The Canon EOS 6D Review

The Canon EOS 6D Review
January 2016, Carl Garrard

Canon's EOS 6D has been on the market since late 2012, but that fact doesn't seem to diminish its popularity, sales, or production in the slightest (Canon still sells it new). Today, new camera models come and go so quickly, with some manufacturers pumping out new high end interchangeable lens cameras every 6 months. There seems to be some sort of hysteria going on with the camera market and manufacturers these days because of the rapid decline of camera purchase sales over the last few years. Camera companies are throwing everything they can into camera designs to get them to sell. Ironically though, simpler cameras like the Canon 6D seem to be much more rare but highly regarded and extremely popular with enthusiasts. Why is this? Doesn't that seem contrary to what camera companies seem to think these days? I'll attempt to give my best shot at explaining exactly why this is.

Canon EOS 6D Current Lowest Price Link


The Canon EOS 6D Review: Introduction

Appealing to enthusiasts needs isn't exactly as difficult as it may seem. When considering each camera market segment, let's say full frame DSLR's for example, enthusiasts tend to look for cameras that offer enough performance for a reasonable price. When the Canon 6D was first announced, it was a good deal to many back in 2012 for over two grand- today, the price has really come down, and it's about the most affordable new full frame DSLR you can get. Price, is only one part of its draw and appeal however, but it is an important one in the appeal equation.

My opinion is that the Canon 6D is in every respect a direct replacement for the old Canon 5D- a camera that still does well to sell on the used market, and was quite popular for Canon back in 2008. Today the 5D is considered a classic full frame DSLR- and it lacks nearly all of the newer modern conveniences such as live view, video, and many other bells and whistles. And yet, the 5D still makes many photographers happy. It's as simple as a digital SLR can get these days.

So then why do I think the Canon 6D is a direct replacement of the 5D? I believe this because the essence of the 6D's design is very similar to the old 5D's, while at the same time it does not alienate itself from the need of modern conveniences or professional photographers. And I'll get into the many specifics on what I mean here in a moment, but for now, a simple explanation is due.

There are enough features and modern conveniences in the Canon 6D to make it a pro level instrument capable of meeting many pro and enthusiast photographers needs even today. Canon has done this without over stuffing it, over complicating it, and without it being a huge heavy brick to carry around. Fact is Canon's 6D is about as simple as you can get on a full frame camera these days, whilst at the same time ticking off the many practical needs in real life circumstances for a wide range of photographers. To me, the 6D is an excellent stills centric/still shooter camera that does other things like video also very well. Compare the Canon 6D  to the 5D MKIII for example, I'd say that the latter is much more focused on appealing to videographers and photographers more equally than the 6D is.

But let me speak plainly with common sense. For me personally, the Canon 6D sold me when I handled it the first time- the impression left a mark. I was smitten with its relative lack of external clutter, yet how it retained enough external controls that I needed. Exterior wise it looked simpler than almost every other full frame DSLR, and this was particularly useful to me because I don't like shooting with an instrument wherein half of its external controls never get used- it's often  just a distraction and always a waste of space for me. So here we are a year later, I'm reviewing it.



The Canon EOS 6D Review: Handling

I'll break this down more by recalling the important design decisions that make it a more pleasurable camera to use. This is best illustrated by looking at the placement of its controls. Below each image I've included a few caption notes on my favorite design decisions of the 6D, some are absolutely critical and Canon nailed them. Lets start at the back of the camera, where the most important controls are located.

Compared to many DSLR's, the 6D has a simple well sorted and refined design- a breath of fresh air. There are "just enough" controls to keep you from menu diving, without cluttering the backside. The simple switch/button placement of view/live view is right under the thumb, along with the quick menu (Q), playback button, and magnify button. The AEL lock button would better be served where the AF-ON button is, but its still easy to find. None of the critical adjustment buttons for shooting are located on the left hand side of the camera if you notice, only the sliding on/off switch and menu/info buttons. Bravo.  A nice clean well spec'd LCD with anti-reflection rounds it out. An IR pick up on the backside would've been nice for wireless control.

