Canon 6D vs Canon 6D Mark II

Side-by-side specs, features and our lab-measured performance for the Canon 6D and the Canon 6D Mark II.

Compare their image quality Open both cameras in the Comparometer: the same studio scenes, at every ISO, side by side.

Key differences

Why pick the Canon 6D

  • Lighter: 1,448 g vs 1,560 g

Why pick the Canon 6D Mark II

  • More resolution: 26.2 MP vs 20.2 MP
  • Higher DxOMark sensor score: 85 vs 82
  • Higher native ISO ceiling: ISO 40,000 vs ISO 25,600
  • Faster continuous shooting: 6.5 fps vs 4.4 fps
  • Deeper RAW buffer: 20 frames vs 17 frames
  • Faster autofocus shutter lag (lab tested): 0.17s vs 0.29s
  • On-sensor phase-detect autofocus
  • Touchscreen
  • Articulating screen
  • More shots per charge (CIPA): 1,200 shots vs 1,090 shots
  • Bluetooth
  • Built-in intervalometer
  • Costs less (street price when tested): $1,299 vs $1,699
  • Newer model (2017 vs 2012)

Worked out from the spec sheets and our lab measurements. Image quality, handling and autofocus tracking are judged in the reviews.

Full specifications

SpecificationCanon 6DCanon 6D Mark II
Overview
Camera FormatSLRSLR
Date Available2012-12-152017-07-31
Currently ManufacturedYesYes
Retail Price$2399.00$1999.00
Street Price$1,699.00$1,299.00
Weight51.1 oz (1,448 g) includes batteries, kit lens55.0 oz (1,560 g) includes batteries, kit lens
Size5.7 x 4.4 x 2.8 in. (145 x 111 x 71 mm)5.7 x 4.4 x 2.9 in. (144 x 111 x 75 mm)
WaterproofNoNo
Predecessor–Canon 6D
SuccessorCanon 6D Mark II–
Sensor
Effective Megapixels20.226.2
Sensor Format35mm35mm
Sensor size855.62mm2 (35.80mm x 23.90mm)861.6mm2 (35.90mm x 24.00mm)
Sensor TypeCMOSCMOS
Sensor ManufacturerCanonCanon
Approximate Pixel Pitch6.54 microns5.67 microns
Focal Length Multiplier1.0x1.0x
Aspect Ratio3:23:2
Anti Aliasing FilterFixedFixed
Sensor shift image stabilizationNoNo
Self-CleaningYesYes
Image Resolution5472 x 3648 (20.0 MP, 3:2), 3648 x 2432 (8.9 MP, 3:2), 2736 x 1824 (5.0 MP, 3:2), 1920 x 1280 (2.5 MP, 3:2), 720 x 480 (0.3 MP, 3:2)6240 x 4160 (26.0 MP, 3:2), 4160 x 2768 (11.5 MP, 3:2), 3120 x 2080 (6.5 MP, 3:2), 2400 x 1600 (3.8 MP, 3:2), 6240 x 3504 (21.9 MP, 16:9), 4160 x 2336 (9.7 MP, 16:9), 3120 x 1752 (5.5 MP, 16:9), 2400 x 1344 (3.2 MP, Other), 5536 x 4160 (23.0 MP, 4:3), 3680 x 2768 (10.2 MP, 4:3), 2768 x 2080 (5.8 MP, 4:3), 2112 x 1600 (3.4 MP, Other), 4160 x 4160 (17.3 MP, 1:1), 2768 x 2768 (7.7 MP, 1:1), 2080 x 2080 (4.3 MP, 1:1), 1600 x 1600 (2.6 MP, 1:1)
Image File FormatJPEG (EXIF v2.3), .CR2 14-bit RAW, mRAW, sRAW; RAW+JPEGJPEG (EXIF 2.3), 14-bit .CR2 RAW, mRAW, sRAW, RAW+JPEG
RAW Capture SupportYesYes
Sensor scores (DxOMark)
DxO Sensor Score8285
DxO Color Depth Score (bits)23.824.4
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs)12.111.9
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso)2,3402,862
Autofocus
Auto Focus TypePhase-detection: 11 points, 1 center cross-type point with -3 to +18 EV sensitivity ratingOVF: AF-dedicated CMOS sensor, 45-points, up to 45 cross-type (f/5.6), 1 dual-cross (f/2.8 and f/5.6), 27 support f/8 (9 cross-type); Live View: Dual-Pixel CMOS AF
On-Sensor Phase DetectNoYes
Focus PeakingNoNo
Manual FocusYesYes
Auto Focus Assist Light?NoYes
Speed (Imaging Resource lab tests)
Continuous-mode frames/second4.46.5
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution)4.46.5
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution)125098
