20.2MP full frame CMOS sensor (I’m happy with that) DIGIC 5+ image processor (still pretty new and certainly relevant) ISO 100-25600 standard, 50-102800 expanded (noticeably better than Nikon) 4.5 fps continuous shooting (could do better) ‘Silent‘ shutter mode (I want this) 1920 x 1080 HD video at 25 and 30 fps (same as 5dmk3) 1280 x 720 HD video at 60 and 50 fps (ditto) Stereo sound via external mic (standard) 11 point AF system, center point cross-type and sensitive to -3 EV (New autofocus – thank goodness!) 63 zone iFCL metering system (grateful) 97% viewfinder coverage (not the greatest) 1040k dot 3:2 3″ ClearView LCD (standard) Single SD card slot (would it have hurt to throw in a CF slot too?) Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS (awesome) Single-axis electronic level (useful)
What does all of this tell us? Well, it seems to be a nice upgrade to the Canon EOS 5D MkII, almost like a 5D MkII.5. You don’t get everything you might want from a top of the line camera. But you’re certainly not disappointed by the specs. Not at that price. It’s about 40% cheaper than the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, which retails at $3,459, and just a couple hundred dollars more than the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, which retails at $1,899. When you consider that the specs meet somewhere in the middle, the Canon EOS 6D is actually incredibly good value for money. [ExpertPhotography is supported by readers. Product links on ExpertPhotography are referral links. If you use one of these and buy something, we make a little bit of money. Need more info? See how it all works here.]
The Exciting Part of the Canon 6D
I look at those specs, and for the most part it’s what I expected. Good number of megapixels, an improved autofocus, HD video, etc. What really caught my eye though, is the GPS and Wi-Fi. The GPS is a feature I love. It makes things just that little bit easier for you, but it’s the Wi-Fi that’s really caught my eye. Built in Wi-Fi is a huge plus in this camera. As well as everything you would expect from Wi-Fi, there’s other added benefits you may not be aware of. Firstly, the camera can share images and video with a choice of wireless devices such as smartphones or tablets. You can also share images with cloud-based destinations including social networking sites. That’s not the best part yet though… There is a free Canon EOS Remote app available for iOS and Android systems. This will allow a smartphone or wireless device to remotely connect, control and operate the connected EOS 6D. “This seamless connection and control will open new opportunities for professional photographers shooting weddings or remote wildlife, without the need for tethered operation or accessories.” Interested? I am. Here’s a video promoing the new Canon EOS 6D. http://youtu.be/LgGAl_i4YR4 Click here for links to buy:
Canon EOS 6D Canon EOS 5D MkII Nikon D600 Canon EOS 5D MkIII
Canon 6D: A Press Release for the EOS 6D Camera
Here’s the full press release from Canon. I’ve turned the most interesting parts bold, so you can skip to those parts if you like.
The EOS 6D Digital SLR Camera Includes a New Full-Frame Sensor, Built-in Wireless and GPS
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., September 17, 2012 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today introduced the EOS 6D Digital SLR Camera, a versatile mid-range full frame camera with the durability and performance professionals require and the creative imaging options serious photographers crave. Canon has coupled the incredible image quality of a newly designed 20.2-megapixel full frame CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5+ Image Processor with the creative potential of built-in wireless transmitter and GPS features. The camera also includes an 11-point AF array and 63-zone dual-layer iFCL metering sensor together with 1080p Full HD video capabilities, in an affordable camera body. Building upon the qualities that made the EOS 5D Mark II camera so successful, the EOS 6D bridges the gap for budget-minded photographers, videographers and cinematographers who are eager to step up into the world of full frame imaging. “The introduction of this camera completes a well-rounded ecosystem from input through output for Canon, allowing us to provide the right combination of features for every level of photographer. We believe the EOS 6D Digital SLR Camera along with our new PIXMA Pro printers will help unlock the creative vision of so many who aspire to capture and display their artistic abilities,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A. Designed for advanced amateurs and videographers making the move to a full frame Digital SLR, the EOS 6D fits neatly into Canon’s professional imaging system with an advanced feature set including full manual options for creative control in addition to new and intuitive automatic settings to help even novice photographers capture great images. The camera’s construction helps meet the needs of professionals with a 100,000-cycle shutter durability and EOS Integrated Cleaning System for high-quality vibration-based dust removal. Among the many advancements in Canon’s new EOS 6D is the Company’s proprietary DIGIC 5+ Image Processor that powers the camera’s fast 14-bit analog-to-digital conversion for exceptionally smooth color tones and gradation. The camera offers a full frame, 20.