Hands-on with Canon EOS 6D Mark II Meet the new 6D - it looks a heck of a lot like the old 6D, but before you jump to the comments to complain about how nothing exciting ever happens in the camera industry anymore, read this article first.
Because appearances are deceptive. . .
Hands-on with Canon EOS 6D Mark II
One of the most notable upgrades compared to the original 6D is an entirely new 26. 2MP full-frame CMOS sensor, with a native ISO sensitivity span of 100-40,000.
We haven't been able to conduct any lab testing yet, but from our initial shooting it appears (unsurprisingly) to deliver better image quality than the 20MP sensor inside the 6D. The bump in resolution from 20 to 26 Megapixel won't make as much difference to maximum print sizes as the bare number might suggest, but as a general rule, more pixels = better image quality.
Hands-on with Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Ergonomically, the 6D Mark II is exactly what you'd expect. Button layout is virtually identical to the original EOS 6D, and anyone with experience of a recent EOS-series DSLR will be able to find their way around without any trouble at all.
Hands-on with Canon EOS 6D Mark II
It's the same story on the back of the Mark II, with one very obvious difference. The LCD is now touch-sensitive, and fully articulating.
Hands-on with Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Like so. Operationally, this makes the 6D Mark II behave very much like the APS-C format EOS 80D. It even shares the same 45-point phase detection autofocus system, with the same Dual Pixel AF implementation in live view and movie modes too, covering 80% of the frame both vertically and horizontally.
Speaking of movie mode, the EOS 6D Mark II offers a fairly standard (ahem - standard for Canon) video feature, with a maximum resolution of 1080/60p. If you want 4K, you'll have to save up for an EOS 5D Mark IV, I'm afraid.
Hands-on with Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Spot the difference - externally, the 6D Mark II (on the left) is extremely similar to its predecessor. It's basically the same weight, too - 685g (1. 5 lb) compared to 680g.
Hands-on with Canon EOS 6D Mark II
And aside from the redesigned screen, it's pretty much identical from the back, too. Which is fine - the 6D was a pleasant, intuitive camera, and aside from some very minor styling differences (the card access lamp is now above the memory card door, not below - tell all your friends!) the Mark II barely alters the basic recipe.
While the simultaneously announced EOS Rebel SL2 features a dedicated Wi-Fi button, setting up the 6D's wireless system is all done through the camera's menu system. The 6D II supports NFC for easy pairing with Android devices as well as Bluetooth for maintaining a constant connection with your mobile device. Like its predecessor, the EOS 6D Mark II also offers a built-in GPS for image geotagging.
Hands-on with Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Note the raised collar around the hotshoe. This forms a weatherproof seal when the 6D Mark II is used with one of Canon's high-end flashguns.
As usual, Canon is coy when it comes to the extent of the EOS 6D Mark II's weather-sealing, but I am in the unusual position of having been able to test a pre-production unit in moderately heavy rain. You'll be reassured to know that while I got quite soggy, the camera didn't stop working, explode or fall apart in my hands.
Hands-on with Canon EOS 6D Mark II
For almost 30 years, non-pro Canon SLRs have sported the same distinctive exposure mode dial. This is where you'll find the standard PASM shooting modes, as well as auto exposure modes, including full-auto, custom shooting settings and scene modes ('SCN'). The 6D Mark II's main power switch is just below.
Hands-on with Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Some readers might be disappointed with the 6D Mark II's single SD card slot (and lack of UHS-II support,) but a lot of enthusiasts and advanced amateurs probably won't care. With card capacities of 64GB+ and built-in Wi-Fi, some 6D II users might find themselves swapping cards very rarely.
That said, with a maximum shooting rate of 6. 5 fps, the 6D Mark II will rip through card space quicker than its predecessor (which maxed-out at 4. 5 fps) especially in Raw mode.
Hands-on with Canon EOS 6D Mark II
The LP-E6N battery is compatible with most high-end Canon DSLRs, which is great news for anyone considering a 6D Mark II as a second camera alongside an original 6D or recent 5D-series body. Battery life is quoted as 1200 shots in viewfinder shooting mode, dropping to ~400 in live view.
Hands-on with Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Like the 5D and 1D-series bodies, the 6D Mark II is compatible with Canon's Remote Switch RS-80N3, and the programmable TC-80N3. The remote switch socket is positioned at the front of the camera, safely out of the way of the handgrip.
Hands-on with Canon EOS 6D Mark II
Standard HDMI and USB I/O ports can be found on the side of the 6D Mark II, alongside a mic socket. We're pleased to see that the mic socket is offset, which means that it shouldn't snag the articulating screen during movie shooting.
You can read more about using the EOS 6D Mark II in my shooting experience.
What do you make of the EOS 6D Mark II? Let us know in the comments below.
. dpreview.com2017-6-29 07:00
