topic Re: Canon 6D underexposing in EOS DSLR & Mirrorless Cameras

Canon 6D underexposing

Meandmypup403 — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 04:51:05 GMT

Hi. I recently got a Canon 6D (original version). I'm finding that it's consistently underexposing images. I shoot RAW images on aperture priority, and I always have to keep the exposure compensation set to +1EV. Different metering modes and lenses don't have any effect. I've read about quite a few other people having this issue, but is it normal for that camera? Should I send it back for calibration? (it's still under warranty)... Thanks!

Re: Canon 6D underexposing

Waddizzle — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 07:58:35 GMT

@Meandmypup403 wrote:
Hi. I recently got a Canon 6D (original version). I'm finding that it's consistently underexposing images. I shoot RAW images on aperture priority, and I always have to keep the exposure compensation set to +1EV. Different metering modes and lenses don't have any effect. I've read about quite a few other people having this issue, but is it normal for that camera? Should I send it back for calibration? (it's still under warranty)... Thanks!

I used to have random exposure problems with my 6D. Sometimes I would get over or under exposed shots I suspect that it was entirely operator on my part. I really do not know what the cause was. But, I made a change in my shooting habits and the problem went away. I began using BBF. I suspect that my restless thumb may have been touching [AE Lock] from time to time. Having cut my DSLR teeth on a Rebel, I was not used to having all of those buttons on the camera body, I guess.

I use Evaluative Metering nearly 100% time when I am shooting handheld. The other metering modes are exact enough that you really need to be on a tripod to use them most effectively. Also, be aware that you AF point selection can affect how the camera meters a scene. For the most part, the camera will always use the center AF point. Be aware of this behavior if you are not using the center AF point for focusing. Your focusing point and metering point are not always one and the same.

Is your camera used or new? If your camera is used, then I suggest going into the menus and resetting everything back to factory defaults. You want to start off with the camera in a known state. There are at leas three different places in the menus where you need to perform a “reset” to return the camera to its’ factory default state.

If you are still having any issues with a used camera, after resetting both the camera and your shooting habits, then you may want to consider sending the camera to Canon for a thorough clean and checkout. In fact, this may be a good idea, anyway.

Re: Canon 6D underexposing

stephencock987 — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 11:47:42 GMT

I've shot full auto, full manual, and everything in the middle. I've attempted a wide range of metering modes. What's more, it appears that particularly in cloudy climate, the RAWs are underexposed by about 0.5 - 1 f-stops. Most pessimistic scenarios should be knock up an entire 1.5 f-stops to get a decent picture.

Re: Canon 6D underexposing

Waddizzle — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 12:37:25 GMT

've shot full auto, full manual, and everything in the middle. I've attempted a wide range of metering modes. What's more, it appears that particularly in cloudy climate, the RAWs are underexposed by about 0.5 - 1 f-stops. Most pessimistic scenarios should be knock up an entire 1.5 f-stops to get a decent picture.

——————————————

You are hijacking someone’s thread.

One cause for under exposures is extra light reaching the metering sensor through the viewfinder.

Re: Canon 6D underexposing

ebiggs1 — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 14:31:58 GMT

To both of you the OP and the Me too, are you both using Canon brand lenses? If you are, both of you need to call Canon support 1 (800) 652-2666. They will instruct you what to do.

Re: Canon 6D underexposing

Meandmypup403 — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 16:16:22 GMT

The camera was bought new. I use Canon OEM lenses (16-35L f/4, 24-105L f/4, 100-400 L Mk II), identical issue with all 3. And it's definitely underexposing, not just how it looks on the display - for example, if I take an image of a neutral medium grey concrete wall with 0 exposure compensation, the histogram is a single peak about 3/4 of the way to the left (the dark side). I guess the next step will be to contact Canon.... Thanks!

Re: Canon 6D underexposing

Meandmypup403 — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 16:19:17 GMT

Thanks for the "light through the viewfinder" suggestion, but that's not it. I just tried taking a few shots with the eyepiece completely covered up, and I'm still getting a 1EV underexposure. Oh well, time to call tech support 😞

Re: Canon 6D underexposing

ebiggs1 — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 18:22:38 GMT

"Thanks for the "light through the viewfinder" suggestion, but that's not it."

That had no chance of being the problem a waste of time. Do call Canon support.

Re: Canon 6D underexposing

ebiggs1 — Tue, 02 Apr 2019 18:23:38 GMT

" I use Canon OEM lenses (16-35L f/4, 24-105L f/4, 100-400 L Mk II), identical issue with all 3."

Sorta makes the camera look guilty, doesn't it?

Re: Canon 6D underexposing

Meandmypup403 — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 04:56:45 GMT

Well, I talked to tech support and the camera is going back to Canon. I was hoping there would be an easy fix, but no such luck... thanks for the help

Canon 6D sharpness settings

TDKLEX — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 20:12:37 GMT

Which setting in 'Sharpness' should i use for best results. I am now shooting with it set to maximum sharpness. Does this just depend on personal preference, or is there a 'BEST' setting?

Re: Canon 6D sharpness settings

ebiggs1 — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 19:00:49 GMT

"...is there a 'BEST' setting?"

There is a "best" setting but that may not be it. It depends on what you are doing. I always shoot Raw format so there is no sharp setting. It is set in post which is where it belongs and where you know what the "best" setting is.

Re: Canon 6D underexposing

Waddizzle — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 23:38:54 GMT

Less is always best. This is what default [settings] are for. Defaults are what has been [determined] to be the best starting point. What is the best end result is up to you.

Maximum sharpness is almost never a good thing because it removes details.

Re: Canon 6D sharpness settings

TDKLEX — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 21:09:16 GMT

Thank you for your reply, that helps me understand.

Re: Canon 6D underexposing

TDKLEX — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 21:11:09 GMT

Thanks for your help, i've been shooting for quite some time, but as you know, you can always learn.

Re: Canon 6D underexposing

ebiggs1 — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 22:26:20 GMT

Sharpness is global and most of the time you don’t want that. In post you can mask out what should not be sharpened.

Re: Canon 6D underexposing

TDKLEX — Wed, 20 Nov 2019 22:54:51 GMT

Thanks, i appreciate that.