Yesterday, Canon announced another full-frame dSLR: the 6D, which the company bills as its smallest, most affordable full frame model in history and as the perfect entry-point for people who want to get into full frame photography on a budget. Unfortunately, when looking at the details of the camera, one obvious fact emerges: it's nothing but a re-branded mix of old photographic and new gimmicky technology, nothing more.
For starters, Canon has shoved another archaic AF system into the camera, an 11 point grid with only a single cross point. In comparison, the Canon 50D APS-C model of 2008 (commonly selling used for around $700), sports 9 cross-type AF sensors. Needless to say, if you're planning on shooting even your kids' sporting events, the 6D will probably not be that good of a bet. Oh, yes, it only does 4.5fps, too.
Another huge failing of the 6D: no pop-up flash. In its announcement, Canon claims that the 6D is for amateur photographers. Well Canon, hate to say it, but most amateurs don't like to haul around an external flash unit. In fact, many amateurs prefer to have a camera and all-in-one lens, a perfect setup for photography on the light and on the go. By leaving out the pop-up flash (which Nikon includes on some 'pro' models), Canon is doing a great disservice to the type of photographer it is targeting with its new camera.
Another point of irritation: less than 100% viewfinder coverage. Sure, a 97% viewfinder would have been passable a few years ago, but this is 2012 and people are demanding (and companies are providing) 100% coverage. Example: Canon's APS-C 7D has a 100% viewfinder. Currently, the 6D is the only current full frame camera on the market without a 100% viewfinder.
Other, smaller points to complain about are many, too. For starters, the 6D only has a 1/4000th second top shutter speed, which is sure to bother some people, as well as a slower flash sync speed, too. Unlike on the 5D Mark III, the LCD screen on the 6D has no auto brightness adjust, which can come in real handy when transitioning to and from different lighting conditions. For movie makers, the 6D has HDMI output, but not of the uncompressed live variety that is found on current, competing Nikons. Lastly, in the press release, there is no mention of lens aberration correction capability, either.
Oh, yes, and Canon still has no AF assist lamp (on the 6D or anything else for that matter)!
As for what's new, drum roll: built-in GPS and wi-fi. Woo-hoo!
The good news is that all is not bad by any means. One very meaningful feature that Canon thought to stick into the 6D was the ability to change focus screens, of which Canon makes one model that is precisely designed for accurate manual focus with fast lenses.
Want to get into Canon full frame digital on a budget?
Well, if you don't need stratospheric ISO, there's the original 5D, which is commonly selling used for under $1000 by now. Yes, the 5D is a 2005 release but, at base ISOs, the picture quality between new and old cameras remains virtually indistinguishable save the resolution. Need high ISO performance? Pick up a used 5D Mark II, which is essentially the same thing as a 6D sans the wi-fi and GPS nonsense. They're commonly going for around $2000 used/refurbished.
Bottom line: don't buy a 6D, get a used 5DI or II or save up and buy a 5DIII instead.
For anyone looking to buy photo gear in the Cleveland area, there's Cleveland-based Dodd Camera, with its downtown superstore. In addition, there are many smaller Cleveland metro area chain stores in the Cuyahoga County area, too. Live West of Cleveland? Loomis Camera, located in downtown Elyria, Lorain County, is another place to go for all your photographic needs.
If you feel that you must have a 6D, according to Canon, it will sell for $2100 (the same price as the far superior on the spec sheet Nikon D600) and will start shipping sometime in December, hopefully.
For more info:
Canon press release
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