Canon has a familiar, and clean design to its DSLR's. Personally I like the placement of the control wheel behind the shutter button- its so much more comfortable to use and my favorite SLR/DSLR's in the past have this placement. Once acquainted, the five button layout is easy to remember mentally when you don't have a chance to look at the top of the camera either. And kudos to Canon for making the ISO button indented so it stands out from the others- it's an often used camera function, smart. GPS and Wifi capability set it apart from other high end FF DSLRS from Canon, hence its high grade reinforeced plastic top plate.

Canon's grip on the 6D is superb for  medium sized hands like mine- I love how it feels in hand, very comfortable for all day shooting even with largre lenses attached. The texture on the camera adds durability for scratching, and sure footed grip when the hand gets sweaty or shooting in weather.  One simple card slot door. Form factor is distinguished, no other cameras feel quite like a Canon in hand. Recessed strap lugs and contours guaranty all day comfort for the shooting hand. 

The lens release button is large, easy to use.And there are no other buttons to fiddle with on the front of the camera- to me this is a plus because I always forget about buttons/switches on the front of the camera. The only exception to that rule is the lens release button and/or DOF preview button. I would have liked a dedicated AF assist lamp, but the 6D focuses very well in low light on its central AF point- so it's a wash there. Regardless my point of a simpler "less is more" theme exists on almost every view of the 6D.

As you can see by the caption comments, there's a lot right about the handling of the 6D. Overall it can be summed up as a body that is large enough to do everything, but small enough to feel like a high end APS-C sensor DSLR. I prefer its less-is-more exterior design, its easy on the eyes, hands, and the brain when working with it. Thus, the 6D retains a certain charm when shooting stills in terms of it's physical attributes. Yet under that simpler smaller figure, there is a lot of modern functionality when you need it. More on that later.

Holding the 6D is a true pleasure and it balances so well. It's a near perfect size and weight for a photographer needing a compact full frame DSLR. The 6D is easy to look at, and most controls are within reach of my thumb or forefinger with one handed shooting. By one hand shooting I don't mean to imply that I'm holding the 6D with one hand all the time, rather I mean I only need one hand to make my exposure or other critical adjustments while the other hand can steady the camera for the shot, or make an adjustment with the lens. This is exactly how a DSLR should operate and handle.

Don't let that polymer upper fool you, this is one tough well built DSLR that has a rock solid feel.

Having to remove or reposition a hand (or worse, both hands) to make simple adjustments is one of the most irritating design infractions I can think of, yet most camera designs are this way. A camera should not get in between you and making your shot, it should simplify and expedite the process. The whole point of using a camera is to get a shot in the first place, not fiddle about and stumble as the critical moments pass you by.

So using the 6D is a real pleasure for the most part. It's viewfinder is ample, and the view is clean and organized. There aren't  a zillion AF points to be distracted by and info is logically and neatly arranged below the view inside. Personally, 11 AF points are more than enough for me since I use the central AF point for almost every shot I make. Canon designed the central AF point to be a sensitive double cross type, and capable of helping the camera shoot in extremely low light (down to -3ev), I find the AF points of the 6D to be all I could need. Canon optimized the right AF point in my opinion, it's perfect really. Shooting in low light is pretty amazing, especially considering there is no AF assist lamp- see it to believe it. Lastly, if the 6D had an option to not show all AF points except the center point, I'd enable that option in the menu.

The Canon EOS 6D Review: Notable Features

Let's start with the viewfinder, which I find to be really good- spacious and bright. Full frame DSLR viewfinders are just in a different league than the best APS-C DSLR camera finders. That's not news of course, but experiencing it on a regular basis really makes you appreciate a large excellent pentaprism finder. I've used DSLRs and SLRs with bigger and slightly brighter finders, but the difference is really not much of a practical advantage once you get to the size of finder in the 6D.

