| Customer Reviews Collected from usa.canon.com |
Canon - EOS 6D DSLR Camera (Body Only) - Black
Average Customer Rating:
4.6
Rating breakdown 148 reviews
5 Stars
114
4 Stars
21
3 Stars
7
2 Stars
3
1 Star
3
97%of customers recommend this product.
(
102 out of
105)
Customer Reviews for Canon - EOS 6D DSLR Camera (Body Only) - Black
Customer Rating
5
Best DSLR
on July 22, 2013
Posted by: AGO
from Istanbul, Turkey
I have been using this camera for a few weeks only. This is the review of that short period. After I started to use 6D, I realized that Canon is provided much more than a good full frame sensor with this camera. Great picture quality. Clear and sharp details. Fantastic colors. Wide ISO range. Good noise performance. Easy to use. What else should be expected from an entry level DSRL camera?
Here are some details...
Design:
Strong body built. Perfect ergonomics. Each dial is positioned where it needs to be. The design is so good that camera can be used with single hand if needed. Menu is well organized.
Settings:
I usually use the settings manually. It is good to see how fast shooting manually can be, especially when Auto ISO is used. When I do not have time to deal with the settings manually, basic shooting modes give very good results.
Low light performance:
Low light photos are amazing. Noise is no longer an issue for most of my shootings. Tripod is no longer needed for most of my low light shots.
Shutter speed:
6D has a top speed of 1/4000 sec whereas other cameras might have 1/8000 sec. As for the speed, I am not shooting bullets or sub-atomic particles. So, I will probably never need a speed beyond 1/4000. As a (mostly) architectural, landscape and street photographer, I rarely need above 1/1000 shutter (only in air shows, bicycle races or similar events which are not within the scope of a regular day).
Frames per second:
The 4.5 fps continuous shooting rate is more than I need for most occasions. Personally, I usually prefer to use 2 or 3 fps in action shots in order to have some difference between the scenes.
Burst Rate:
I mostly use "RAW + JPEG" mode (which is the most resource consuming mode). 6D gives 7 continuous shots at that mode which does not seem much as a value, but ok for me. When I need more, switching to "RAW only" gives a higher burst rate. If I need even more, "JPEG only" gives almost unlimited continuous shots!
AF area:
Before buying the camera, 11 AF points seemed less when compared with some competing products but they are well distributed and perform well (I personally wish to have a very large AF coverage area "like the entire viewfinder" but there is no such camera that I know of anyway). When I need to shoot something beyond the reach of AF points, it is easy to lock the focus by positioning the subject close to the center, pressing the shutter half way and then recomposing the shot by changing the angle of the camera as much as needed. If the subject is not at the center, an alternative focusing approach is the Live View mode. Single AF point can be moved to almost anywhere on the LCD monitor. LCD focusing is slower but works fine. Anyway, I do not think that I will ever miss a shot because the camera does not have more than 11 AF points or the size of the AF coverage area does not cover the entire viewfinder.
Viewfinder:
Viewfinder is bright and comfortable (as long as you do not wear glasses, but this problem is not unique to this camera. For such cases, there are dioptric adjustment or Live View options). Before buying the camera, 97% viewfinder coverage looked like a limitation, but it turns out that it is not a problem for me. When shooting, it is comforting to know that there will still be some margin. Further, LCD monitor can always be used for full coverage.
Live View:
I use viewfinder when taking photos but Live View sometimes becomes a very valuable tool, especially when background light is to be considered seriously. When shooting in P/Tv/Av modes, for example, exposure can be brightened or darkened by turning the quick control dial. The affect of the exposure increase or decrease can be viewed immediately if Live View is used when taking a photo. This simple technique saves a lot of time because I do not have to take the photo to see the result.
HDR:
In camera HDR demands some practice to get the best result but works good and saves a lot of time when used. It is a pity that it only creates JPEG files even if the shot is made in RAW mode. I generally shoot RAW (as main photo) + JPEG/S2 (for immediate emailing etc). I wish the HDR produced with that setting was a RAW file rather than JPEG/S2. Not a big deal. For these occasions, JPEG/L mode can be used to get a higher quality photo.
Kit lens:
I thought a lot before buying 6D with its kit lens. I had some other lenses to cover similar focal lengths but they were very old. I did not know whether this lens would be a good choice or not. However, the deal was so good that I finally decided to go with it. When I used the lens, I saw that (unlike most of the kit lenses in the market) EF 24-105 mm f/4 L IS USM is not a low class lens. It matches the quality of the camera. I guess Canon is implying that this camera is best with the "L" class lenses and nothing less should be used to get good results. I am happy to have this lens as it covers most of my shots. 24 mm is a great wide angle for everyday needs. I think, I will rarely need to carry my 20 mm or 16-35 mm lenses. The only problem seems to be the distortion in the widest angle (which is quite acceptable with this focal length), but with the provided software (Digital Photo Professional) correction in only a mouse click away.
