With the release of the much anticipated Canon 6D Mark II, one might be wondering how it stacks up against the three year old Nikon D750 in terms of specifications and features. Since the 6D Mark II has a similar feature set and price point as the D750, it makes sense to compare these two cameras, even though Nikon has not announced a replacement yet. While I am planning to work on a detailed review of the 6D Mark II, along with high ISO comparisons later this year, I thought it would be interesting to see the strengths and weaknesses of each camera when put side by side.
Let’s take a look at the specifications of both cameras in more detail. Some commentary on the data is provided below.
Canon 6D Mark II vs Nikon D750 Specification Comparison
| Camera Feature | Canon 6D Mark II | Nikon D750 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 26.2 MP | 24.3 MP |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 35.9×24.0mm | 35.9×24.0mm |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 5.75µ | 5.97µ |
| Dust Reduction / Sensor Cleaning | Yes | Yes |
| Image Size | 6,260 x 4,160 | 6,016 x 4,016 |
| Native ISO Sensitivity | ISO 100-40,000 | ISO 100-12,800 |
| Boosted ISO Sensitivity | ISO 50, ISO 51,200-102,400 | ISO 50, ISO 25,600-51,200 |
| Image Processor | DIGIC 7 | EXPEED 4 |
| Viewfinder Type | Pentaprism | Pentaprism |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 98% | 100% |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.71x | 0.70x |
| Built-in Flash | No | Yes, with flash commander mode |
| Storage Media | 1x SD | 2x SD |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 6.5 fps | 6.5 fps |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 to 30 sec | 1/4000 to 30 sec |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/180 | 1/200 |
| Shutter Durability | 100,000 cycles | 150,000 cycles |
| Exposure Metering Sensor | 7560-pixel RGB+IR Metering | 91,000-pixel RGB sensor 3D Color Matrix Metering III |
| Number of AF Points | 45 AF points, 45 cross-type | 51 AF points, 15 cross-type |
| Video Maximum Resolution | 1920×1080 (1080p) @ Up to 60p | 1920×1080 (1080p) @ Up to 60p |
| Audio Recording | Built-in stereo microphone External stereo microphone (optional) | Built-in stereo microphone External stereo microphone (optional) |
| Headphone Jack | No | Yes |
| LCD Size and Type | 3.0″ vari-angle LCD touchscreen | 3.2″ diagonal TFT-LCD |
| LCD Resolution | 1,040,000 dots | 1,229,000 dots |
| Built-in GPS | Yes | No |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi with NFC | Wi-Fi Only |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Battery Life | 1200 shots (CIPA) | 1230 shots (CIPA) |
| Weather Sealed Body | Yes | Yes |
| USB Version | 2.0 | 3.0 |
| Weight (Body Only) | 685g | 760g |
| Dimensions | 144.0 x 110.5 x 74.8mm | 140.5 x 113.0 x 78.0mm |
| MSRP Price | $1,999 (as introduced) | $2,299 (as introduced) |
So, what are the main differences between the Canon 6D Mark II and Nikon D750? While it is clear that there are many similarities between the two, there are some important differences worth pointing out. First of all, there is a slight difference in resolution – the 6D Mark II has a 26.2 MP sensor compared to the 24.3 MP sensor on the D750. While the difference is too small to see in images, the 6D Mark II has a newer sensor and promises to have 100-40,000 native ISO range, which could potentially result in better high ISO performance. However, it is too early to say what the actual differences are going to be until we put the two cameras side by side in a lab environment and see how they stack up, so take this information with a grain of salt. It is also hard to say if the 6D Mark II will be able to provide as good of dynamic range as the Nikon D750, but some sources have already indicated that the 6D Mark II might have inferior dynamic range compared to the 5D Mark IV, which is discouraging to hear. At the end of the day, both cameras should be able to take superb images with excellent color and details, so that should not be of a big concern on either side.
Where Canon goofed up is with the viewfinder coverage – it is a shame that the Canon 6D Mark II only has a 98% viewfinder coverage, making it difficult to properly compose and frame shots. No concerns on the D750, since it has 100% viewfinder coverage. Another area where the D750 clearly stands out is the storage media – it has dual memory card slots, whereas the 6D Mark II is still limited to a single memory card slot like its predecessor. This is unfortunate, and it might steer some pros away from choosing the 6D Mark II. When it comes to recording video, while neither camera can shoot 4K, the D750 has a headphone jack to be able to listen to recorded audio, which is a huge benefit. Unfortunately, that’s another feature Canon skipped on.