Excellent sensor. Canon DSLRS are notorious for banding in shadow regions, almost every Canon DSLR I've used or reviewed in the past has shown some signs of banding when you push around the raw files a bit. I don't like that. Yet, the 6D's sensor doesn't have this issue- at all. Not only that, but the 6D is by far the best sensor I've used for low image noise and high ISO shooting- it's pretty damn amazing in fact. I don't know what Canon did with this sensor, but its unlike any they have produced before. Duplicate the results Canon!

Built in wifi and GPS. Currently the 6D is the only full frame DSLR with these features built in, because it uses a top notch polymer upper (instead of metal) to allow transmission of signals to pass through. Although I don't use GPS, I can see its value.

Excellent battery life. I can easily get 1300 shots out of the 6D on one charge. That add's to the 6D's smaller lighter appeal because it means I don't need to pack another battery for most excursions if I manage battery life a bit, and I don't have to worry about it ever running out on me.

Excellent build and reliability. Rock solid in the hand, and the fit and finish are just really good here. Also, I've not had one issue with the 6D, firmware or hardware related during this review process - it's solid state in and out. If I were a wedding photog, I'd be packing the 6D. Back in my film shooting/commercial days I used only Canon SLR's because of the reliability factor alone. No shot's no pay. Simple as that. If I get caught in a rain storm, the 6D with a sealed lens keeps me from any worry. Keep shooting, make winners.

Silent shooting modes. In live view or standard shooting modes, the 6D can be made to be really really quiet. This comes in handy for so many situations when you really think about it and start to use it. Best of all the shooting modes work great, and there are a couple modes to choose from to tailor to your needs. Shooting mode 2 also helps keep down shutter shock and without an image stabilized lens, I'm able to shoot at 1/4 sec with no image blur using a standard 50mm lens or wider. Wow.

ISO 6400, live view, silent shooting mode 2- she had no clue I took this shot.

The Canon EOS 6D Review: Image Quality

If you read comments about sensor image quality at all these days on the net, you'll notice how Canon sure get their fare share of criticism about the performance of its in house sensors compared to it's competitors. While there is some empirical truth to these criticisms, especially based on numbers alone, there is also a practical side to looking at sensor performance that I stress photographers reading this review wrap their heads around.

I simplify the sensor quality debate for myself by posing the question - "how much performance do you actually need?" The answer, largely depends on the work you are doing. Playing devil's advocate, it's really personal to your needs, but generally I think all photographers could at least theoretically benefit from the best performing sensors. Example, perhaps what you may need now from a sensor may not be enough for you a year from now.

If I told you I made this image from a moving car commuting home from work, shot one handed, and nailed this shot on one try, would you believe me? Well I'm not going to give the camera all the credit here, but because the 6D's sensor is so good, I didn't hesitate to ramp up the ISO to 400 and give it a try. Even at ISO 400- there's plenty of  dynamic range in the raw files and almost zero noise. Lesson? The 6D gives you confidence to just shoot.

Yet with that said, this review is a personal opinion of the Canon 6D based on my own needs for the kind of work I do. Largely, I like to make landscape images, and dynamic range is certainly on my radar as a very important sensor performance characteristic. With that in mind, I find that I need a bare minimum of about 11.5 stops of raw DR for the kind of work I do, and prefer 12 or more stops in raw files. With the 6D, I find about 12 1/4-1/2 stops of DR available in the raw files, so the 6D falls well within my needs for performance in a majority of circumstances I shoot in. While I've used cameras with more DR available, I'm completely comfortable working with what the 6D gives me in raw.

Shadow headroom is better than highlight headroom in raw, so I expose for highlights and work the shadows up from raw. I've not been disappointed with the 6D in this respect in any way. Excellent performance.

This shot is a prime example of just how far I pushed the raw files shadows up. Above is the final processed image, and below is the Jpeg I produced out of camera.

Before processing, keeping all highlight data in tact.

Otherwise, I have really have no contention with the 6D's sensor performance. In fact, it's one of the best sensors when I'm using higher ISO's in terms of noise control and color retention, making the 6D an excellent street/low light camera. I'd normally not shoot street with a DSLR, but it's smaller size, and quiet shutter modes (in live view and the SSS drive mode) paired with a small prime (say the 40mm f/2.8 for example), make it much less intimidating camera to bystanders.