Wi-Fi, GPS and battery:
I have not tried and no comment on Wi-Fi so far but it seems like a big bonus if you have a smart phone or a tablet. GPS seemed working fine but the altitude sometimes gave conflicting values for the shots taken at the same level. I do not know its reason yet. As a note about GPS, it is easy to turn-on/off whenever needed. Battery life seems good despite the activation of GPS, but I do not know the performance yet when used together with Wi-Fi. I always carry a spare battery so I believe that two batteries will always support an entire day of shooting no matter which combination is used.
Video:
Although video was not something I was looking for in a DSLR, I have tried some shots. The result looked good to me.
Drawbacks:
If I have to find any, a second SD card would be good as a backup.
A protective cover on the LCD might be a good idea too. There are products in the market but a Canon made cover would look better and probably safer on the camera.
It seems that it is not possible to change file names in camera. They all start with IMG or MVI. I wish file names were user definable.
One thing I find interesting is a note in the guide. It is noted that, before shooting movies Wi-Fi has to be disabled. Although, I shoot videos quite rarely, I wish I should not be checking the Wi-Fi connection before shooting movies. I hope to find an explanation for it.
This is a personal wish list only but none of them are a negative factor about the 6D.
Briefly,
At the end of the day, the only question for me is if I have a good image worth all the efforts spent, not the brand, model or specs of the camera. I believe that 6D is a very good choice as an entry level DSLR camera for the advanced photographers. Imaging technology will of course be developing in the future. As a result, we will probably see better cameras in time but today there is 6D and I think it will satisfy its users for many years to come. I cannot think of a better full frame entry level DSLR as of today (July 2013). Recommended? For serious advanced shooters, yes! For everybody else, this question needs to be answered according to their needs…
These are the highlights of a few weeks' use only. I hope to add more in time…
Note:
I have used major brands in the last two decade. Frankly, I was more inclined to buy a competing brand before considering this camera because I was familiar with that product line, used some of them and owned the lenses I needed. However, there was one major problem with the cameras I used. Sensor dirt! It was probably oil from the shutter mechanism which kept developing on the sensor as I took photos, no matter how many times sensors were professionally cleaned and lenses never taken out of the cameras. On a regular day, I was taking sometimes hundreds of shots and it became a real pain trying to eliminate the dark spots from each shot one by one. Now, with the 6D, I am quite happy to get rid of this problem. I know that when I change lenses, dust may penetrate into the camera and may become visible on the sensor (despite the internal automatic sensor cleaning) but if I do not change lenses and have the sensor professionally cleaned once, I won't see any dust (let alone oil dirt developing more and more everyday) on the sensor. That means, finally, I do not have to waste hours trying to erase dirt spots after each shot. Further, after I get the first photos from the 6D, I saw that colors seemed much better than the other cameras I used. Besides, ISO performance of 6D is spectacular. I am glad that I was not biased to a specific brand.
Pros: Nice features/settings, excellent image quality, Superior build quality, Bright LCD, Solid Operation, Simple controls/menu, easy to use, low light performance, noise control, ergonomics
Cons: lack of a second sd card, protective lcd cover
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Posted by: Johnny S
from ARIZONA
Verified Purchase:Yes
Bought this body as my first camera going into photography. It is simple to use, easy to figure out, and just all around feels great! I’ve read reviews where people aren’t too fond of the 11-point AF, but I think it works amazingly!
Mainly I’ve focused on shooting portraits and this camera has gotten some wicked shots, I love my 6D!
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Amazing Camera
on March 20, 2014
Posted by: Anonymous
I purchased the 6d to take a photography class in college. I am more than happy with it. The images when adjusted with the correct exposure and focus are professional magazine front cover quality (of course several other factors go into taking a photo not just focus and exposure). It is extremely durable and solid. I love the wifi capability. If you own a iPhone or newer generation iPod the EOS app works great with the 6d. It makes it super fast to download the set of images or select only the best images and have them ready to be post processed or shared in no time. The body will work with the full line of EOS lenses so the only thing I would recommend to a person interested in buying any new SLR camera is to understand the type of photography you would be doing the majority of the time and buy the best EOS lens for the job at hand. I only say that because I find myself doing a lot of macro photography and the 24-105mm lens that comes with the 6d is decent for macro but not phenomenal. Know the limits of your lens and start building your lens kits to fit your needs best. I have taken over 4,000 photos so far on my 6d and I love it, cant seem to put it down. Great job Canon.
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
4
Wish it had....
on July 30, 2014
Posted by: Tamandal1205
from Brooksville, Florida
I bought this Canon 6D to replace a DX camera from another manufacturer. I wanted to move up to FX and I liked the quality of the Canon, especially the 24-105L lens, over the other brand. In short, the photographs are amazing, especially in reduced light. This camera's high ISO performance, alone, made the purchase worthwhile. I'm not sure if it's the camera/sensor quality or just switching to FX, but the reduced light abilities amaze me. Please, Canon, give us a built in flash and second memory card slot. That's ALL this camera needs to be perfect!