Both cameras have excellent AF systems and it is hard to say if one is going to prove to be better than the other. While the Nikon D750 has more focus points, the Canon 6D Mark II has a lot more cross-type sensors, so it should be more accurate and reliable outside the center area. Unfortunately, both cameras have their AF sensors located very close to the center of the frame.
Canon certainly does better in connectivity options. It has a built-in GPS, WiFi + NFC and Bluetooth, whereas the Nikon D750 is only limited to WiFi. Also, the Canon 6D Mark II is lighter, slightly smaller and has a better MSRP at introduction (current market prices for the two cameras are the same). Both cameras are rated for the same battery life, but keep in mind that CIPA calculations take into consideration use of flash, so without use of flash, the battery on the D750 should last a bit longer.
But, there are much nicer lenses for Canon than for Nikon and cheaper also.
Hi 38,
In regards to the “shutter problem”, my D750 falls in the range of serial numbers calling for a fix. I have never seen the problem. I sent my D750 to Nikon in LA. Less than a week later it has been fixed and returned.
Hello. It’s encouraging to read so many positive comments about the Nikon D750. I am interested in buying it, after doing a lot of research and considering many different options. But, after reading a particular review online, I am worried now about the shutter problem. The reviewer made it seem that even if a person’s D750 didn’t currently have the problem, that if “they gave it time,” they too would encounter it as well. In other words, it would be inevitable. (He had written that he had bought 4 and after having a difficult time with all of them, he then switched over to the Canon 5D mark IV.)
I know I shouldn’t believe that, but it’s very discouraging and worrisome to read. I want to make a well-informed decision and buy in confidence my first full frame camera; however, I’m not so sure anymore…
Is the shutter a common problem as the person makes it sound? I understand that something like this would upset someone, except that same reviewer had initially written such a glowing and positive review on the D750. So, it’s disappointing to see how a great camera can suddenly sound like nothing but a problematic one.
Hi 38 – as a D750 owner for over two years, I can confirm that I haven’t had any issues with the D750 shutter, or indeed any aspect of the camera;s performance. I think you’re worrying unnecessarily.
No one commented on shutter life. 100k for Canon and 150k for Nikon. That’s an enormous difference in longevity (and everything that this implies about build quality and durability for the rest of the camera). Look at it this way – cost per click over the whole life cycle suddenly makes the Nikon rather a bargain! I’m a Canon user and agree with others that I’m frustrated with their lack of innovation. Back in the film era (yes I’m that old) I was a Nikon user and very happy. Somehow when I got into digital Canon felt better in my hands. I now regret the switch.
Who is shooting all the available nimber of shutters ? NOBODY. Except some professionals. Majority will use something between 30-50%.
d750 jas USB Version 2.0
Comparing D750 and 6d Mark1 it was quite easy to define a “winner”, as the D750 had much better specifications. This has changed now and both (Canon and Nikon-Users) can buy reasonable priced “allround-35mm-bodies” for their system, which is a good thing.
On the other hand Sony just showed what to expect from future DSLMs (see a9) and from my point of view DSLRs are kind of outdated – even though I traded my Sony a7II for a D750 beginning of this year…
Why did you trade your a7ii for a d750?
Number of reasons: AF in dim light wasn’t fast enough, moving AF-point only possible after pressing a button (has just been changed via firmware-upgrade), lenses (i.e. 85mm and 35mm) have been very expensive (switched before Sony released the FE85/1.8)
While I am quite happy with the D750 there are still many things I miss – the possibility to use manual focus lenses, the in body stabilisation, the small package the Sony provides with the right lenses, the eye-AF, the high precision of the sensor-AF…
Exept the pricing Sony seems to have fixed all these issues with the a9 and I really hope it’s technology can be found in the lower end modells as soon as possible.
