The Canon 6D Mark II is officially here and it’s almost everything we hoped it would be. The original Canon 6D went a long way to making the full frame DSLR format more accessible than previously possible. The 6D Mark II carries that mantle forward with an impressive set of photography features.
Canon 6D Mark II Key Features
- 26.2 Megapixel Full-frame CMOS Sensor
- 45-point All Cross-type AF System
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with Phase-detection
- 1080/60p Video Capture
- DIGIC 7 Image Processor
- ISO 100-40,000
- Vari-angle Touch Screen, 3.0-inch LCD
- Built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth and GPS technology
- Continuous Shooting at up to 6.5 fps
- Dust- & Water-resistant
While other Canon DSLRs my shine as video shooters, the 6D Mark II is first and foremost a photographer’s camera. This looks like it could be the answer to so many of the forum and comment threads from photographers asking for a camera that focuses on being a still camera.
The biggest upgrade for my money looks like the new 45-point AF system. Those wishing for more advanced DSLRs may now be able to reach a more affordable option with a solid AF system inside.
Of course, the 6D Mark II captures 1080/60p video and has Canon’s signature (and excellent) Dual Pixel AF. There are also a couple of sacrifices that you’ll have to take with the 6D Mark II. It only has a 1/4000s max shutter speed, which will be acceptable for many photographers but certainly not all. Another compromise on the video side is the lack of a headphone jack for monitoring audio capture. But you aren’t buying the 6D Mark II for its video prowess.
Canon also dropped the intro price for the second outing. The original 6D retailed for $2099, while the new 6D Mark II retails for $1999.
The 6D Mark II will be available late next month. Check it out here at B&H Photo.
William says
I find it a challenge to get very excited over these calculated progressions in camera development. It may be a step forward…well and good. What is needed is a leap-frog.
Graham says
Why do you need a feature leapfrog. This 6D2 has more features than most photographers are capable of using. Concentrate on your photography skills rather than features. ( I have 5D4, 5D3 and 80D )
Dave says
William, there is a leap-frog, it’s called Canon 5D Mark 4. What you hoped for was to have the features of the Mark 4 in 6D Mark 2. Unfortunately you will have to pay more than $2000 for a camera with all the features that most forum participants are crying about but they don’t want to pay more for those features.
6D is the best entry level FF camera and I doubt you will find image quality difference with the Mark 4.
THIS IS A STILL PHOTO CAMERA. IT IS NOT A VIDEO CAMERA. IF YOU, AND OTHERS, WANT 4K CAMERA, GET A DEDICATED 4K CAMERA. Don’t say anything about the competition and Sony bla bla bla. If you do, go get yourself a Sonly. There is a reason why Canon is No. 1 and will be.
theo antoniou says
This debate will never end. However, as far as video is concerned, Andrew Reid pointed out in EOSHD, the Mark 2’s codec is worse than the original with a lower bit-rate and no ALL-1.
Very weird, which ever way you want to look at it. If Canon didn’t want to “improve” video performance on the 6D2, they could at least have kept it the same as the old one.