topic Re: Canon EOS-6D preliminary hands-on review in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Canon EOS-6D preliminary hands-on review

MichaelDanielHo — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 23:45:56 GMT

The Canon EOS-6D light weight, full frame camera was introduced a month ago. It has a list price of $2,099 and should be available by the end of 2012.

Canon EOS 6D key specifications :

20.2MP full frame CMOS sensor
DIGIC 5+ image processor
ISO 100-25600 standard, 50-102800 expanded
4.5 fps continuous shooting
'Silent' shutter mode
1080p30 video recording, stereo sound via external mic
11 point AF system, center point cross-type and sensitive to -3 EV
63 zone iFCL metering system
97% viewfinder coverage; interchangeable screens (including Eg-D grid and Eg-S fine-focus)
1040k dot 3:2 3" ClearView LCD (fixed)
Single SD card slot
Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS
Single-axis electronic level

The folks at DPReview has obtained a pre-production model of the EOS-6D and gave it a 'test drive' and wrote a preliminary review of the camera. You can read the post here. I plan to get a hold of the camera and put it through some photo shoots once it is available through the Canon Professional Network. In the meantime, you can take a look at my previous post comparing the EOS-6D to the Nikon D600.

Re: Canon EOS-6D preliminary hands-on review

MichaelDanielHo — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 00:25:31 GMT

The EOS-6D should be a very sought after Christmas present if Canon is able to ship the camera early enough to cash in on the season of generous giving. This is by no means an easy thing judging from Canon's track record in sticking to its self declared available dates recently.

http://MichaelDanielHo.com

Re: Canon EOS-6D preliminary hands-on review

alain — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 01:11:32 GMT

Too bad the AF is still very limited, comming straight from the 5D2>5D1>20D legacy, it is only precise in the center (try the external point with 85II at f1.2 ... you're not sure to get one sharp image out of 3 tries).

I'd say this is the big weakness of this camera, it really limits is use with many subject.

I highly recommend anyone interesested in the 6D tries the 5D3 or some of the 1D before deciding to buy, because their AF performance is night & day compared to 6D. Once you have tried those AF, unless you shoot only static subjects, it is very very hard to come back to such a limited AF.

Alain

Re: Canon EOS-6D preliminary hands-on review

mikegrados — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 05:28:09 GMT

@alain wrote:
Too bad the AF is still very limited, comming straight from the 5D2>5D1>20D legacy, it is only precise in the center (try the external point with 85II at f1.2 ... you're not sure to get one sharp image out of 3 tries).
I'd say this is the big weakness of this camera, it really limits is use with many subject.

Alain

You could also argue that the 5DIII's AF is a weakness compared to the 6D, as the latter is one EV more sensitive (-3 to -2) in the center point. It is 3x more sensitive than the previous 5Ds, which were sensitive to -0.5.

Like anything photographic, there are trade-offs when price is a consideration. For me personally, I need a super sensitive center point for my work and I'm happy. In this regard, the 6D's AF is not a weakness, but a strength.

Re: Canon EOS-6D preliminary hands-on review

MichaelDanielHo — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 19:18:29 GMT

It is a fair comparison to match the AF capabilities of the EOS-6D to the EOS-5D MK III or the newer EOS-1D cameras? The list price of the 6D is $2,099, the 5D MK III is $3,499 and the 1D X is $6,799. It is fairer to compare apples to apples and judge them accordingly.

http://MichaelDanielHo.com

Re: Canon EOS-6D preliminary hands-on review

dave — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:38:59 GMT

I am very interested in the 6D. I own the 5D2 and concerning IQ there won't be much difference. But the loud and shaky shutter of the 5D, the silent mode of the 6D respectively, lower weight, better ISO and smaller size would make the 6D a better camera. If I could have wished I wanted an even more purist and smaller 6D, no video, wifi and gps, however.

But I have a QUESTION: Will there be a focus confirmation on the focus points like the red confirmation flash there is with the 5D2? I like to shoot with my small 40mm Voigtlander Ultron manual focus lens (just an excellent lens btw) and therefore highly appreciate this focus confirmation feature. If somebody already knows the answer, this would be very nice, thanks!

Re: Canon EOS-6D preliminary hands-on review

alain — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 09:43:48 GMT

Mike > well, I fully understand your position, but you may agree that 95%+ will consider the 5D3/1Dx AF superior to the 6D option.