Sycamores posing for Rob. Even if you need to pull back highlights, as I did in this image... you can do so for about 3/4 of a stop before you really aren't gaining any extra highlight data. But it worked well for this shot where my Jpeg had blown highlights in the tree branches.

I do like shooting candid's and street with the 6D almost as much as I like it as a dedicated landscape camera. The performance of the sensor paired with its handling/physical attributes certainly makes it the most versatile full frame DSLR I've ever used to date. I don't even worry about ramping up the ISO values if I need a faster shutter speed, the samples below prove this. That's one less worry that will allow me to press the shutter release instead of hesitate.

ISO 25,600 - off the hook low light performance.

ISO 12,800 and yeah, that's delicious image quality at that ISO.

JPEG Quality- Canon have a lock on its Jpeg output on high end cameras. I just love how Canon's Jpegs look. Often they are so good, I'll have moments of hesitation when it comes to post processing the raw file of the same image. Since its habit for me to post process all of my images in raw, I'll do it anyways but I'm a lot more likely to share images over the net using the Jpegs right out of camera. They are that good. Critical prints however, I'll always process a raw file. Regardless, looking at the Jpegs on screen is impressive, and lends to confidence in it's processor and sensor output as well. I'd not balk at anyone relying on Jpeg output from the 6D.

One wish I have is that the 6D had no anti aliasing filter, but detail is still really good overall as Canon haven't overdone it, in fact its one of the weaker AA filters I've seen and seems to be a good balance between keeping false colors at bay while still preserving fine detail. I've been spoiled with cameras without them, such as my compact Ricoh GR. However it's not necessary for me to have on the 6D considering I like using sharp lenses with it, and its has enough resolution to print 30x45" prints that look outstanding. It's just a wish, regardless. I'm willing to bet the 6D MK II has no anti aliasing filter in the future, if not, it should be offered- at least as a selling point for Canon.

Even with an AA filter, I find the 6D to have plenty of fine detail, here is a 100% crop of a shot of a friendly coyote at the Santa Rosa Plateau Rob Sherrill and I were watching. Shot with the Canon 24-70mm USM f/4 and cropped heavily.

Side Note: Two of my favorite lenses to pair up to the 6D are the 40mm STM f/2.8 (shown in the header image), and the 24-70 f/4 USM. The latter being extremely versatile, sharp edge to edge at wide angle, generally affordable, and weather proof. Macro of .7x is icing on the cake. It's perfectly mated with the 6D for most of the work I do. The little 40mm is my street prime, and I reviewed that lens on the 5D and 50D on this website (one of my most popular reviews, ironically). I've yet to decide on a long lens, because I don't do a lot of telephoto work and don't need to pack a big heavy zoom as a result. Likely I'll get the 70-200mm f/4 II when I get an itch to do more of that work.

I love this zoom. It's nearly perfect on the 6D. The image stabilization is fantastic, IQ excellent, macro feature, weather resistant.. great zoom range. Build quality is phenomenal, tactile function is superb. A real honest pleasure to use.

Shot in low indoor lighting, no flash, using live view and ISO 800 hand held. Mixed with the IS of the 24-70mm, this makes for a potent indoor shooting combination. Horizonhobby should pay me for this product shot ... just kidding!

Some may prefer the 50 f/1.8 or 1.4 over my 40mm f/2.8 choice, but I like the 40mm focal length more overall. It's more versatile, and better for street, plus its small intimidating nature is invaluable at times in those conditions. I always say though that the right lens is the one you need and prefer. Personally however, I don't shoot at f/1.4-1.8 because of the loss in image quality in many characteristics- f/2.8 is pretty much as wide open as I'll go, but that is just me. Shoot with what works for you.



