I’ started at retirement to try photography and like me people in the uk have the need to know first’ before buying’ And yes after comparing Mr Mansrov’s notes on the MK1 Canon 6D he ticks he same boxes regarding outstanding low light performance. If they still manufactured the 6D MK1 today’ that is the model I would buy, not the Canon MK2. Mr Mansurov’s review of the Canon MK1 is a credit distinction “ .
stephen m hamner
July 29, 2021 4:47 pm
?
Marco
April 1, 2020 9:32 am
Hi, it’s 2020 now and I recently purchased a second hand Canon 6D. Had to buy a new battery for it, bit it works perfectly. It’s still a great camera for all kinds of photography. The excellent EF 40mm f/2.8 on a 6D body is a great combination. I didn’t expect to like it as much as.i do. Makes me wonder why I sold my 6D many years ago in the first place. G.A.S. I guess,.
Jim
November 22, 2018 8:08 am
Dear Nasim,
I own a Nikon D750 with some lenses (Sigma 20 / 1.4 , Sigma 24-105 / 4 , Sigma 150-600 C )
I tried to buy a 70-200 / 2.8, but to be honest… I know from some friends and I saw many reviews regarding the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM and the new one Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM to be the best 70-200 also in terms of constuction.
Now, to go back to my question, Canon 6D with one of the two 70-200 is worth it !?
Thank you in advance !
Scott Hullinger
May 11, 2017 10:24 pm
Very interesting, all of these comments & opinions regarding Nikon cameras, and the Canon 6D. I happen to have a DX format Nikon Camera, and also the Canon 6D camera. I had an ancient Fuji DSLR which I used for a bit of professional wedding photography, and it sure gave pleasing results. But it eventually bit the dust. So since I already had lots if Nikkor lenses, I thought it made sense to get a Nikon D7100. Hmm, it’s but not so good after all, even though the Nikon is generally a good camera in many ways. But the Canon is full frame, which is a new format for me, and it was also quite inexpensive. How could I possibly go wrong?
When I compare the image quality between the cameras, even without doing exhaustive tests between the two, I find that the image quality of the Canon is simply more pleasing than the Nikon’s image quality, no doubt partially on account of the fact that it’s a full frame format camera.
But the Canon has even more satisfying and natural looking color. Plus, consider the fact that the Canon seems to have less digital noise also. I realize the Canon is merely a “Jr. model” full frame camera with an unsophisticated auto-focus system, and it hardly has a stellar body construction. But at least it does indeed have what ends up being the MOST important thing for me: Stellar image quality, very pleasing in a way which I find hard to describe very specifically. Now I have my eye on the new Canon 30 megapixel camera.
Rasheed Khan
March 18, 2017 5:05 am
Excellent review. You cover all the points that a photographer needs to know and I’m glad you are not one who takes DXO scores as gospel. And I think its a good idea to do a review a couple of years after a camera comes out because you can get over the hype about a new product on the market and there is also a lot of anecdotal information already. In the same way, I never buy a latest model product of any kind, I buy brand new but a product that has time to settle in the market. :)
I’m bookmarking your site, I appreciated this review so much. I will also be buying a 6D soon, fully aware that the 6D Mark II is expected any day. Technology changes much faster than my needs. :)
Saurabh
August 6, 2016 9:10 pm
Hi Nasim, Curious about the exposure variation between Canon 6D vs Nikon D600 while using Sigma 50mm f1.4 for respective mounts on both. Just to be sure, have you tried using the same lens say Nikon 50mm F1.4 D or AI with both Nikon and with Canon using an adapter? This would ensure that whatever difference we see is not the lens T-stop difference but actually the difference in ISO sensitivity at the same reported ISO values.
Andrew
May 30, 2016 11:07 am
Great review. I’ve been using the 6D alongside Leica M9 and M Monochrom for the last three years. There is nothing low-end whatsoever about the 6D’s image quality, only its price and (to some) the AF system.
To me, the 6D’s AF system is the best on the market today, and this is a four year old camera. No DSLR has a more sensitive center point, and as a rangefinder shooter the center point is all that I use.