Hope this helps, for further questions feel free to pm me
I just joined Photography Life. I love it and thoroughly enjoy reading all your comments. I am much older than probably all of you. My husband and I just bought each Nikon D750. Even though we are not as experienced as most of you we love the camera and have been Nikon customers forever. Why? Customer service. Many years ago, while my husband was working in NZ, we were on a birding trip to Steward Island. Coming back the seas were rough, I fell asleep, and my D70 flew across the floor. I had a long lens attached to it, the weight of the lens broke the front of the camera and did other damage to it and the lens. Upon arrival to the US, went to several camera shops and was told to “buy a new camera and lens.”. I contacted Nikon, told my story and was told to send both items in and if they could fix them, they would. Nikon did just that. Since then I became a true believer in their customer service. I don’t know if things have recently changed, but I will find out sooner or later. Hope not.
Just came back from 2 months in Costa Rica. We are avid bird watchers. Our D750s performed beautifully, even though I still don’t get all the “camera” capabilities. For amateurs, most of our pictures are quite good. We did find the cameras did not like the humidity………coming from air conditioning to the humid rain forests……..we had to cover them and wait a while, before the camera and mostly the lenses operation was 100 percent. No problem, we were patient.
We love taking pictures, keep us active and still interested in our surroundings. We are both in our late 70s and hope to keep on taking photos for a long time more. Keep up the good job and our interest alive.
Just a tip – if you’re into birds – Nikon’s 200-500 is a great lens. Though I own most of their big primes, this lens on the D500 is a great combo and it should be good on the D750, as well. I’ve had good service experiences with Nikon as well. And, to the topic, it is nice to get some pro-level features in a prosumer camera, versus only getting those features (dual slots) in the top, top of the line. And, the fact that screen folds out and can be angled down is great for when I want my tripod as high as possible (well above my head), as it allows me to get shots from a preferred viewing angle, compared to if I had to rely on the viewfinder to compose every shot.
It’s not meant to be a ‘professional’ camera. So many complaints about dual card slots or 4k. Go buy a high end model if you are a pro. Do clients pay you less if you pay half price for a consumer level entry camera if it had 2 card slots? Do you charge them less and explain that you are shooting with a consumer level camera and not a professional model? Go buy a 5D4 or whatever has 2 slots and makes you money…This is still an entry level FF DSLR that is primarily a stills camera. No 4k, who cares. It’s not going to matter to the millions of users who already love their current 6D, and Canon will sell a tonne of these. I’m not in love with every spec either but to say this isn’t much of an improvement over the first 6D is a very uneducated and ignorant opinion. I will gladly take 45 all cross-type AF points not spread out with DPAF and 5-Axis Image stabilization with 1080p video and tilt screen with touchscreen and awesome low light performance with 26.2 MP and 6.5 FPS burst over my 2012 EOS 6D any day. It’s well worth the upgrade as I am a hobbyist and this is a hobbyist level camera that will take incredible pictures by people who enjoy taking them.
Hi Bernie,
You are so right. I don’t shoot Canon (although most of my colleagues do, and with good reason) and would never consider this camera. It is not for professional use because of one card slot. What many pro’s are frustrated by is that they have to put out $1500 more to get a camera with similar image quality to get the 2nd. slot. Also, they look over at Nikon that has cameras at the prosumer level with dual slots, so they are not happy. Okay, I get it, I wouldn’t be happy either…but pro’s are a small part of Canon’s audience. Most of their customers will be more then happy with this camera and it will allow them to take awesome photos even more conveniently then the camera from the last generation. This is who Canon is catering to.
Hi Bernie,
You are so right. I don’t shoot Canon (although most of my colleagues do) and would never consider this camera. It is not for professional use because of one card slot. What many pro’s are frustrated by is that they have to put out $1500 more to get a camera with similar image quality to get the 2nd. slot. Also, they look over at Nikon that has cameras at the prosumer level with dual slots, so they are not happy. Okay, I get it, I wouldn’t be happy either…but pro’s are a small part of Canon’s audience. Most of their customers will be more then happy with this camera and it will allow them to take awesome photos even more conveniently then the camera from the last generation. This is who Canon is catering to.
It’s amazing how similar these cameras are. I’m not in the market for one, but if I had to choose, I’d pick the 6D II for the swivel touch-enabled screen + dual pixel AF. Often shooting from a tripod, those are features I could not do without anymore!
Why does the nikon have a cap on the mount and the canon does not. Does the nikon have something to hide?