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps)4.46.5
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames)1720
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid)0.29 seconds0.17 seconds
Shutter Lag (prefocused)0.059 seconds0.059 seconds
Startup Time0.5 seconds0.5 seconds
Play -> Record Time0.3 seconds0.3 seconds
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution)0.52–
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame)0.52–
Viewfinder and screen
ViewfinderOptical / LCDOptical / LCD
Viewfinder TypeSLR type; fixed eye-level pentaprism, 97% coverage, 0.71x magnification, 21mm eyepoint, -3 to +1 diopter, interchangeable focusing screen (Eg-A provided)SLR type; eye-level pentaprism, ~98% coverage, ~0.71x magnification, 21mm eyepoint, -3 to +1 diopter
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent)0.71x0.71x
Rear Display Size (inches)3.03.0
Rear Display Resolution1,044,000 dots (348,000 px)1,040,000 dots (346,600 px)
TouchscreenNoYes
Articulating ScreenNoYes
Tilt Swivel ScreenNoYes
Selfie ScreenNoYes
Top Deck DisplayYesYes
Exposure
Minimum ISO (native)100100
Maximum ISO (native)2560040000
ISO SettingsAuto, 100-25600 in 1/3 or 1 EV steps, expandable to 50 (L), 51200 (H1) and 102400 (H2)Auto, 100 - 40000 in 1/3 or 1EV steps, Expandable to L (50), H1 (51200) and H2 (102400)
Shutter Speed Range1/4000 - 30 sec1/4000 - 30 sec
Bulb ModeYesYes
Exposure Compensation+/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps+/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes63-zone Evaluative, Center-weighted, Partial (8%), Spot (3.5%)7,560-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor: 63-zone Evaluative (linked to all AF points), Center-weighted, Partial (center, 6.5%), Spot (center, 3.2%)
White Balance SettingsAuto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent, Flash, Custom, Color TemperatureAuto (Ambience priority/White priority), Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent, Flash, Custom, Kelvin 2,500K - 10,000K
Time Lapse (intervalometer)NoYes
High Resolution CompositeNoNo
Self Timer2, 10 seconds10s, 2s, 2-10 shots after 10 seconds
Creative Exposure ModesCreative Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, Handheld Night Scene, HDR Backlight Control; Multiple Exposure (up to 9 images)Scene Intelligent Auto, Creative Auto, Special Scene (Portrait, Group Photo, Landscape, Sports, Kids, Panning, Close-up, Food, Candlelight, Night Portrait, Handheld Night Scene, HDR Backlight Control), 2 Custom User Settings
Video
Can take moviesYesYes
Movie Resolution1920x1080 (30p/​25p/​24p) 1280x720 (60p/​50p) 640x480 (30p/​25p)1920x1080 (60p/​50p/​30p/​25p/​24p) 1280x720 (60p/​50p/​30p/​25p)
Movie File Format.MOV (MPEG-4 AVC / H.264, ALL-I and IPB modes, Linear PCM audio)MP4 (Video: H.264 IPB/IPB Light, Audio: AAC); MOV ((Video: H.264 All-I, Audio: Stereo Linear PCM, FHD time-lapse only), Motion JPEG (4K time-lapse only))
HD Video OutYesYes
HD Video ConnectionHDMIHDMI
Microphone JackYesYes
Headphone JackNoNo
Lens
Lens MountCanon EFCanon EF
LensCanon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM; 18 elements in 13 groups, including 3 aspherical and 1 S-UD elementCanon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM; 17 elements in 12 groups, including 4 glass-molded (GMo) aspherical elements on 5 surfaces