Thank you Nasim, and also your above comment Andrew. I have been actively using the Canon 60d for 4 years, mainly with Sigma 17-50 F2.8 , a very nice combination. I primarily shoot landscape. I just purchased Canon’s 16-35 F4 IS L lens with the intention of using it with my 60d for now, and then purchasing the next upgrade on the 6d (6dii) which doesn’t look like it shall be released until 2017. Perhaps I ought to just go ahead and get the 6d as the 6dii when it comes out shall be much more expensive than current prices of the 6d. I don’t mind that it shall be more expensive, I wonder though if it shall see many changes/upgrades. I really like the articulating screen the 60d has and hope the new 6dii may also include that. If anyone reading this has thoughts regarding this, I welcome your response.
Thanks Dara about share your thoughts… How about the FF lens on crop body (60D)? Is it working fine and sharp? I have a same plan to buy canon 16-35 f/4L or sigma 18-35 f/1.8 for my rebel t3i (600D). if I go with 16-35 f/4L, I can use it when I am upgrading to full frame.
Why wait for the new one? There is always something new on the way, and the 6D is here now, at MUCH lower prices than the 6D2 will be released at.
I am currently looking to purchase a second Canon body for event use (I only shoot with prime lenses) and while a 5D3 is tempting (I have no interest in the 50MP 5DS), there is really nothing it offers that would improve my photography over the 6D. Yes the AF system is much better, but I doubt I could break my focus-recompose habit, and while I would like the improved build quality and weather sealing (I like to shoot in the rain), I would hate the extra weight that comes with it.
I have a few weeks before my next event, but most likely I’ll just be buying a second 6D.
Tom Burke
November 9, 2015 1:29 am
Nasim – I’ve just read this review and I enjoyed doing so. It reminded me why I bought this camera…. As an amateur I can’t afford to change camera systems, no matter how much DxOMark and other sites tell me how much better the latest nikons are than the current Canons; and no matter how tempted I might get! It’s good occasionally to read something that reminds me that the 6D is actually pretty stunning. 10 years ago we’d all have overwhelmed by it.
David Smith
October 16, 2015 1:12 am
Yep – you can definitely tell you’re a Nikon user. Not a very good review about the Canon 6D here as it’s too focused on the Nikon.
I’ started at retirement to try photography and like me people in the uk have the need to know first’ before buying’
And yes after comparing Mr Mansrov’s notes on the MK1 Canon 6D he ticks he same boxes regarding outstanding low light performance.
If they still manufactured the 6D MK1 today’ that is the model I would buy, not the Canon MK2.
Mr Mansurov’s review of the Canon MK1 is a credit distinction “ .
?
Hi, it’s 2020 now and I recently purchased a second hand Canon 6D. Had to buy a new battery for it, bit it works perfectly. It’s still a great camera for all kinds of photography. The excellent EF 40mm f/2.8 on a 6D body is a great combination. I didn’t expect to like it as much as.i do. Makes me wonder why I sold my 6D many years ago in the first place. G.A.S. I guess,.
Dear Nasim,
I own a Nikon D750 with some lenses (Sigma 20 / 1.4 , Sigma 24-105 / 4 , Sigma 150-600 C )
I tried to buy a 70-200 / 2.8, but to be honest… I know from some friends and I saw many reviews regarding the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM and the new one Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM to be the best 70-200 also in terms of constuction.
Now, to go back to my question, Canon 6D with one of the two 70-200 is worth it !?
Thank you in advance !
Very interesting, all of these comments & opinions regarding Nikon cameras, and the Canon 6D.
I happen to have a DX format Nikon Camera, and also the Canon 6D camera.
I had an ancient Fuji DSLR which I used for a bit of professional wedding photography, and it sure gave pleasing results. But it eventually bit the dust.
So since I already had lots if Nikkor lenses, I thought it made sense to get a Nikon D7100. Hmm, it’s but not so good after all, even though the Nikon is generally a good camera in many ways. But the Canon is full frame, which is a new format for me, and it was also quite inexpensive.
How could I possibly go wrong?