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and continuous shooting up to 4.5 frames per second (fps). Thanks to the combination of its new CMOS image sensor and the powerful DIGIC 5+ image processor, the EOS 6D provides a wide ISO range from 100-25600 with a low setting, L: 50 and two high settings, H1: 51200 and H2: 102400. These outstanding low-light capabilities allow the EOS 6D to easily capture dimly lit scenes such as wedding ceremonies, indoor corporate events, or landscapes at dusk. To support the ample sensitivity of the new camera’s sensor, the EOS 6D camera’s Auto Focus (AF) system includes a newly-developed 11-point AF sensor featuring a high-precision center cross-type point with an exceptional EV -3 sensitivity rating for accurate focusing even in extremely low-light conditions. The EOS 6D has a large 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor with 1,040,000 dot VGA resolution and 170 degree viewing angle, with high-transparency multicoating for maximum protection and clarity when viewing images or navigating menu screens. When used for Live View shooting, the camera’s bright high-performance LCD screen provides 100 percent coverage, for easy focusing and framing.
Full-Frame 1080p Full HD Video
Videographers, student filmmakers, and creative independent spirits will appreciate the full frame video capabilities of the EOS 6D in an affordable and compact body. Borrowing from the best of the EOS 5D-series, the EOS 6D provides full manual control over exposure and audio levels while recording video. The camera features NTSC and PAL video modes at multiple frame rates, recording 1080p at 30 (29.97), 24 (23.976) and 25 fps, 720p at 60 (59.94) and 50 fps and standard video at 30 (29.97) and 25 fps. The camera provides up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds of continuous recording (with 4GB automatic file partitioning) in selectable All i-frame or IPB compressions with embedded timecode. Especially when used with large aperture lenses, the EOS 6D camera’s full frame sensor offers a tremendous degree of creative control over depth-of-field, helping users to achieve pro-quality cinematic effects in Full HD video recordings.
Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS
For the ultimate in DSLR connectivity and control, the EOS 6D features a built-in wireless transmitter which allows the camera to share images and video with the user’s choice of wireless devices such as select PowerShot cameras, smartphones, or tablets, as well as cloud-based destinations including social networking sites through the Canon iMAGE GATEWAY . A very intuitive and useful wireless feature is the new, free Canon EOS Remote app available for iOS and Android systems which will allow a smartphone or wireless device such as a tablet to remotely connect, control and operate the connected EOS 6D . This seamless connection and control will open new opportunities for professional photographers shooting weddings or remote wildlife, without the need for tethered operation or accessories. For on-location shooters, landscape photographers or enthusiast photo travelers, the EOS 6D features a built-in GPS receiver to record longitude, latitude, elevation and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) as EXIF data for seamless geo-tagging while shooting. The GPS coordinates are appended to each image and easily syncs with Canon software or mapping apps on social network sites to show image locations. Use of UTC data allows images to be chronologically mapped and trails plotted and recorded.
Boundless Creativity
To help photographers unlock their full creative potential and explore all the different avenues of digital photography, the EOS 6D includes several creative modes for image capture. First is the HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode allowing the camera to capture three separate exposures and combine them in-camera for a stunning image capturing both enhanced shadow detail and bright highlights. Next is the camera’s Multiple Exposure mode where users can combine up to nine individual images into a single composite image, with no need for later computer post-processing. Four different compositing methods are provided for maximum creative control, including Additive, Average, Bright and Dark. Compositing results can be viewed in real time on the camera’s LCD monitor, and there is a one-step Undo command that allows photographers to delete an image and try again if desired. The EOS 6D will even allow photographers to specify a previously captured RAW image as the starting point for a new Multiple Exposure composite image. In addition to HDR and Multiple Exposure modes are Canon’s standard Scene Intelligent Auto and special scene modes to capture great images with ease. The camera is compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards including the new Ultra High Speed (UHS-I) cards.
Pricing and Availability
The EOS 6D Digital SLR Camera will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $2,099.00 and it will additionally be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $2,899.00. Both configurations are expected to be available in December 2012.
