Canon 6D Vs Canon 5D Mark III – Check Which One Is Best & Why?
Canon 6D & Canon 5D Mark III 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 5D Mark III rather than Canon 6D.
Why Do I Recommend Canon 5D Mark III?
- Canon 5D Mark III has 22 megapixels camera sensor, whereas 6D has a 20-megapixel sensor. A better megapixel camera helps to capture images and videos in higher Resolution with more details.
- The Canon 5D Mark III has a significantly more advanced autofocus system with 61 focus points which will help to focus fast-moving subjects compared to the Canon 6D’s 11 points.
- The 5D Mark III offers faster continuous shooting at 6 fps, compared to the 6D’s 4.5 fps, which can be beneficial for action and sports photography.
- The Canon 5D III provides 100% viewfinder coverage, ensuring you see exactly what will be captured in the frame, while the 6D offers 97% coverage.
- It has a larger 3.2-inch LCD Screen, compared to 6D’s 3.0-inch screen, giving you more comfortable and easier interaction for settings adjustments & image review.
- Canon 5D III features dual card slots (one CF and one SD), which provide more flexibility and redundancy for storage. The 6D has a single SD card slot.
- The 5D Mark III has a more robust magnesium alloy construction, whereas the 6D combines polycarbonate and magnesium alloy, making the 5D Mark III more durable.
- It has a faster maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 sec compared to the 6D’s 1/4000 sec, allowing for better handling of very bright conditions or capturing extremely fast action.
Maybe the Canon 6D price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Canon 5D Mark III. 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 5D Mark III | Canon 6D |
Sensor | 22.3 MP full-frame CMOS | 20.2 MP full-frame CMOS |
Image Processor | DIGIC 5+ | DIGIC 5+ |
Autofocus System | 61-point AF (41 cross-type) | 11-point AF (1 cross-type) |
AF Sensitivity | -2 EV (center point) | -3 EV (center point) |
ISO Range | 100-25600 (expandable to 50-102400) | 100-25600 (expandable to 50-102400) |
Continuous Shooting | 6 fps | 4.5 fps |
Buffer Capacity | 65 JPEG / 13 RAW | 1250 JPEG / 17 RAW |
Viewfinder | 100% coverage, 0.71x magnification | 97% coverage, 0.71x magnification |
LCD Screen | 3.2-inch, 1.04M dots | 3.0-inch, 1.04M dots |
Shutter Speed | 1/8000 to 30 sec, Bulb | 1/4000 to 30 sec, Bulb |
Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 sec | 1/180 sec |
Weight | 950g (body only) | 770g (body only) |
Dimensions | 152 x 116.4 x 76.4 mm | 144.5 x 110.5 x 71.2 mm |
Build Quality | Magnesium alloy | Polycarbonate and magnesium alloy |
Storage Media | Dual card slots (1 CF, 1 SD/SDHC/SDXC) | Single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot |
HDR Mode | Yes | No |
Multi-Exposure Mode | Yes | No |
PC Sync Port | Yes | No |
Connectivity Ports | USB 2.0, HDMI, Mic input, Headphone out, PC Sync | USB 2.0, HDMI, Mic input |
Custom Controls | More customizable buttons | Fewer customizable buttons |
Price | Check 5D III Price | Check 6D Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Sensor Type and Image Quality: Both the Canon 6D and 5D Mark III feature full-frame CMOS sensors, which provide superior image quality, excellent low-light performance, and a shallower depth of field compared to crop-sensor cameras. This makes both models suitable for professional photography, landscapes, portraits, and more.
- Image Processor: Equipped with the DIGIC 5+ image processor, both cameras benefit from fast processing speeds, reduced noise at higher ISOs, and overall improved performance. This processor allows for efficient handling of large files and quick image review.
- ISO Range: The identical ISO range of 100-25600 (expandable to 50-102400) in both cameras ensures great performance in a variety of lighting conditions. Photographers can capture images with minimal noise in low light or achieve high shutter speeds in bright conditions.
- Video Recording: Both cameras offer Full HD (1080p) video recording at multiple frame rates (30, 25, and 24 fps) and 720p at 60/50 fps, making them capable tools for videography. They also feature similar video compression formats, ensuring high-quality video output.
- LCD Screen Resolution: While the screen size differs slightly, both cameras have high-resolution LCD screens (1.04 million dots), providing clear and detailed image previews and menu displays, aiding in accurate composition and review.
- Metering System: The iFCL (Intelligent Focus Color Luminance) metering system with a 63-zone dual-layer sensor in both models ensures accurate exposure by considering focus, color, and luminance information, making them reliable in a variety of lighting conditions.
- Exposure Compensation and Bracketing: With ±5 EV exposure compensation and extensive bracketing options (up to 7 shots ±3 EV), both cameras offer great flexibility for adjusting exposure in challenging lighting, making them well-suited for HDR photography and scenes with high contrast.
- Mirror Lockup: Mirror lockup is available on both models, which helps minimize vibrations caused by the mirror movement during long exposures or macro photography, resulting in sharper images.
- Weather Sealing: Both cameras are weather-sealed, offering protection against dust and moisture. This makes them durable options for outdoor and travel photography, providing reliability in various environmental conditions.
- Battery Type: Using the same LP-E6 battery type, both cameras offer convenience for photographers who might own both models, allowing for battery interchangeability and reduced need for multiple types of batteries and chargers.