When I compare the image quality between the cameras, even without doing exhaustive tests between the two, I find that the image quality of the Canon is simply more pleasing than the Nikon’s image quality, no doubt partially on account of the fact that it’s a full frame format camera.
But the Canon has even more satisfying and natural looking color. Plus, consider the fact that the Canon seems to have less digital noise also.
I realize the Canon is merely a “Jr. model” full frame camera with an unsophisticated auto-focus system, and it hardly has a stellar body construction.
But at least it does indeed have what ends up being the MOST important thing for me: Stellar image quality, very pleasing in a way which I find hard
to describe very specifically. Now I have my eye on the new Canon 30 megapixel camera.
Excellent review. You cover all the points that a photographer needs to know and I’m glad you are not one who takes DXO scores as gospel. And I think its a good idea to do a review a couple of years after a camera comes out because you can get over the hype about a new product on the market and there is also a lot of anecdotal information already. In the same way, I never buy a latest model product of any kind, I buy brand new but a product that has time to settle in the market. :)
I’m bookmarking your site, I appreciated this review so much. I will also be buying a 6D soon, fully aware that the 6D Mark II is expected any day. Technology changes much faster than my needs. :)
Hi Nasim,
Curious about the exposure variation between Canon 6D vs Nikon D600 while using Sigma 50mm f1.4 for respective mounts on both. Just to be sure, have you tried using the same lens say Nikon 50mm F1.4 D or AI with both Nikon and with Canon using an adapter? This would ensure that whatever difference we see is not the lens T-stop difference but actually the difference in ISO sensitivity at the same reported ISO values.
Great review. I’ve been using the 6D alongside Leica M9 and M Monochrom for the last three years. There is nothing low-end whatsoever about the 6D’s image quality, only its price and (to some) the AF system.
To me, the 6D’s AF system is the best on the market today, and this is a four year old camera. No DSLR has a more sensitive center point, and as a rangefinder shooter the center point is all that I use.
Thanks again.
Thank you Nasim,
and also your above comment Andrew. I have been actively using the Canon 60d for 4 years, mainly with Sigma 17-50 F2.8 , a very nice combination. I primarily shoot landscape. I just purchased Canon’s 16-35 F4 IS L lens with the intention of using it with my 60d for now, and then purchasing the next upgrade on the 6d (6dii) which doesn’t look like it shall be released until 2017. Perhaps I ought to just go ahead and get the 6d as the 6dii when it comes out shall be much more expensive than current prices of the 6d. I don’t mind that it shall be more expensive, I wonder though if it shall see many changes/upgrades. I really like the articulating screen the 60d has and hope the new 6dii may also include that.
If anyone reading this has thoughts regarding this, I welcome your response.
Thanks Dara about share your thoughts…
How about the FF lens on crop body (60D)? Is it working fine and sharp? I have a same plan to buy canon 16-35 f/4L or sigma 18-35 f/1.8 for my rebel t3i (600D).
if I go with 16-35 f/4L, I can use it when I am upgrading to full frame.
Why wait for the new one? There is always something new on the way, and the 6D is here now, at MUCH lower prices than the 6D2 will be released at.
I am currently looking to purchase a second Canon body for event use (I only shoot with prime lenses) and while a 5D3 is tempting (I have no interest in the 50MP 5DS), there is really nothing it offers that would improve my photography over the 6D. Yes the AF system is much better, but I doubt I could break my focus-recompose habit, and while I would like the improved build quality and weather sealing (I like to shoot in the rain), I would hate the extra weight that comes with it.
I have a few weeks before my next event, but most likely I’ll just be buying a second 6D.
Nasim – I’ve just read this review and I enjoyed doing so. It reminded me why I bought this camera…. As an amateur I can’t afford to change camera systems, no matter how much DxOMark and other sites tell me how much better the latest nikons are than the current Canons; and no matter how tempted I might get! It’s good occasionally to read something that reminds me that the 6D is actually pretty stunning. 10 years ago we’d all have overwhelmed by it.
Yep – you can definitely tell you’re a Nikon user. Not a very good review about the Canon 6D here as it’s too focused on the Nikon.