Canon is a camera manufacturer of repute and everyone who is someone knows that. Today, we are comparing two of its cameras – the Canon 5D vs 6D. These are excellent cameras by all standards but definitely not Canon’s most sophisticated offerings. However, if you know anything about Canon, you can be assured that these cameras come in high quality regardless.
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Canon is known for making DSLRs and expectedly, the Canon 5D and 6D are also DSLR cameras as well. Furthermore, because they come with full frames, they are quite large and heavy too.
If you’re a beginner, this article might seem a little beyond your speed. This is because these cameras are not entry-level cameras (even though they aren’t pro cameras either). Plus, they are DSLRs as well which can be a little tough for beginners to begin their photography career with.
Anyway, let’s get to the meat of this article. There’s definitely loads to learn from today in our comparison of the Canon 5D vs 6D.
Canon 5D Vs 6D – Comparison Overview
In case you can’t spare the time to go through the entire review, this section is for you. Here, we give a summary of the most important bases in this article so that you can make a decision in a snap. But as they say, the devil is in the detail. So, don’t expect this section to tell you all you need to know. That said, let’s get on with the overview.
Canon 5D Vs 6D – Where Both Cameras Get It Right
First off, these cameras have a rich pedigree. They come from perhaps the biggest camera makers in the United States and Europe. And that, on its own, is already a huge deal. However, to the actual features of these cameras and where they do well.
The first is that these are DSLR cameras. As you know, DSLRs might be tougher to learn. However, they also produce the best quality images, oftentimes, better than mirrorless cameras.
Besides that, these cameras come with full frame sensors. A full frame sensor is always of benefit for several reasons. They are more encompassing, with a shallower depth of field as well as better low light performance when compared with crop sensors.
It’s also a good thing that these cameras come weather-sealed. It means that the cameras are dependable and you can use them even in unpredictable weather as well.
AE bracketing, time lapse recording and RAW recording are other aspects where both cameras do great too.
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Canon 5D Vs 6D – Where the Canon 5D Does It Better
The Canon 5D does not outperform the Canon 6D in many aspects. On its own, the camera is quite okay. However, it’s quite an old camera, first announced in 2005. That makes it over a decade since it was first announced. So, there are many modern features that are missing on the camera. Nevertheless, there are still some aspects where it does better than the Canon 6D.
In the first place, it’s the cheaper option of the two cameras. If you want to begin practicing on a DSLR, you could be making a good choice getting the Canon 5D. It’s a fantastic camera and wouldn’t bore a hole through your pocket.
Besides that, it also has a faster max shutter speed, a larger sensor pixel area, as well as a flash sync port which the Canon 6D lacks. However, that’s about all the aspects where the Canon 5D beats the 6D.
Canon 5D Vs 6D – Where The Canon 6D Does It Better
The Canon 6D outperforms the Canon 5D in so many areas. And that’s to be expected seeing as the Canon 6D is a much more recent camera in comparison to the Canon 5D which is far older.
Firstly, it has a much sharper sensor than the Canon 5D. So, its photos are clearer, more detailed, and of a better quality. The Canon 5D also make a better choice for photographers who love to crop a lot.
Wireless connection and a built-in GPS are other features that make the Canon 6D a better option than the Canon 5D. With these features, instant uploading and geo tagging are possible, although the Wifi seems a little difficult to setup at first.
The LCD screen is much better on the Canon 6D. For one, it’s half an inch larger but it’s also way clearer than the screen of the Canon 5D.
In battery life, the Canon 5D lasts a whole lot longer. A single shot gives you about 1090 shots. However, this life can be significantly cut short if you turn on GPS.
In low light, the Canon 6D does way better than the Canon 5D. Plus it shoots in 1080 while the Canon 5D lacks a video mode. This makes the camera more versatile than the Canon 5D.
Other minor pros of the Canon 6D over the Canon 5D is the presence of smartphone control and face detection focus. Plus it has better dynamic range, color depth, lighter weight, and viewfinder coverage.
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Canon 5D Vs 6D – Where Both Cameras Get It Wrong
A number of ways actually. First off, none of these cameras comes with image stabilization which increases the chances of blurry images.
Also, these cameras have only very few focus points and frames per second. The Canon 5D has 9 focus points while the Canon 6D has 11. This affects autofocusing and makes both cameras unfit for scenes with fast, unpredictable movements. Same goes for the continuous shooting feature as well – the Canon 5D comes with 3 frames per second while the Canon 6D comes with 4.5 frames per second.
Also, these cameras lack a built-in flash. And the fact that their screens are fixed is a bit of an inconvenience.
Canon 5D Vs 6D – Our Opinion On The Price/Value Ratio
When it comes to price and performance, we think Canon did a pretty good job. These cameras are well priced for their functions. There’s none of the cameras that’s up to a thousand bucks. So, we can say they sell for a fair price.