Michael > it is fair to compare it to what is available, yes, and that includes competition, especially the D300 who beneficiated of a more advanced AF

Re: Canon EOS-6D preliminary hands-on review

MichaelDanielHo — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 03:21:03 GMT

I have no doubt the EOS-6D will make the EOS-5D MK II 'obsolete'. That's why the MK II is selling for such a low price now so camera stores can get rid of all their remaining inventory. I will be interested in getting my hands on the 6D for a test when it become available.

http://MichaelDanielHo.com

Re: Canon EOS-6D preliminary hands-on review

shoot_ric — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 20:10:28 GMT

Michael Daniel Ho,

I like your wildlife photography and your wildlife photos and your wildlife wallpaper. Thanks for posting your comments on the 6D. I look forward to seeing more of your wildlife photos and wildlife wallpaper shot with the 6D.

Re: Canon EOS-6D preliminary hands-on review

joshhuntnm — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 04:20:09 GMT

I am really curious how the high ISO preforms.

Josh Hunt

www.joshhunt.com

Re: Canon EOS-6D preliminary hands-on review

salsaguy — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 07:22:58 GMT

I read in the 6D specs that the flash synch on the 6D is only 1/400? Is that really true? I have a 60D which has a 1/250 synch speed. Why would they weaken the flash synch for a FULL Frame camera which would cater to a semi-pro / advanced amateur looking for a good bargain?

I would think this would be a big weakness for many and cause those in the know to NOT buy the 6d.

Id love a 6D to have both a full frame and cropped sensor combo to have in my bag but when I read the flash synch on the 6D I was surprised and turned off a bit.

Why couldnt they keep the 250 synch speed?
what was the limiting factor? Weight?/parts?

Re: Canon EOS-6D preliminary hands-on review

jfo — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 07:38:49 GMT

@salsaguy wrote:
I read in the 6D specs that the flash synch on the 6D is only 1/400? Is that really true? I have a 60D which has a 1/250 synch speed. Why would they weaken the flash synch for a FULL Frame camera which would cater to a semi-pro / advanced amateur looking for a good bargain?
I would think this would be a big weakness for many and cause those in the know to NOT buy the 6d.
Id love a 6D to have both a full frame and cropped sensor combo to have in my bag but when I read the flash synch on the 6D I was surprised and turned off a bit.
Why couldnt they keep the 250 synch speed?
what was the limiting factor? Weight?/parts?

I haven't looked up the 6D specs, but 1/400 sync speed is faster / better than 1/250, right?

Re: Canon EOS-6D preliminary hands-on review

David — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:34:05 GMT

X-sync is at 1/180 sec.

Re: Canon EOS-6D preliminary hands-on review

CanonUser — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 15:21:17 GMT

The EOS-6D sounds like a great camera for those who want a full frame camera but on a cropped frame budget. I only wish it uses a CF instead of SD card. Interesting preview. Can't wait to see and try it in stores.

Re: Canon EOS-6D preliminary hands-on review

salsaguy — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 07:23:02 GMT

Sorry yeah I meant a synch speed slower than 1/250 of the 60D which would make it LESS desireable.

the next user posted the correct synch speed of 1/180 is is less than most other cameras even the Rebel series!?

Re: Canon EOS-6D preliminary hands-on review

MichaelDanielHo — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 16:07:27 GMT

The eagerly awaited Canon EOS-6D camera is available for sale in Asia already. My friend in Hong Kong has informed me of this because he has bought one already. It will make a very nice Christmas gift to oneself or someone else if you can't wait. The price is $2,299 but since I do not endorse any retailers on my website or blog, you can contact me if you want the name of the seller.

The camera should be available in North America late this year but judging from Canon's delivery timetable in the last few months, I would not be surprised the deadline will slip.

http://MichaelDanielHo.com

Re: Canon EOS-6D preliminary hands-on review

TexasTea — Sat, 24 Nov 2012 22:21:13 GMT

Cant wait to see it stateside!

Re: Canon EOS-6D preliminary hands-on review

MichaelDanielHo — Wed, 28 Nov 2012 17:08:06 GMT

The Canon EOS-6D is an eagerly anticipated camera because it is the least expensive full frame camera and will be available in North America very soon, if the shipping deadline is not missed. However, it is available in many parts of Asia already. Johnnie Behiri has posted a full frame, HD video taken with a pre-production model of the camera. You can view the HD video here and decide for yourself.

Re: Canon EOS-6D preliminary hands-on review

jfo — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 21:10:28 GMT

@MichaelDanielHo wrote:
The Canon EOS-6D is an eagerly anticipated camera because it is the least expensive full frame camera and will be available in North America very soon, if the shipping deadline is not missed. However, it is available in many parts of Asia already. Johnnie Behiri has posted a full frame, HD video taken with a pre-production model of the camera. You can view the HD Video here and decide for yourself.

Good find with the video! Here's a more direct link: http://vimeo.com/54352877

Re: Canon EOS-6D preliminary hands-on review

TexasTea — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 15:31:20 GMT

UPDATE: Canon's EOS Remote App is now available for download in the App Store!

Canon also has released digital copies of all manuals and other print media on their website for the 6D!