Canon 6D vs 6D Mark II: Images, Video, Spec and Comparison

So you are about to hit the market to buy a Canon EOS camera and you’re lost in the thought of which of the camera to buy between the Canon EOS 6D and the Canon EOS 6D Mark ll. Hey, why not take a chill pill and relax, you are in the right place to source for useful information that will enable you to make an informed decision. The Canon EOS 6D and the Canon EOS 6D Mark ll hit Canon’s product line in September 2012 and June 2017 respectively. These cameras come with a full-frame sensor; while the 6D is built with a resolution of 20 megapixels, the 6D Mark ll, on the other hand, is built with a resolution of 26 megapixels. In addition, 6D and 6D Mark ll are Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras.

What are the differences between these two masterpieces? Which one is worth your investment? Read on to find out! In this article, we have put together a comparison between these two cameras in terms of body, sensor, features, as well as connectivity. But before we dive deeper, let’s quickly take a look at the key specifications of each of these cameras using the comparison table below

Canon 6D Key Specs Vs Canon 6D Mii Key Specs

Let’s get started with the comparison between these 6D and 6D Mark ll in terms of body, sensor, features, as well as connectivity

Canon 6D vs Canon 6D Mark ll: Body Comparison

The Canon 6D and the 6D Mark ll have the same size, only that the latter is a bit lighter than the former by 1 percent. Both cameras are dust and splash-proof and would work comfortably in harsh weather conditions. They feature similar lens mount and the lenses can interchange comfortably.   In terms of battery life, 6D can take up to 1090 shots from its LP-E6 battery, while 6D Mark ll can get 1200 shots from its LP-E6N power pack.

Of course, the cameras’ price is another major factor that can influence a buyer’s decision. The price tag gives you an idea of the position of the device in the manufacturer’s product line and the market in general. At the launch of these two cameras, 6D was more expensive than the 6D Mark ll by 5 percent. Normally, some months into the lifetime of the product, the prices depreciated due to stock clearances and discounting. It further depreciated immediately the replacement model hit the market.

Canon 6D vs Canon 6D Mark ll: Sensor Comparison

The core of digital cameras is its imaging sensor and its size determines the image quality. For the most part, a large imaging sensor is expected to have larger pixel-units that offer a wider dynamic range, low-light sensitivity, as well as richer color-depth compared to the smaller sensor size of the generation. In fact, a photographer using a large sensor camera will have extra creative options when attempting to isolate a subject from its background using shallow depth-of-field. However, large sensor cameras are usually associated with expensive camera lenses and bodies. Like we mentioned in the introduction, the Canon 6D and the 6D Mark ll are equipped with a full-frame sensor, though the sensor sizes differ by a small margin. Nevertheless, they have a similar form factor of 1.0. Plus, their native aspect ratio is 3:2. In terms of technology, while 6D makes use of DIGIC 5+ image processing engine, the 6D Mark ll uses DIGIC 7, an advanced image processing engine. The benefit of using an advanced image processing engine is a reduction in noise, fast processing speed, and color accuracy.

Though the sensor size of 6D is bigger than that of 6D Mark ll, the latter offers a higher resolution. This is because 6D Mark ll has benefitted from technological advanced since it was launched close to three years ago. A higher resolution implies the possibility of printing large images and great flexibility when cropping pictures. 6D Mark ll’s maximum print size for good quality output is 31.2 x 20.8 inch and for excellent quality is 20.8 x 13.9 inch. On the other hand, 6D’s maximum print size for good quality output is 27.4 x 18.2 inch and for excellent quality prints is 18.2 x 12.2 inch. The native sensitivity range of 6D spans from ISO 100 to ISO 25600 and may extend to ISO 50-102400. On the same note, the native sensitivity range of 6D Mark ll spans from ISO 100 to ISO 40,000 and may also extend to ISO 50-102400. Modern cameras can take still pictures and also record videos. The Canon 6D and the 6D Mark ll are equipped with sensors that can shot moving images. Only that the 6D Mark ll has a faster frame rate and can shoot movies at 1080/60p. The 6D has a movie footage limit of 1080/30p