These are definitely not the most advanced cameras you’d find. But for DSLR cameras, we think you’re getting a pretty good deal with either of these cameras. And it’s a surety that they will last you for the entire period you’d have need of them.
Canon 5D Vs 6D – Comparison Table of Major Specs And Features
Canon 5D |
Canon 6D | |
| Announcement Date | 12th November, 2005 | 12th February, 2013 |
| Sensor Resolution | 12.7 megapixels Full Frame CMOS sensors | 20.9 megapixels Full Frame CMOS Sensors |
| LCD Screen | 2.5 inch fixed screen | 3 inch fixed screen |
| LCD Screen Resolution | 230k dots | 1.040k dots |
| Continuous Shooting | 3 Frames Per Second | 4.5 Frames Per Second |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000second | 1/4000 second |
| ISO | 100 – 3200 | 100 – 25600 |
| Video Resolution | No video | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Sensor Pixel Area | 67.92µm2 | 43.29µm2 |
| Wireless Connection | None | Built-in |
| GPS | None | Built-in |
| Face Detection Focus | No | Yes |
| Focus Points | 9 | 11 |
| Dynamic Range | 11.1 | 12.1 |
| Color Depth | 22.9 | 23.8 |
| AE Bracketing Range | ±2 EV | ±3 EV |
| AF Micro Adjustment (Fine Tune) | No | Yes |
| Smartphone Remote Control | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | 400 shots | 1090 shots |
| Dimensions | 152 x 113 x 75 millimeters | 145 x 111 x 71 millimeters |
| Weight | 770 grams | 895 grams |
| Weather Sealing | No | Yes |
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Canon 5D Vs 6D – Which Situation Is Each Camera Best For?
Canon 5D |
Canon 6D |
| The Canon 5D is an old-generation camera. So, off the bat, it might seem like no one is ever going to have any use for it. However, this camera might be useful to you, if you check it out. First off, we recommend this camera to beginners. If you’re new to DSLRs and you intend to get something inexpensive to practice on, then this is your guy. It won’t bore a hole through your pocket and you can get all the practice you need from this camera. It lacks some of the more modern features that the average newer models would have come with. However, you get the basics and with great quality too. Images are great. But then again, there’s no video mode which is a little disheartening. Professionals and hobbyists can also get this for casual, day-to-day photography as well. You’ll love the way the camera holds and how it performs ultimately as well. | As for the Canon 6D, it’s a better camera than the Canon 5D. It’s also more modern and more sophisticated as well. We can’t exactly place this camera in the category of pro cameras as the camera comes short in a number of areas. However, it’s great for beginners and intermediate photographers as well. It’s not so expensive which makes it an attractive offer to just about any camera looking for a DSLR camera for a fair price. Hobbyists and casual photographers as well would enjoy working with the Canon 6D. And yes, this is fantastic in low light. So, if you’re a wedding photographer or you do a lot of indoor shoots, this camera is great. It also shoots in 1080 as well, unlike the Canon 5D. So, you equally have that as a benefit as well. We recommend this camera for photographers who like to crop a lot as well. Plus, you’ll be able to blow up pictures to large sizes as well using this camera. So, if this sounds like your scene, consider going for the Canon 6D. Altogether, it’s a fantastic budget camera. |
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Canon 5D Vs 6D – Which Features Do They Have In Common?
Although these cameras are really different from each other, they also have a few areas where they are pretty similar to each other. These areas are quite few though and the reason is obvious.
From our comparison table, you can see that the Canon 5D is a really old camera. Like really really old. So, there, definitely, won’t be many areas where they are similar. That said, let’s get into the review proper.
Canon 5D Vs 6D Common Feature 1: Full Frame Sensors
These two cameras come with full frame sensors which is fantastic news. Professionals are definitely going to have a field day using any of these cameras thanks to their full frame sensors. There are many advantages of using full frame cameras as you may know, especially if you’ve worked with them before.
Full frame sensors measure at 35 millimeters (the ones in these cameras measure at 36 millimeters). So, they are pretty large and consequently have a much wider angle than cameras with crop sensors. With this wider angle, they are able to encompass more into the scene they capture when compared to crop sensors.
Crop sensors, on the other hand, take a cropped portion of the scene they photograph which makes them look tighter than a picture from a full frame camera.
Besides that, full frame cameras tend to give a shallower depth of field called the bokeh. Of course, this makes full frame cameras produce images that are aesthetically more appealing than crop sensors.
Another advantage of full frame sensors is that they are great for low light situations. A full frame sensor will always outperform a crop sensor in low light situations. And not just in low light but also out in the sun as well. They have a much wider dynamic range which is accounts for their better performance out in the sun. We explain better in the section for “dynamic range.”
