Canon EOS 6D Impressions

What are the pros and cons?

Canon EOS 6d Pros & Cons

• 20.2MP full frame CMOS sensor

• DIGIC 5+ image processor

• ISO 100-25600 standard

• Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS

• Price

Cons:

• 11 point AF system, 1 center point cross-type

• 97% viewfinder coverage VS 100% Viewfinder

• Plastic Non Articulating, LCD

• Single SD card slot

• No dedicated WB button

• GPS does not power down when camera is off

The Canon EOS 6d is for photographers who want or need a semi-pro full frame camera and either can't justify or afford the EOS 5d Mark III. The 6d, competes with Nikon's D600/D610. The 6d can be considered as an entry-level pro camera for the non professional or what's sometimes called a pro-sumer camera. Since Canon ships this camera with a built in GPS and a focusing system that may required time to bring subjects into focus, I've surmised they intended this camera to be targeted to landscape photographers. Add-in the built-in WIFI and this camera targets the studio portrait photographer as well. Many established professional photographers view GPS and WIFI as consumer gimmicks that take away from the professional grade of this camera.

Given that the 6D is also weather sealed, I consider this camera more as a pro-grade camera than a consumer-grade camera. Perhaps the what truly makes many photographers consider the 6D as consumer grade camera is the lack of a 2^nd SD card slot or a dual card slot. This is where Canon clearly dropped the ball. Perhaps they didn't want to piss off the folks who've made the investment in the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, but by not including a dual card slot they've discouraged folks from buying this camera, who might otherwise buy it, but would never buy the 5D Mark III due to the extra $1300 premium or the 5DS or 5DS-R. Not to worry though because Nikon has a pro-sumer grade that camera that's semi professional and it has dual slots.

Specs:

• 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

• 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