Unveiling the Ultimate Showdown: Canon EOS 6D vs. EOS 90D with EF 24-105mm vs. EF 75-300mm Lenses – Which Reigns Supreme?

Choosing the right camera and lens combination can be a daunting task, especially when considering the vast array of options available. Today, we’re diving into a head-to-head comparison of two popular setups: the Canon EOS 6D with the EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM versus the **Canon EOS 90D with the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III**.
Both combinations cater to different photographic styles, making this a truly interesting comparison. The EOS 6D with its versatile 24-105mm lens is a great choice for landscape, travel, and everyday photography, while the EOS 90D paired with the 75-300mm telephoto lens is ideal for wildlife, sports, and capturing distant subjects. Let’s delve into the specifics of each setup and determine which one emerges as the champion for your photographic needs.

Canon EOS 6D & EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM: The All-Around Performer

The Canon EOS 6D, released in 2012, was a groundbreaking camera for its full-frame sensor at a relatively affordable price point. It’s still considered a solid option for photographers seeking high image quality and a wide dynamic range. Coupled with the EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens, this combination offers versatility and ease of use for a wide range of subjects.
Strengths of the EOS 6D & EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM:

• Full-frame sensor: Delivers exceptional image quality with excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field capabilities.
• Versatile lens: The 24-105mm zoom range covers a broad spectrum of focal lengths, making it suitable for landscapes, portraits, and everyday photography.
• Image Stabilization: The lens incorporates optical image stabilization, reducing camera shake and aiding in capturing sharp images, especially in low light.
• Compact and Lightweight: The combination is relatively compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and ideal for travel photography.
• Affordable price point: The EOS 6D is a more budget-friendly option compared to newer full-frame cameras.

Limitations of the EOS 6D & EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM:

• Older technology: The EOS 6D is an older camera with limited features compared to newer models.
• Slower autofocus: The autofocus system is not as fast or accurate as newer cameras, which might be a drawback for fast-moving subjects.
• Limited burst shooting: The EOS 6D has a slower burst shooting rate, limiting its effectiveness in capturing action sequences.
• Limited video capabilities: The video recording features are basic and limited to 1080p resolution at 30fps.
• No touchscreen: The absence of a touchscreen can make navigating the menu system and adjusting settings less intuitive.

Canon EOS 90D & EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III: The Wildlife and Sports Specialist

The Canon EOS 90D, released in 2019, is a powerful APS-C camera designed for photographers who prioritize speed and performance. Paired with the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III telephoto lens, this combination excels in capturing wildlife, sports, and distant subjects.
Strengths of the EOS 90D & EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III:

• Fast autofocus: The 90D boasts a rapid and accurate autofocus system, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects.
• High burst shooting: The camera can shoot at up to 10 frames per second, allowing you to capture action sequences in detail.
• Excellent video capabilities: The 90D offers 4K video recording at 30fps with a wide range of video features.
• Lightweight and compact: The combination is relatively lightweight and portable, making it manageable for extended shooting sessions.
• Affordable price point: The EOS 90D is a more budget-friendly option than comparable full-frame cameras.

Limitations of the EOS 90D & EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III:

• APS-C sensor: The APS-C sensor provides a smaller image area compared to a full-frame sensor, resulting in a slightly cropped field of view.
• Limited low-light performance: The smaller sensor size generally results in lower light sensitivity compared to full-frame cameras.
• No image stabilization: The lens lacks optical image stabilization, making it more challenging to capture sharp images in low light or when shooting handheld.
• Limited zoom range: The 75-300mm zoom range is primarily suited for telephoto photography and might not be as versatile for other genres.
• Less dynamic range: The APS-C sensor typically has a narrower dynamic range compared to full-frame sensors.

Image Quality: A Detailed Comparison

Full-frame vs. APS-C: The Canon EOS 6D’s full-frame sensor offers superior image quality, particularly in low light, with a wider dynamic range. The larger sensor captures more light, resulting in less noise at higher ISO settings. The EOS 90D’s APS-C sensor, while capable of producing excellent images, falls slightly behind in terms of low-light performance and dynamic range.
Lens Performance: Both lenses offer decent image quality, though the EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM exhibits slightly better sharpness and contrast across its zoom range. The EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III is known for producing good results, especially at the longer end of its focal length, but can sometimes struggle with sharpness and chromatic aberration at its wider end.
Overall, the EOS 6D with its full-frame sensor delivers a clear advantage in image quality, especially in low light situations. However, the EOS 90D’s APS-C sensor still produces excellent images, especially when considering its price point.

