Canon 6D Vs Canon 5D Mark II – Check Which One Is Best & Why?
Canon 6D & Canon 5D Mark II share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as image quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Canon 6D rather than Canon 5D Mark II.
Why Do I Recommend Canon 6D?
- The Canon 6D has a newer advanced DIGIC 5+ processor, providing better image quality and performance in low light compared to the Canon 5D Mark II’s older DIGIC 4 processor.
- Canon 6D offer faster burst rate of 4.5 fps using its electronic shutter to enhances the ability to capture fast-moving subjects and fleeting moments with precision compared to Canon 5D Mark II’s 4 fps.
- With 11 autofocus points compared to 9 in the 5D Mark IV, the Canon 6D offers denser and more precise focusing capabilities for dynamic shooting environments where subject tracking reliability is critical.
- The improved 1040k dot LCD resolution in the Canon 6D offer 13% higher resolution for better clarity and detail compared to the Canon R5 II‘s 920k dot.
- The Canon 6D offers 1090 shots in a single charge & Canon R5 II 850 shots; 240 shots longer battery life per charge making the 6D more suitable for extended shooting sessions.
- It is more lighter than canon R5 II, which is 770g, making it more portable and easier to carry around for extended periods. And Canon 5D Mark II is 850g.
- Low Light ISO of Canon 6D is 2340 which provide high quality images in lower light conditions without the necessity of a flash. On the other hand ISO of Canon R5 II is 1815.
- The Canon 6D includes built-in Wi-Fi and GPS those function allows for easy image sharing and geotagging, which are not available in the 5D Mark II.
Maybe the Canon 6D price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Canon 5D Mark II. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
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Side By Side Comparison
Feature | Canon 6D | Canon 5D Mark II |
Announcement Date | September 2012 | September 2008 |
Sensor | 20.2 MP Full-Frame CMOS | 21.1 MP Full-Frame CMOS |
Processor | DIGIC 5+ | DIGIC 4 |
ISO Range | 100-25600 (expandable to 50-102400) | 100-6400 (expandable to 50-25600) |
Autofocus System | 11-point AF system with f/2.8 cross-type points | 9-point AF system, all cross-type at f/5.6 |
Continuous Shooting Speed | 4.5 fps | 3.9 fps |
Built-in Wi-Fi | Yes | No |
Built-in GPS | Yes | No |
LCD Screen | 3.0-inch, 1040K dots, Clear View II | 3.0-inch, 920K dots, Clear View II |
Battery Life | Approx. 1090 shots (CIPA) | Approx. 850 shots (CIPA) |
Weight | 770g (body only) | 810g (body only) |
Video Recording | Full HD 1080p at 30fps, 24fps, 25fps, 50fps | Full HD 1080p at 30fps, 24fps, 25fps |
Storage Media | SD/SDHC/SDXC | CF (CompactFlash) |
Shutter Speed Range | 30-1/4000 sec, Bulb | 30-1/8000 sec, Bulb |
Exposure Compensation | ±5 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps | ±5 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps |
Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 sec | 1/200 sec |
Flash Compensation | ±3 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps | ±3 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps |
Metering System | 63-zone dual-layer sensor | 63-zone dual-layer sensor |
Viewfinder Type | Pentaprism with 0.71x magnification | Pentaprism with 0.71x magnification |
Connectivity | USB 2.0, HDMI, Wi-Fi, GPS | USB 2.0, HDMI |
Supported Lenses | EF and EF-S lenses | EF and EF-S lenses |
Burst Mode | 4.5 fps up to 125 JPEGs or 17 RAW files | 3.9 fps up to 310 JPEGs or 17 RAW files |
Dynamic Range | 11.6 stops | 10.1 stops |
Color Space | sRGB, Adobe RGB | sRGB |
Creative Filters | Yes | No |
Focus Points | 11 points, all cross-type at f/2.8 or faster | 9 points, all cross-type at f/5.6 |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 145 x 111.8 x 71.2 mm | 152 x 114 x 76 mm |
Price | Check 6D Price | Check 5D II Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Sensor Type and Size: Both the Canon 6D and 5D Mark II use full-frame CMOS sensors, which provide superior image quality, shallow depth of field, and excellent low-light performance.
- Megapixel Count: The cameras have similar megapixel counts (20.2 MP for the 6D and 21.1 MP for the 5D Mark II), ensuring high-resolution images suitable for large prints and cropping.
- LCD Screen: Both models feature a 3.0-inch Clear View II LCD screen, offering a clear and detailed view for composing shots and reviewing images.
- Video Capabilities: Both cameras are capable of recording Full HD 1080p video, making them suitable for high-quality video recording.
- Exposure Compensation: Both models offer an exposure compensation range of ±5 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps, allowing fine-tuning of exposure settings in various lighting conditions.
- ISO Range: While the native ISO range is slightly different, both cameras offer extensive expandability, making them versatile for different lighting environments.
- Shutter Speed and Flash Sync: Both models have a similar shutter speed range (though the 5D Mark II goes up to 1/8000 sec) and the same flash sync speed of 1/200 sec, suitable for various shooting scenarios.
- Viewfinder: Both use a pentaprism viewfinder with 0.71x magnification, providing a bright and clear view for composing shots.