The Canon EOS 6D Review: The Intangible Draw

Some cameras are just designed to be more fun or intuitive to shoot with, that's a fact. Canon's 6D is a combination of physical design elements and features that all seem to come together in one harmonious and charming package. It's a bit magical in a way when camera designers get it right. Few cameras these days have long lasting wide range appeal like the 6D. It's a camera that's not only fun to shoot with, but rewards you with professional results and reliable capability. One camera certainly isn't for everyone, and one camera can never do it all. That is why there are thousands of them, however...

There are certain cameras that tend to perform beyond expectation and almost seem to elevate themselves up to a cult status amongst shooters. Judging on my own experience, and reading the testimonials of many other shooters using the 6D, it is a camera that probably isn't going to go away and be forgotten anytime soon. Canon will be hard pressed to make another hit like the 6D at least in terms of how many satisfied users there are of this camera. The praises of the 6D online are very consistent with one another if you happen to notice. I'd call that a design home run Canon. Less is more? At least with 6D owners it certainly appears to be to some degree or another.

What intrigues me is that in this day and age with so much technology, the 6D is a more simple DSLR, yet seems to please so many photographers. I think it's safe to say that many photographers share the sentiment of: please design a camera to be just enough of what we want, no more or less, and price it right. In this respect, Canon did an admirable job from the outset. If you want "more" camera, the 5D MK III may fit your bill, or perhaps an even more expensive model like the 1D X. And even though the 6D has stiff competition by the Nikon D600 series, it's somehow managed to transcend any performance or feature advantages of those cameras and hold it's own quite well.

Canon if you notice, has not released the 6D MK II yet, while Nikon has introduced the D610 only a year after the D600 due to defects and legal complications. Canon hasn't needed too up to this point, it continues to sell well, it's very reliable, and it is in my opinion one of only three affordable FF DSLRS that offers a real alternative to high end APS-C cameras (discounting mirrorless, again, DSLR, not mirrorless). Check out the user reviews on Amazon if you don't believe me (that link below is an add but will take you right there):

Canon EOS 6D Current Lowest Price Link

This is where things get intangible. Even though a competing camera model may have better specs in some key areas, it's not always about a war of specifications or how many features a camera has with photographers- its' about the intangible draw of its sum of  its characteristics and performance that can make it fly off the shelves. I often wonder if camera companies really understand why some cameras are just much more popular than others- if they really get it or not.

Yes the Canon EOS 6D has charm, but for very good reasons. Many cameras continue to be sent to me for review (or bought for review) but again I'll reiterate that very few really stand out for one reason or another. This isn't news, many reviewers or pro photographers say the same thing. It is what it is. I'm not here to tell camera companies what to design, but it is clear to me that some designs are clearly better than others- and they ought to take note of that more it seems.

The Canon EOS 6D Review: Conclusion

What makes the 3+ year old Canon EOS 6D such a hit today? If you've skipped to the conclusion ( I do that a lot), I'll attempt to explain why as brief as possible, but one word can really sum it up: Magic.

In many respects digital camera technology has hit a plateau. After huge leaps in sensor performance, processor performance, and addition of video and other tricks and features, it's becoming more difficult for manufacturers to come up with new appeal. Yet I believe that not all cameras have to be stuffed to the hilt and include the kitchen sink to be appealing, quite the contrary for me in fact.

Exemplary exterior design and handling is definitely lacking in many new cameras these days. Why? So long as a camera performs and operates in the real world in which it will meet most expectations, that's a great design. Granted, a list of expectations is different for everyone, but there are a common list of expectations most  photographers can agree on, especially so from high end DSLR users.

Today, most full frame camera systems cost a lot of money to invest in. Many photographers want to shoot full frame but balk at the cost of investment (I don't blame them) and the larger bulkier nature of it, and thus choose smaller format systems instead. That said, the Canon 6D's price of entry is lower than any other new full frame DSLR on the market today (not counting mirrorless), and it's the same size as an enthusiast level APS-C sensor DSLR. Add a couple of well chosen affordable primes, a decent zoom or two, and you can get by with a full frame system for under two grand if you play your dollars right- and a system that won't weigh you down either. That dollar number alone allows the 6D/system to at least be considered by more photographers interested in full frame.