Autofocus Performance: Speed and Accuracy

Speed: The Canon EOS 90D takes the lead in autofocus speed, thanks to its advanced 45-point all cross-type autofocus system. It can lock onto subjects quickly and accurately, even in low light conditions. The EOS 6D’s autofocus system, while capable, is slower and less responsive, particularly when tracking moving subjects.
Accuracy: Both cameras exhibit good autofocus accuracy, but the EOS 90D’s superior autofocus system gives it a slight edge, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Overall, the EOS 90D’s autofocus system is significantly faster and more accurate, making it a better choice for capturing fast-moving subjects like wildlife and sports.

Video Capabilities: A Look at the Features

EOS 6D: The EOS 6D offers basic video recording capabilities, limited to 1080p resolution at 30fps. While it can capture decent footage, it lacks the advanced features and resolution offered by newer cameras.
EOS 90D: The EOS 90D provides significantly better video capabilities, including 4K video recording at 30fps and a range of features like slow-motion recording, time-lapse, and an external microphone input. It’s a more versatile camera for video enthusiasts.
Overall, the EOS 90D is the clear winner in terms of video capabilities, offering a wider range of features and higher resolution recording options.

Ergonomics and Design: A Comfortable Shooting Experience

EOS 6D: The EOS 6D features a comfortable grip and a well-designed layout, but it lacks a touchscreen, which can make navigating the menu system less intuitive. The camera’s design is more traditional and might feel dated compared to newer models.
EOS 90D: The EOS 90D boasts a modern design with a comfortable grip and a touchscreen interface that makes navigating the menu system and adjusting settings more intuitive. The camera also features a dedicated joystick for quickly selecting autofocus points, enhancing its responsiveness.
Overall, the EOS 90D’s modern design and touchscreen interface provide a more comfortable and intuitive shooting experience.

The Final Verdict: Choosing the Right Camera & Lens Combo

So, which camera and lens combination reigns supreme? The answer depends on your specific photographic needs and preferences.
Canon EOS 6D & EF 24-105mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM: This combination is an excellent choice for photographers who prioritize image quality, versatility, and a compact, lightweight setup. It’s ideal for landscape, travel, and everyday photography, especially in low light conditions.
Canon EOS 90D & EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III: This combination is the perfect choice for photographers who need speed, accuracy, and a telephoto lens for capturing wildlife, sports, and distant subjects. It offers excellent autofocus performance, a fast burst shooting rate, and advanced video capabilities.
Ultimately, the best camera and lens combination for you will depend on your individual shooting style and budget. If you value image quality, versatility, and a full-frame sensor, the EOS 6D with its 24-105mm lens is a great option. But if you need speed, performance, and a telephoto lens for capturing action and distant subjects, the EOS 90D with its 75-300mm lens is the way to go.

Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options

While the EOS 6D and EOS 90D offer excellent value, it’s important to consider other options depending on your budget and specific needs. For example, you might explore newer full-frame cameras like the Canon EOS 6D Mark II or the Canon EOS RP, which offer improved features and performance. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more affordable APS-C camera, the Canon EOS 80D is another solid choice.

What People Want to Know

Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
A: The EOS 90D is generally considered more beginner-friendly due to its intuitive touchscreen interface, advanced autofocus system, and user-friendly menu system. However, the EOS 6D’s full-frame sensor can be a great learning tool for understanding depth of field and image quality.
Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: The EOS 6D’s full-frame sensor offers significantly better low-light performance due to its larger surface area, which captures more light and produces less noise at higher ISO settings.
Q: Which camera is better for video recording?
A: The EOS 90D offers superior video capabilities, including 4K resolution, a wider range of features, and better performance.
Q: Which camera is better for wildlife photography?
A: The EOS 90D and its 75-300mm telephoto lens are ideal for wildlife photography due to their fast autofocus, high burst shooting rate, and telephoto reach.
Q: Which camera is better for travel photography?
A: The EOS 6D and its 24-105mm lens are a great combination for travel photography, offering versatility, image quality, and a compact, lightweight setup.