Canon EOS 6D
Announced September 17, 2012
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Canon EOS 6D is a compact, affordable full-frame DSLR that delivers excellent image quality and impressive low-light performance. While it lacks the advanced autofocus and high-speed burst capabilities of more expensive professional models, it remains a dependable and capable tool for enthusiasts.
Weighted from 36 reviewer scores
Pros
- Integrated Wi-Fi and GPS functionality
- Excellent full-frame image quality with low noise and great high-ISO performance
- Highly sensitive central autofocus point effective in low-light conditions
- Compact, lightweight, and sturdy body design
- Competitive pricing for full-frame entry
Cons
- Lacks a built-in pop-up flash and headphone jack for video monitoring
- Single SD card slot
- Basic 11-point autofocus system with limited coverage and only one cross-type point
- Slow burst rate and limited buffer capacity
- Fixed LCD screen without touchscreen capabilities
- Launch price $2,099 (USD)
- Sensor 20.2MP Full-Frame CMOS
- Video 1080p 30p
- Burst 4.5 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 36 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 83/100
The EOS 6D doesn't offer the depth of features that its best competitors can, but it combines very good image quality, impressive high-ISO performance and class-leading low-light autofocus ability (with the central AF point) as well as impressive built-in Wi-Fi and GPS features.
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Bottom line, the Canon 6D is generally a responsive camera with fast startup, shutter lag and buffer clearing, but autofocus speeds and burst rates are a little below average for its class.
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Despite those shortcomings, the 6D is a solid, dependable, affordable full-frame DSLR that is ideally suited to the kinds of photographer Canon has pitched it to.
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[T]he Canon 6D performs very well when compared to its direct competitor, the Nikon D600. Although there is practically no difference in noise performance at low ISOs, the Canon 6D clearly takes over past ISO 1600.
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Shooters who demand pro-level power will still gravitate toward pricier models or stick with APS-C. But, for the majority of shooters, the 6D offers plenty of bang for the buck.
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Like the EOS 650D, which has a touchscreen and hybrid AF system, Canon has been bold again in introducing new technology into one of its DSLRs, in this case GPS and Wi-Fi to the EOS 6D.
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The Canon EOS 5D Mark II took a lot of criticism for autofocus issues, especially in low light environments such as weddings. Although I didn't use the peripheral AF points on the 5D II too much, I found the center AF point on that model to work quite well.
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If you're on the market for a lowpriced full-frame digital SLR, then this is still a decent option. If you're okay to work a little slowly and can find one at a nice low price,
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For me, the Canon 6D is so impressive that I would consider buying one and adding the Can0n system to my bag, even if only for certain kinds of work. For the hiking, backpacking, and traveling that I like to do, this is one of the best cameras I’ve ever used.
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All in all, the 6D is adding nothing really new that we haven't seen already. It's all the same standard fare, but that does certainly mean it's very capable.
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The Canon EOS 6D delivers excellent image quality and low noise levels and is feature packed.
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On paper the new Canon EOS 6D seems rather poorly specified compared to its main rival, the Nikon D600, and its big brother, the 5D Mark III, but in reality it proves to be a very capable DSLR that delivers outstanding pictures in both good and bad light.
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I highly recommend this for somebody jumping into a full-frame market if you don't need the we all need really good autofocus.
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The 6D offers superb image quality at a price that’s more realistic than the 5D Mk III.
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The Canon EOS 6D is a top-notch full-frame camera in a compact body. With a relatively affordable price, enthusiast-friendly features, and spectacular image quality, it's an easy Editors' Choice.
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[T]he Canon EOS 6D is an excellent choice for the enthusiast and club photographer looking for a full-frame DSLR.
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I really wish Canon had chosen to go with a dual SD card slot like Nikon has done for both the D600 and the D7000, which is a pretty old camera.
- CNET 7.7/10
While the 6D noticeably outshines its APS-C-based sibling in full-frame photo quality and it has a much broader feature set in theory, the 7D has a better viewfinder and faster autofocus, a more durable shutter mechanism, and an extra custom setting slot [...]
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The Canon 6D feels more like a beefed-up 60D than a simplified 5D Mark III. Handling and customization is kept to a minimum, and the joystick is conspicuously absent.
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As you saw from some of the sample images we took and what I've told you, definitely really excellent camera and nice, they're relatively speaking now so affordable.
- Photo Review 8.9/10
You want a large-sensor DSLR that’s capable of professional performance but has a smaller, lighter form factor than Canon’s professional cameras.
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Almost a decade on and the Canon EOS 6D is still a justifiably sought-after camera.
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For under $2,000 the Canon 6D is now the DSLR I would own if I decided to purchase a DSLR. It is not as large as the NIkon D800 or Canon 5D series and it feels great in my hand.
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I think a very solid camera if you're looking for something that's lightweight, about 1.7 lbs, full-frame sensor, the 6D is a great match, very affordable, and I found that the overall controls, the layout of the buttons, super easy to use, and I think this is a great [...]
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If I was just starting out with DSLR photography and I was only able to buy one kit, this would be at the top of my wish list.
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Canon EOS 6D is my main camera for almost four years and it will stay that way for some time more.
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If you are most interested in stills and don’t care that much about video quality, the 6D is a great value—it produces top-notch pictures, with very few compromises, at a lower price than we’ve ever seen.
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The 6D is a smaller, lighter version of the world's best DSLR, the 5D Mark III. If money or weight matters, the 6D is better; the pictures will be the same from each of them.
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Here’s how I look at it: if you have been drooling on a Canon 5D Mark III but were never able to justify spending that much, the EOS 6D should be an easier decision. That’s particularly true if you are already invested in canon lenses and accessories.
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The Canon 6D is a surprisingly sturdy little camera, and feels good in your hands.
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With the EOS 6D, Canon has made a very successful attempt in building a full-frame sensor camera in a small compact body. Especially for travel/outdoor photographers for whom the gear has to be minimalistic to cut out extra weight, the 6D is the just the ticket.
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I hope my Nikon audience isn't too disappointed when I say this, but like my Rebel T4i, you can pick this up and shoot all day. It works and it works very well.
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I guess what I’m trying to say is, the 6D is super special to me. It carried me through the early stages of my business and helped me to grow exponentially.
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Video capture has its limitations but picture quality is certainly flattering. Its controls and performance are decent enough, the autofocus is disappointing and the wireless features are spot on.
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It’s tough, produces beautiful images, works well in low light and has Canon’s pedigree of lens choices.
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If you are considering moving up from a crop sensor camera, the Canon 6D is literally made for you. It is "dumbed" down from the more professional settings that the Canon 5D Mark III offers. But, the Canon 6D costs about $1,500 less than the Canon 5D Mark III.