Canon 6D vs Canon 6D Mark ll: Feature Comparison

Modern cameras can do a lot of things across a range of features. Both cameras have the same optical viewfinder. In brightly lit environments, the 6D Mark ll is amazing as it can get clear images for framing. 6D Mark ll’s viewfinder offers a great field of view than that of 6D. In terms of magnification, 6D Mark ll’s viewfinder has a higher magnification compared to that of 6D. The major differentiating feature that’s noticeable between these two cameras is their rear screen’s touch sensitivity. As a matter of fact, the 6D Mark ll is built with a touchscreen, while 6D comes with a conventional panel. No doubt, touch control is very useful in cameras, as it is used to set the focus point. The 6D Mark ll has a selfie screen, which makes it endearing for photographers and vloggers. However, 6D doesn’t come with a selfie screen. Further, the 6D Mark ll comes with an in-built intervalometer that will enable photographers to snap time-lapse sequences like moon rise, sunset, as well as a flower blooming without installing related software or purchasing extra camera trigger.

Storage-wise, both cameras writer their files to SDXC cards. Plus, they use UHS-I cards for data transfer up to 104MB/s

Canon 6D vs Canon 6D Mark ll: Connectivity Comparison

Some imaging applications require that modern cameras communicate with their environment. The table below shows the connectivity of Canon 6D and 6D Mark ll.

Input-Output Connections

Camera Model	Canon 6D	Canon 6D Mark ll
Hotshoe Port	Yes	Yes
Internal microphone	Mono	Stereo
Internal speaker	Mono	Mono
Microphone port	Yes	Yes
Headphone port	No	No
HDMI port	Mini	Mini
USB Type	2.0	2.0
WiFi Support	Yes	Yes
NFC support	No	Yes
Bluetooth Support	No	Yes

If you are a landscape or travel photographer, both cameras come with internal geolocalization sensors for snapping pleasure. They can also record GPS coordinates while in operation.

Reasons to choose Canon EOS 6D over Canon EOS 6D Mark II

The major reason to choose Canon EOS 6D over Canon EOS 6D Mark ll is that 6D has a higher dynamic range large sensor pixel area. While 6D has a dynamic range of 12.1 and sensor pixel area of 33.19µm2, 6D Mark ll, on the other hand, have a dynamic range of 11.9 and a senor pixel area of 43.29µm2 

Reasons to choose Canon EOS 6D Mark II over Canon EOS 6D

There are 15 good reasons to choose Canon EOS 6D Mark ll over Canon EOS 6D. The reasons are as follows:

• Articulating Screen: 6D Mark ll gives flexible shooting positions
• Touch Screen: 6D Mark ll enables easy control of camera functions.
• Max Sensor Resolution: 30% more pixels in favour of 6D Mark ll
• Max ISO: 6D Mark ll has a higher Max ISO
• Number of focus points: 6D Mark ll has 34 focus points higher than 6D
• Number of cross-type focus: 6D Mark ll has 44 cross-type focus points higher than 6D
• Viewfinder coverage: 6D Mark ll has a more accurate viewfinder
• Continuous shooting: 6D Mark ll is 2 fps faster than 6D
• Battery Life: 6D Mark ll has over 110 frames greater than 6D with a single charge
• Weight: 6D Mark ll is 5g lighter than 6D.
• Color Depth: 6D Mark ll has a higher color depth
• Selfie-friendly LCD: 6D Mark ll’s LCD can rotate for taking selfies
• Autofocus at f/8 aperture: 6D Mark ll autofocuses with teleconverters
• Digital Video Stabilization: 6D Mark ll can stabilize your videos
• Support for UHS memory: 6D Mark ll can read or write in high speeds cards.

Final Thoughts

There you have it! We believe you now have sufficient information to choose between Canon 6D and the 6D Mark ll. If you still have doubt, reach out to us using the comment box below and we would do our best to respond as soon as possible.

What to Read Next:

• Best Low Light Point and Shoot Camera 2025 – Top 10 Picks
• 8 Best Low Light Mirrorless Camera – Review and Buying Guide
• 10 Best LED Whips in 2025 – Review and Complete Guide
• 6 Best Batteries for Trail Cameras – Review and Complete Guide
• 9 Best High Speed Camera Review and Complete Guide
• 9 Best Camera For Night Sky Photography Review and Complete Guide
• 7 Best Slow Motion Camera Review and Complete Guide