- Metering System: Both cameras use a 63-zone dual-layer metering sensor, which provides accurate exposure readings in various lighting conditions.
- White Balance and Exposure Modes: Both models offer a range of white balance modes and exposure settings, allowing photographers to adapt to different lighting conditions and creative preferences.
- Weather Sealing: Both cameras are weather-sealed, making them durable and reliable in challenging environments.
- Lens Compatibility: Both models are compatible with Canon EF lenses, providing access to a wide range of high-quality lenses.
- Live View: Both cameras offer Live View with contrast-detection AF, helpful for precise focusing, especially in macro and still-life photography.
- HDMI Output: Both models feature HDMI output, enabling connection to external monitors for video recording or image playback.
Common Features
Feature | Canon 6D | Canon 5D Mark II |
Sensor Type | Full-Frame CMOS | Full-Frame CMOS |
LCD Screen Size | 3.0-inch | 3.0-inch |
LCD Screen Type | Clear View II | Clear View II |
Video Resolution | Full HD 1080p | Full HD 1080p |
Exposure Compensation | ±5 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps | ±5 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps |
Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 sec | 1/200 sec |
Viewfinder Type | Pentaprism | Pentaprism |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.71x | 0.71x |
Metering System | 63-zone dual-layer sensor | 63-zone dual-layer sensor |
White Balance Modes | Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent, Flash, Custom, Color Temp. | Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent, Flash, Custom |
Built-in Flash | No | No |
Weather Sealing | Yes | Yes |
Exposure Modes | Program AE, Shutter Priority AE, Aperture Priority AE, Manual, Bulb | Program AE, Shutter Priority AE, Aperture Priority AE, Manual, Bulb |
Lens Mount | Canon EF | Canon EF |
Live View | Yes, with contrast-detection AF | Yes, with contrast-detection AF |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Auto Exposure Bracketing | Yes | Yes |
File Formats | JPEG, RAW (CR2) | JPEG, RAW (CR2) |
Battery Type | LP-E6 | LP-E6 |
Price | Check 6D Price | Check 5D II Price |
FAQ
Q: What type of sensor do both the Canon 6D and 5D Mark II use? A: Both the Canon 6D and 5D Mark II use a full-frame CMOS sensor, which provides superior image quality, shallow depth of field, and excellent low-light performance. Q: How do the megapixel counts of the Canon 6D and 5D Mark II compare? A: The Canon 6D has a 20.2 MP sensor, while the Canon 5D Mark II has a slightly higher 21.1 MP sensor. Both provide high-resolution images suitable for large prints and cropping. Q: Are the LCD screens on the Canon 6D and 5D Mark II similar? A: Yes, both models feature a 3.0-inch Clear View II LCD screen, offering a clear and detailed view for composing shots and reviewing images. Q: Can both the Canon 6D and 5D Mark II record video? A: Yes, both cameras are capable of recording Full HD 1080p video, making them suitable for high-quality video recording. Q: What is the exposure compensation range for these cameras? A: Both the Canon 6D and 5D Mark II offer an exposure compensation range of ±5 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 steps, allowing fine-tuning of exposure settings in various lighting conditions. Q: How do the ISO ranges of the Canon 6D and 5D Mark II compare? A: The Canon 6D has a native ISO range of 100-25600, expandable to 50-102400, while the 5D Mark II has a native ISO range of 100-6400, expandable to 50-25600. Both cameras offer extensive expandability for different lighting environments. Q: What is the shutter speed range for these models? A: The Canon 6D has a shutter speed range of 30-1/4000 sec, Bulb, while the 5D Mark II has a slightly wider range of 30-1/8000 sec, Bulb. Both cameras also share the same flash sync speed of 1/200 sec. Q: Do both cameras use the same type of viewfinder? A: Yes, both the Canon 6D and 5D Mark II use a pentaprism viewfinder with 0.71x magnification, providing a bright and clear view for composing shots. Q: What metering system do these cameras use? A: Both cameras use a 63-zone dual-layer metering sensor, which provides accurate exposure readings in various lighting conditions. Q: What white balance and exposure modes are available on these cameras? A: Both models offer a range of white balance modes, including Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent, Flash, Custom, and Color Temperature. They also provide various exposure modes such as Program AE, Shutter Priority AE, Aperture Priority AE, Manual, and Bulb. Q: Are the Canon 6D and 5D Mark II weather-sealed? A: Yes, both cameras are weather-sealed, making them durable and reliable in challenging environments. Q: What lenses are compatible with these cameras? A: Both models are compatible with Canon EF lenses, providing access to a wide range of high-quality lenses. Q: Do both cameras have Live View functionality? A: Yes, both cameras offer Live View with contrast-detection AF, which is helpful for precise focusing, especially in macro and still-life photography. Q: Do these cameras feature HDMI output? A: Yes, both models feature HDMI output, enabling connection to external monitors for video recording or image playback. Q: Do the Canon 6D and 5D Mark II support auto exposure bracketing? A: Yes, both cameras support auto exposure bracketing, which is useful for HDR photography and challenging lighting situations. Q: What file formats do these cameras support? A: Both models support JPEG and RAW (CR2) file formats, offering flexibility in post-processing. Q: What type of battery do these cameras use? A: Both the Canon 6D and 5D Mark II use the LP-E6 battery, providing a common power source that can be shared between the two models if needed. |