Pros: excellent image quality, Superior build quality, Solid Operation, reduced light ability
Cons: Missing features/settings
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
WOW! Great camera!
on February 2, 2013
Posted by: Happy!
This camera replaced my 60d. The full-frame is a fantastic upgrade for me. I enjoy the wireless feature. Was able to tether to my computer using the wireless feature of the camera (using EOS Utility + WFTPairing application that comes with the camera CD) with a bit of tumbling to find out how to set it up!!!
In my opinion, the image quality is as good as 5d mark III. However, there are some stuff the 5d can do that the 6d can't do. And, a few that 6d can do, and 5d would need accessories to do!!! :)
All and all, I loved my purchase and I'm very happy with it. This camera is for my everyday use. It's light and it's full-frame, and it does the job perfectly.
Pros: quiet, Nice features/settings, Quick Start-up time, excellent image quality, Superior build quality, Solid Operation, Lightweight/Portable, Simple controls/menu, easy to use
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
5
Back from Alasks
on July 13, 2013
Posted by: jaykz
from Live in NC, vacation in Alaska
OK, Back from Alaska, and here it is:
Overall an outstanding Camera, with everything you could ask for.
The heart of it is Excellent metering, followed by accurate imaging, and totally adept image reconstruction. Along with a seemingly "Love" of Dirty environments. I was initially worried about keeping it clean but No Worries, it just kept on taking incredible images, with little more than a face scrub to wipe away lens dirt.
Overall an outstanding Camera, with everything you could ask for.
The heart of it is Excellent metering, followed by accurate imaging, and totally adept image reconstruction. Along with a seemingly "Love" of Dirty environments. I was initially worried about keeping it clean but No Worries, it just kept on taking incredible images, with little more than a face scrub to wipe away lens dirt.
Pros: good battery life, quiet, Nice features/settings, Quick Start-up time, excellent image quality, Superior build quality, Bright LCD, Solid Operation, Lightweight/Portable, excellent metering !
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
4
Not really a Pro camera
on August 16, 2013
Posted by: Whitewater Photog
from New York, NY
I have been a self supporting professional photographer for 43 year, and I bought this camera because of the features and the price. It is a backup to my 5D MK II's. I am happy to see Canon finally giving us some neat features like double exposure, HDR, etc in a "semi-pro" camera. The only things I am very disappointed in are the ruggedness of the shutter (100K rating - c'mon!), and the cheesy autofocus - only ONE cross focus point??!! Canon is clearly trying to keep this camera from competing with the 5D MK III, but it wasn't necessary to geld it like this. Give it a more durable shutter, and the AF from the 7D, and it still won't compete with the MK III, but the camera will probably sell even more.
Pros: quiet, Nice features/settings, Quick Start-up time, excellent image quality, Bright LCD, Lightweight/Portable, Simple controls/menu, easy to use
Cons: shutter durability, simplistic af
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com
Customer Rating
4
Work in progress?
on November 4, 2013
Posted by: Ryan
from Sydney, Australia
I've owned Canon SLRs for a number of years and have used the 450D, 40D and recently migrated from a Canon 5DMKII.
Unfortunately there are two things I really do not like about this camera:
1. The buttons you use to zoom in when reviewing images on the LCD have been changed. Instead of the AE lock and AF point selection buttons, you now use the Main Dial button. I hate this and would like the option to toggle this back to the behaviour on the xxxD, x0D and 5D. The zoom button also seems pointless as it only zooms into a configurable but fixed level.
2. The GPS stays on and drains the camera battery even when the camera is off. I agree this is the desired behaviour if GPS logging (sub option) is on. If this option is off then the GPS should switch off when the camera is switched off.
1. The buttons you use to zoom in when reviewing images on the LCD have been changed. Instead of the AE lock and AF point selection buttons, you now use the Main Dial button. I hate this and would like the option to toggle this back to the behaviour on the xxxD, x0D and 5D. The zoom button also seems pointless as it only zooms into a configurable but fixed level.
2. The GPS stays on and drains the camera battery even when the camera is off. I agree this is the desired behaviour if GPS logging (sub option) is on. If this option is off then the GPS should switch off when the camera is switched off.
I would really like both of these changed, Canon can you please get in touch and let me know the best way to submit this feature request.
While you can program the DOF preview button to bring up the electronic level, another way the camera could be improved is by showing the electronic level at the top of the viewfinder so it could be displayed all the time. This would work much better for people who handhold their cameras. Currently the level disappears as soon as you press the shutter half way down.
The 150g weight reduction from the 5DMKII is great, as is the reduction in size
I would recommend this to a friend!
Written by a customer while visiting usa.canon.com