[Review] Canon EOS 6D

The Canon EOS 6D DSLR camera is the ideal tool for unlocking your creative vision. It is perfect for travel and nature photography. Compact, lightweight, brilliant low-light performance, and loaded with easy to use features, it is truly the Full-Frame DSLR camera for everyone. Wrapped up in the compact and lightweight body, photography with a full-frame sensor has never been so easy and so portable. It captures HD video with a level of sophistication on par with professional movie cameras, offering phenomenal performance on a DSLR. Remarkably, it gains all of these wireless features without the need for any additional accessories; they're built right in!

Canon EOS 6D Features

The camera offers 14-bit signal processing for excellent image gradation, delivers high standard and expanded ISOs. Thanks to the improved signal-to-noise ratio of the newly designed sensor and powerful noise reduction, the camera can shoot at expanded sensitivities down to ISO 50 (L) and up to ISO 51200 (H1), and even expand to ISO 102400 (H2)! The device has automatic ISO settings, which can be found on the dedicated ISO menu. Minimum and maximum ISO settings can be specified, as can a user-defined range, plus full auto and manual.

A 35.8mm x 23.9mm sensor captures images for fantastic detail, and a superior signal-to-noise ratio.

Working with two 4-channel A/D converter front-end processing circuits, the processor improves data processing performance and features new algorithms that promote greater noise reduction at higher ISOs. In addition to conventional image processing functions, the processor offers real-time compensation for chromatic aberration in both still and motion images. With the power of this processor, speed improvements are noticeable.

The camera features Canon's multi-layer 63-zone iFCL (intelligent Focus Color Luminance) Metering System that integrates the camera's AF system into its readings. By taking into account the color and luminosity surrounding the chosen AF point(s), this system delivers accurate results, especially in situations where the light changes quickly. The metering sensor offers 5-step exposure compensation for perfectly exposed images, every time.

The camera has an entirely new 11-point AF system for fast, accurate AF, no matter the situation. With its new centered cross-type AF point with EV -3 sensitivity for improved performance and focus in low light, and a newly developed and bright 21mm eye point viewfinder with 97% coverage, this gadget offers impressive performance in both composition and AF, even in the dimmest lighting situations. Offering not only One-Shot AF, AI Servo AF, and AI Focus AF, the camera's AI Servo focus can be customized with tracking, acceleration and deceleration tracking sensitivities, and 1st or 2nd image priority adjustments. For even more customization, adjustment levels for the wide-angle and telephoto ends of particular lenses can be entered and recorded into the camera's memory.

It automatically splits files greater than 4GB (FAT specifications) for extended recording without interruption. It offers the option of timecoding during recording only (Rec Run) or at all times (Free Run), useful for multi-camera shoots. It also features improved sound recording adjustment capabilities, offering 64-step volume control accessible through the Quick Control screen during video shooting. The CMOS sensor's drive system significantly increases image processor performance, reducing color artifacts, and ensures that the camera can record at a number of frame rates up to ISO 25600 in H mode.

The device's built-in GPS can record longitude, latitude and altitude data as EXIF data, can track movement at set intervals with its logging function and can even set the camera's internal clock to local time! When using the logger function on a computer, you will see the exact route you traveled, and the map will show you where and when you took each image.

The device features built-in Wi-Fi. Its exposure settings such as aperture, shutter speed and ISO, focus, and shutter can be operated wirelessly. Using a smartphone with the EOS Remote app installed, shoot remotely from a distance, even in Live View mode, for those difficult-to-capture shots; you can also review images without having to take it out of the bag, and easily transfer and save images directly from the camera to a smartphone. Full DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compatibility means easy sharing between the camera and other DLNA products, like HDTVs, smartphones and more. Still images can even be transferred between two Wi-Fi enabled Canon cameras over a Local Area Network. Images and video can be uploaded instantly to CANON iMAGE GATEWAY for easy sharing on social networking sites, and photos can even be printed on a Wi-Fi compatible printer without the need for a PC.

With an aluminum alloy and polycarbonate chassis and a magnesium polycarbonate resin exterior, the device offers the perfect combination of lightweight and durable materials for reliable operation day after day.

The monitor has anti-reflective construction and features Canon's Clear View technology for a bright, sharp display in any number of shooting situations. Its ideal for reviewing settings and images, as well as for shooting in Live View mode. In Live View, grid lines can be displayed in 9 sections, 24 sections, or 9 sections with diagonals, as can the electronic level, which helps ensure accurate level by displaying roll. For image review, the camera has a dedicated Magnify/Reduce button. While pressing the button, zooming in or out is achieved simply by turning the Main Dial. Images can be protected or erased quickly, individually or in batches, and slideshows can be created with some or all images and can be sequenced by date, folders, movies, stills or rating. A feature guide can be accessed for the selected menu, providing detailed reference information whenever needed.

