the Canon 6D Mark II, giving stable video footage.

Connectivity

Using Canon's own app, you could connect to the Canon 6D Mark I via Wi-Fi and download images directly from the camera to your PC, Mac or smartphone, as well as control the camera remotely.

Connectivity has had an upgrade when it comes to the Canon 6D Mark II, not only does it feature Wi-Fi for remote control of the camera & download of images, but it also now features NFC for Android devices and a constant Bluetooth Low Energy connection so you can more easily control the camera from a smartphone or tablet.

Body Changes

Broadly speaking, the Canon 6D and 6D Mark II share the same body externally (internally they're completely different beasts). They Mark II is only a few millimetres deeper on the grip, but that grip is also chunkier for a much better hand hold of the camera.

The familiarity of a Canon DSLR has been maintained with the 6D Mark II, all the controls are n the same place on the top of the body, save for a new button by the front control dial.

The rear of the Canon 6D Mark II is much the same as the original 6D, except for a modernised layout and the introduction of a 3.0 inch vari-angle touchscreen, which makes shooting from any angle much easier.

The Canon DSLR familiarity that's been carried through the models will make anyone upgrading from the original 6D feel immediately at home on the 6D Mark II.

Our Hands On First Look with the Canon 6D Mark II

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By Park Cameras on 29/06/2017

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