What To Know
- The 6D has an ISO range of 100-25,600, while the 6D II has an extended range of 100-40,000.
- The 6D II’s IBIS system is more effective, providing up to 5 stops of compensation compared to the 4 stops offered by the 6D.
- The 6D has a battery life of approximately 1090 shots per charge, while the 6D II has a slightly longer battery life of approximately 1200 shots per charge.
The Canon 6D and 6D Mark II (6D II) are two popular full-frame DSLRs that have been widely used by photographers for both astrophotography and wildlife photography. In this blog post, we will compare the two cameras in terms of their key features, performance, and suitability for these specific genres.
Sensor and Image Quality
Sensor: Both the 6D and 6D II feature a 20.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor. However, the 6D II has a newer sensor design with improved dynamic range and better low-light performance.
ISO Range: The 6D has an ISO range of 100-25,600, while the 6D II has an extended range of 100-40,000. This wider ISO range allows the 6D II to capture images in even darker conditions.
Autofocus
Autofocus System: The 6D uses an 11-point autofocus system, while the 6D II has a 45-point autofocus system. The 6D II’s autofocus system is more advanced and provides better accuracy and tracking capabilities, especially in low-light situations.
Cross-Type Points: The 6D II has 27 cross-type autofocus points, compared to only 1 central cross-type point on the 6D. Cross-type points allow for more precise focusing, which is crucial for capturing sharp images of wildlife and celestial objects.
Image Stabilization
In-Body Image Stabilization: Both the 6D and 6D II feature in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images. The 6D II’s IBIS system is more effective, providing up to 5 stops of compensation compared to the 4 stops offered by the 6D.
Viewfinder and LCD Screen
Viewfinder: The 6D has an optical viewfinder with 97% coverage, while the 6D II has a larger viewfinder with 100% coverage. This allows the 6D II to provide a more immersive and accurate view of the scene.
LCD Screen: The 6D has a 3.0-inch LCD screen with 1.04 million dots, while the 6D II has a larger 3.2-inch LCD screen with 1.62 million dots. The 6D II’s LCD screen is also touch-sensitive, making it easier to navigate menus and adjust settings.
Battery Life
Battery Life: The 6D has a battery life of approximately 1090 shots per charge, while the 6D II has a slightly longer battery life of approximately 1200 shots per charge.
Connectivity and Other Features
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: The 6D II has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, while the 6D requires an external adapter for wireless connectivity. This allows the 6D II to connect to smartphones and tablets for remote camera control and image sharing.
GPS: The 6D II has built-in GPS, which allows it to record location data in images. This feature can be useful for astrophotographers who want to track the movement of celestial objects.
Astrophotography Performance
Long Exposure Noise Reduction: Both the 6D and 6D II feature long exposure noise reduction, which helps to reduce noise in images captured at high ISO settings. The 6D II’s noise reduction algorithm is more advanced and provides better results, especially in long exposures.
Dark Current Reduction: The 6D II has improved dark current reduction, which helps to minimize noise in images captured at high temperatures. This feature is particularly beneficial for astrophotographers who shoot in warm environments.
Wildlife Photography Performance
Fast Autofocus: The 6D II’s advanced autofocus system allows it to track moving subjects more effectively than the 6D. This makes it better suited for capturing sharp images of wildlife in motion.
Weather Sealing: The 6D II is weather-sealed, making it more resistant to dust and moisture. This is important for wildlife photographers who shoot in challenging outdoor conditions.
Which Camera is Right for You?
The choice between the Canon 6D and 6D II depends on your specific needs and budget.
If you are primarily interested in astrophotography:
- The 6D II’s wider ISO range, improved noise reduction, and dark current reduction make it a better choice for capturing high-quality images of the night sky.
If you are primarily interested in wildlife photography:
- The 6D II’s faster autofocus, weather sealing, and improved battery life make it a better choice for capturing sharp images of moving animals in challenging conditions.
Conclusion
Both the Canon 6D and 6D II are capable cameras for astrophotography and wildlife photography. However, the 6D II offers several key advantages over the 6D, including a more advanced autofocus system, improved image quality, and better connectivity options. If you are looking for a high-performance full-frame DSLR for these genres, the Canon 6D II is the better choice.
FAQ
Q: Which camera has a better dynamic range?
A: The Canon 6D II has a wider dynamic range than the 6D, allowing it to capture more detail in both highlights and shadows.
Q: Which camera is better in low light?
A: The Canon 6D II has a wider ISO range and improved low-light performance, making it better suited for capturing images in dark conditions.
Q: Which camera has a more accurate autofocus system?
A: The Canon 6D II has a more advanced autofocus system with more autofocus points, including cross-type points, providing better accuracy and tracking capabilities.