- Lens Compatibility: Both models are compatible with Canon EF lenses, giving photographers access to a wide range of high-quality lenses suitable for different genres, from wide-angle landscapes to telephoto sports photography.
- Hot Shoe: The presence of a hot shoe on both cameras allows the use of external flashes and other accessories, enhancing their versatility in different lighting scenarios and improving overall functionality.
- USB and HDMI Ports: Identical USB 2.0 and HDMI ports facilitate easy connectivity for data transfer, tethered shooting, and external monitor use, enhancing the workflow and convenience for photographers.
Common Features
Feature | Canon 5D Mark III | Canon 6D |
Sensor Type | Full-frame CMOS | Full-frame CMOS |
Image Processor | DIGIC 5+ | DIGIC 5+ |
ISO Range | 100-25600 (expandable to 50-102400) | 100-25600 (expandable to 50-102400) |
Video Recording | 1080p at 30/25/24 fps, 720p at 60/50 fps | 1080p at 30/25/24 fps, 720p at 60/50 fps |
LCD Screen Resolution | 1.04M dots | 1.04M dots |
Metering System | iFCL metering with 63-zone dual-layer sensor | iFCL metering with 63-zone dual-layer sensor |
Exposure Compensation | ±5 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 stops | ±5 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 stops |
Bracketing | 2, 3, 5, or 7 shots ±3 EV | 2, 3, 5, or 7 shots ±3 EV |
Mirror Lockup | Yes | Yes |
Weather Sealing | Yes | Yes |
Battery Type | LP-E6 | LP-E6 |
Lens Compatibility | Canon EF mount | Canon EF mount |
Hot Shoe | Yes | Yes |
USB and HDMI Ports | USB 2.0, HDMI | USB 2.0, HDMI |
Price | Check 5D III Price | Check 6D Price |
FAQ
Q: What type of sensor do the Canon 6D and Canon 5D Mark III have? A: Both the Canon 6D and Canon 5D Mark III feature full-frame CMOS sensors, which offer high image quality, excellent low-light performance, and a shallower depth of field compared to crop-sensor cameras. Q: What image processor is used in the Canon 6D and Canon 5D Mark III? A: Both cameras use the DIGIC 5+ image processor. This processor ensures fast image processing, reduced noise at higher ISOs, and overall improved performance, allowing for efficient handling of large files and quick image review. Q: What is the ISO range for the Canon 6D and Canon 5D Mark III? A: Both the Canon 6D and Canon 5D Mark III have an ISO range of 100-25600, which can be expanded to 50-102400. This wide ISO range provides excellent performance in various lighting conditions, from low light to bright environments. Q: Can both cameras record video, and if so, what are the specifications? A: Yes, both cameras can record video. They offer Full HD (1080p) video recording at 30, 25, and 24 frames per second, as well as 720p at 60 and 50 frames per second. Both cameras also feature similar video compression formats, ensuring high-quality video output. Q: What is the resolution of the LCD screens on the Canon 6D and Canon 5D Mark III? A: Both cameras have high-resolution LCD screens with 1.04 million dots. The Canon 6D has a 3.0-inch screen, while the Canon 5D Mark III has a slightly larger 3.2-inch screen. These high-resolution screens provide clear and detailed image previews and menu displays. Q: What metering system is used in the Canon 6D and Canon 5D Mark III? A: Both cameras use the iFCL (Intelligent Focus Color Luminance) metering system with a 63-zone dual-layer sensor. This system ensures accurate exposure by considering focus, color, and luminance information, making them reliable in a variety of lighting conditions. Q: How much exposure compensation and bracketing do the Canon 6D and Canon 5D Mark III offer? A: Both cameras offer ±5 EV exposure compensation in 1/3 or 1/2 stops. They also provide extensive bracketing options, allowing for 2, 3, 5, or 7 shots with up to ±3 EV. This flexibility is useful for adjusting exposure in challenging lighting situations and for HDR photography. Q: Do the Canon 6D and Canon 5D Mark III have mirror lockup? A: Yes, both cameras feature mirror lockup. This function helps minimize vibrations caused by the mirror movement during long exposures or macro photography, resulting in sharper images. Q: Are the Canon 6D and Canon 5D Mark III weather-sealed? A: Yes, both cameras are weather-sealed, providing protection against dust and moisture. This makes them durable options for outdoor and travel photography, offering reliability in various environmental conditions. Q: What type of battery do the Canon 6D and Canon 5D Mark III use? A: Both cameras use the LP-E6 battery type. This compatibility allows for battery interchangeability, which is convenient for photographers who own both models, reducing the need for multiple types of batteries and chargers. Q: Are the Canon 6D and Canon 5D Mark III compatible with the same lenses? A: Yes, both cameras use the Canon EF mount, making them compatible with Canon EF lenses. This offers photographers access to a wide range of high-quality lenses suitable for different photography genres. Q: Do the Canon 6D and Canon 5D Mark III have hot shoes? A: Yes, both cameras are equipped with hot shoes. This feature allows for the use of external flashes and other accessories, enhancing their versatility in different lighting scenarios and improving overall functionality. Q: What connectivity ports do the Canon 6D and Canon 5D Mark III have? A: Both cameras have USB 2.0 and HDMI ports, allowing for easy connectivity and data transfer. This makes tethered shooting and using external monitors convenient for photographers. |