Focal Length (35mm equivalent)24 - 105mm24 - 105mm
Focal Length (actual)24 - 105mm24 - 105mm
Zoom Ratio4.38x4.38x
Aperture Rangef/4 - f/22f/4 - f/22; 10-bladed aperture
Optical Image StabilizationYesYes
Filter Thread77.0mm77.0mm
Flash
Built-in FlashNoNo
Max Flash Sync1/1801/180
Flash Exposure Compensation+/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps+/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash ConnectionHot ShoeHot Shoe
Storage and connectivity
Usable Memory TypesSD / SDHC / SDXCSD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS SupportUHS-IUHS-I
Dual Card SlotsNoNo
Built-In Wi-FiYesYes
BluetoothNoYes
NFCNoYes
Built-In GPSYesYes
External ConnectionsUSB 2.0 High Speed,WiFiUSB 2.0 High Speed,Bluetooth,WiFi
Remote ControlYesYes
Remote Control TypeOptional Wired, IR Wireless or Wi-FiOptional wired, IR wireless, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi
Battery
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF)1090 shots1200 shots
Battery Form FactorProprietaryProprietary
Usable Battery TypesLithium-ion rechargeableLP-E6N or LP-E6 Lithium-ion rechargeable
Internal Charging SupportedNoNo
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter)YesYes
Other
Tripod MountYesYes
Color Filter TypeRGBGRGBG
Composite Video OutYesNo
NTSC/PAL Switchable VideoYes–
Integrated ND FilterNoNo
Normal Focus Range45 cm to Infinity 17.7 in to Infinity45 cm to Infinity 17.7 in to Infinity
Auto FocusYesYes
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed)0.71x0.71x
Eye-level ViewfinderYesYes
Rear DisplayYesYes
Auto ISO ModeYesYes
Program Auto ExposureYesYes
Aperture PriorityYesYes
Shutter PriorityYesYes
Full Manual ExposureYesYes
Flash ModesE-TTL II Auto Flash, Metered Manual, FE LockE-TTL II Auto Flash, Metered Manual, FE Lock
Uncompressed Format.CR2 14-bit RAW, mRAW, sRAW; RAW+JPEG14-bit .CR2 RAW, mRAW, sRAW, RAW+JPEG
Included MemoryNo memory includedNo memory included
PictBridge CompliantYesYes
DPOF CompliantYesYes
Connections (extended)Mini HDMI (Type C), Remote Jack, 3.5mm Stereo Mic JackMini HDMI (Type C), Remote Jack, 3.5mm Stereo Mic Jack
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames)Unlimited–
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot)0.52–
Camera penalizes early shutter press?NoNo
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps)4.46.5
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames)718
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR)0.67 seconds–
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR)0.066 seconds0.101 seconds
Shutter Lag (manual focus)0.074 seconds0.063 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes)OVF mode: Full AF lag, Wide-area mode = 0.206s Live View mode: Full AF phase-detect = 1.679s Full AF contrast-detect = 0.670s Prefoced = 0.066s–
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View)220 shots380 shots
Batteries Included1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable1 x Proprietary LP-E6N Lithium-ion rechargeable
Dedicated Battery Charger IncludedYesYes
Included SoftwareCanon EOS Digital Solution Disc–
Max Playback Zoom–10.0x

Highlighted cells mark the better figure where one is clearly better. Timings and buffer depths come from our lab tests; DxOMark scores are DxOMark's own.

Canon 6D Mark II highlights

Can shoot 4K time-lapse movies (30p, Motion JPEG)

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