The Integrated Cleaning System featured in the camera delivers great dust removal for clearer images. To prevent dust accumulation, the system removes particles on the surface of the glass filter by vibrating the glass ultrasonically. The particles are then absorbed by an adsorbent at the bottom of the unit; the unit itself is completely sealed for protection against external contaminants, and the front face of the low-pass glass filter is treated with an anti-dust fluorine coating, making it easier to remove damp or sticky dust particles.

With its High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode, this camera can merge 3 images of varying exposure in camera and save them as one final image, capturing a broad range of shadow and highlight detail with stunning tonal range. HDR recording truly expands the parameters of the light and dark detail a camera can actually record, surprising viewers with the range of tones a photograph can accurately recreate.

An enhanced Scene Intelligent Auto mode incorporates a number of Canon technologies to deliver the best possible exposure. Joining Picture Style Auto, Automatic Lighting Optimizer, Automatic White Balance, Autofocus, and Automatic Exposure, Scene Intelligent Auto mode analyzes the image, accounting for faces, colors, brightness, moving objects, contrast, even whether the camera is handheld or on a tripod, and then chooses the exposure and enhancements that bring out the best in any scene or situation.

It offers a Multiple Exposure mode for film-like image creation with the convenience of in-camera processing. It offers two different compositing methods for proper exposure and composition: additive or average. Multiple exposure shots from 2 to 9 are stored as one final image.

It also features a variety of Special Scene modes that achieve high-quality images: Handheld Night Scene and HDR Backlight Control. The Handheld Night Scene mode captures nightscapes with bright highlights and detailed dark areas by shooting and combining four consecutive shots at a shutter speed fast enough to avoid camera shake, making dramatic nighttime photography simple. The HDR Backlight Control mode ensures that backlit subjects are not recorded too dark by shooting three consecutive shots at different exposures (underexposed, correctly exposed and overexposed) and then combining the images; the final result maintains detail in both the shadow and highlight areas, ensuring the backlit subject is properly exposed.

The camera not only features a number of Canon's Picture Style settings but also a Picture Style Auto setting that finely controls color tones for every composition based on information from the camera's EOS Scene Detection System.

The device features state of the art in-camera RAW processing for quick conversion of RAW files to JPEG with control over size, brightness, WB, Picture Style, Auto Lighting Optimizer, Noise reduction, color space, distortion correction and more. Additionally, it features expanded Quick Control functions during playback like image protect, image rotate, rating, RAW image processing, re-size, highlight alert, AF point and image jump, meaning a streamlined workflow can begin in the field.

The camera offers a silent, low vibration shooting mode. By slowing down and muting the shutter and mirror reflex action, the camera is capable of handheld, virtually imperceptible operation for discrete shooting in more situations. The comparative playback mode enables images to be played back two at a time, side by side. A tremendous, in-camera time-saver, comparative playback means images can quickly be enlarged simultaneously to compare focus, blur and noise, and can be individually rated, deleted or locked.

Why you should buy it?

1. Top-tier image quality in a polished, compact package well-suited to travel.

2. Comfortable for people with large hands.

3. Improved weather sealing and a much-appreciated mode dial lock.

4. Better contrast.

5. Like the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, it also has a 'silent' shooting mode that lowers the volume and pitch of the mirror clunk by half.

6. One can rapidly wheel through tabs and see everything there is to see without scrolling.

7. Better implementation of Auto ISO, which is wonderful and overdue.

8. A single-axis level that's useful for landscapes and architecture.

9. Excellent still-image quality; per-pixel sharpness is very high.

10. Significantly brighter viewfinder.

11. Pretty effective in-camera HDR.

Why you shouldn't buy it?

1. A slightly narrower grip than most previous Canon bodies, EOS 60D and EOS 5D Mark II inclusive.

2. Mirror Blackout Time does not level with that of Canon EOS 5D Mark III.

3. There are multiple tab groups of the same icon. Hence, it looks intimidating.

Canon EOS 6D Verdict

This camera is a great buy for photography enthusiasts. Also, if you have larger hands compared to your friends, this camera is going to suit you. If you travel a lot, then size and weight is something you must look for; this camera matches up to your expectation.