Price though, as I've eluded, isn't the complete draw here. Not all photographers desire a relatively complicated 7D MK II or 5D MK III, EOS 1D X, or otherwise. The 6D is simpler, more affordable, but not stripped down to a point where it can't handle pro level work. In fact, it's got quite a bit going for it inside. Call the 6D a hell of a bang for the buck, but a different shooting experience than Canon's other DSLR's in the lineup.

Speaking of, the shooting experience with the lighter smaller 6D hints at the older days when smaller SLR 35mm film cameras were dominate chest ornaments. Of course its larger than those cameras, but I believe it at least attempts to get back to that ideal in some respects. Using the 6D is just a blast; its super comfortable, compact, easy handling nature gives it a certain charm other full frame DSLRS just can't give you. I can't stop putting it down, there's just so much right about this camera it begs you to shoot with it.

For me, the EOS 6D represents almost all of the best traits of my favorite SLR/DSLR's over the years. It has the solidity, simplicity, great handling, and overall enjoyable nature of the Minolta Maxxum 9, Sony Alpha A900, and Canon 50D;  a quiet shutter cycle similar to the Pentax K5/IIs, and the intangible likableness of the Panasonic L1 and Olympus E1.

And somehow Canon's 6D transcends itself into a whole new category of enjoyment and function for me, apart from these cameras. It leaves very little to be desired, and what's left to desire is better left out as it sort of adds to the cameras charm and personality. Simply put, the EOS 6D strikes a near perfect balance of features, performance, and simplicity for me- all wrapped up in a super solid, lightweight FF DSLR format. It's a refreshing and fun camera to use that gives stellar professional results I can rely on.

It's definitely my favorite full frame DSLR to date, hands down.

Carl

p.s. If you are considering one yourself, take a gander perhaps at what Amazon has them going for on the link below.

Canon EOS 6D Current Lowest Price Link


Positive Marks
This is a list of the best traits of the EOS 6D that stand out most for me.

• A much more refreshing, straightforward, clean and simple DSLR design
• Easy to navigate menu system paired with the excellent quick control menu
• Top notch build, a solidity that must be felt to be appreciated
• Enough customization of controls, without overloading the senses
• Large spacious and uncluttered viewfinder
• Extremely comfortable and confidence inspiring grip
• Excellent common sense handling
• Great battery life (even using live view)
• Feature rich enough to please most still and video shooters
• Weatherproof "enough" to take on inclimate conditions
• Amazing Hi-ISO performance
• Excellent video quality for those who need it (its not just the resolution people!)
• No horizontal/vertical banding found in images at any ISO value- uncommon for Canon DSLRS (unfortunately)
• Weaker AA filter allows excellent detail retention without false color
• Evaluative metering is conservative on highlights, but this saves your butt often 
• Rich color with very good dynamic range 
• Built in GPS and Wifi 
• Best value in full frame DSLR's
• A pro's workhorse, an enthusiasts love
• Intangible fun factor times a zillion

Nit Picks
Since the EOS 6D has no real "cons" in my book, I'm left scratching for items that could be implemented or improved perhaps in a successor design for other photographers, without compromising the integrity of the 6D's design. Let me reiterate, this is not a con list, its a nit pick list. As is, the 6D is a near perfectly designed camera in my opinion, and that is not something I'm used to saying.

• Lack of a built in eyepiece shutter (something I'd really use often)
• Evaluative metering is a bit conservative towards preservation of highlights *also a positive
• Lack of separate horizontal level indicator option in the optical viewfinder (without giving up DOF preview)
• Lack of Luminescence histogram overlayed on image in playback mode
• Lack of glass covered LCD screens (top and back)
• Somewhat spongy multi-controller
• Addition of four more double cross points surrounding the central AF point
• Dedicated AF assist lamp (all Canon DSLRS would benefit from this), cross red line type please
• Dual SD card slots might be helpful

Full Specifications (Manufacturer Link)

http://www.canon.co.uk/for_home/product_finder/cameras/digital_slr/eos_6d/specification.aspx