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Canon 5D Vs 6D Common Feature 2: Fixed LCD Screens
Well, this is one factor we didn’t expect to see in the Canon 6D – a fixed LCD screen. In cameras, LCD screens have a wide range of uses and, in some cases, could even act as a viewfinder if the viewfinder is unavailable.
These days, with the advancement of technology, more and more camera makers now make their screens articulating. That is, they make their cameras’ LCD screens such that they are bendable. A bendable screen has several advantages, chief of which is convenience.
With an articulating screen, it’s easy to take pictures at inconvenient angles. You won’t have to bend to uncomfortable positions anymore and yet you’d get amazing photos.
Even when shooting videos, articulating screens come in handy as they help you compose your scenes more easily. And let’s not forget that you also get easier access to the menu options than if the screen was a fixed one.
Now, there are cases when the screen is fully articulating. These are, of course, the best kind of screens. It’s easier to take selfies and if you’re a one-man YouTuber, then these are the best cameras. You’d find it quite breezy to shoot videos on your own while watching yourself on the screen.
It’s also getting pretty common to find cameras with screens that are touch sensitive.
But in our comparison of the Canon 5D vs 6D we didn’t find any of these qualities on the LCD screens on both cameras. The screens are normal sized just like most screens on cameras these days. However, the lack of an articulating screen especially in the Canon 6D, which costs nearly a thousand bucks, makes us question the value of the camera.
Of course, it goes without saying that these cameras are also not touch sensitive.
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Canon 5D Vs 6D Common Feature 3: Low Continuous Shooting Feature
We also compared the continuous shooting feature of the Canon 5D vs 6D and well, they fare just about the same.
These two cameras have a pretty low continuous shooting feature. To put things in perspective, the Canon 5D comes with 3 frames per second continuous shooting. This means that in one second, the camera would take only 3 pictures when the shutter release button is held down. The Canon 6D, on the other hand, has a continuous shooting feature of 4.5 frames per second. This means that it will take 4.5 pictures in one second when the shutter release button is held down.
As you can tell, this is quite low and can hardly be used for anything serious. In wildlife, sports, and other action scenes where things happen fast, you’d need something that’s more your speed than the Canon 5D or the Canon 6D. Canon, generally, doesn’t seem to be popular for making cameras with fantastic continuous shooting. If that’s your field, then Olympus is more like it.
Anyway, that said, Canon 5D vs 6D, neither camera might be great for all we’ve mentioned above. However, the poor continuous shooting feature doesn’t mean that you can’t use it for less active scenes. 3 or 4.5 frames per second should be great for photographing family moments or weddings and the likes.
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Canon 5D Vs 6D Common Feature 4: RAW Support
So, here’s how the competition goes between the Canon 5D vs 6D in RAW Support.
RAW images are like their name suggests – raw. So, a RAW image hasn’t been processed or compressed unlike other image formats like JPEG. A camera that has RAW support is a camera that allows you to shoot in RAW as well as in JPEG. Of course, everyone shoots in RAW now as it gives you more raw material (no pun intended) to create beautiful and outstanding images.
RAW images, unlike JPEG, are not for immediate consumption. This is because they are still raw like we explained. Although RAW photos give the most beautiful pictures of the highest quality, they initially come out looking muted and flatish which is the idea of a RAW photo. It hasn’t been processed yet.
To edit a RAW photo, the photographer would need to have an editing software like Lightroom or Photoshop. A good software would help to edit the image such that it comes out clear, detailed, and ready to be shared. Of course, there’s also a compression in size as well, because RAW photos, before, they are edited, are typically large files.
You’d need a computer that is fast to be able to edit these files, keep in mind. Also, consider getting extra storage space for all of your files as they tend to run large.
That said, shooting in RAW is really great because you’re able to carry out non-destructive editing. This means that whatever editing you carry out on your RAW photo does not affect the inherent quality of the photo. So, whatever you do or undo does not affect your image quality.
Also, RAW photos are much easier to correct for shooting errors than other image formats. So, whether it’s exposure or white balance, you’ll find it easier to fix that on a RAW photo than on a JPEG photo.
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Canon 5D Vs 6D Common Feature 5: Shutter Speed
Shutter speed, just like continuous shooting, is another feature that’s very important for fast-paced scenes. To be more specific, fast shutter speeds are important to fast-paced scenes. The faster the shutter speed you work with when taking photos of fast-paced, fast-moving scenes, the lower the risk of blurring. This is why shutter speed is really important when we talk about shooting wildlife, sports, or any moving subject at all.
In the comparison of the Canon 5D vs 6D, you find that both cameras actually come with pretty high max shutter speed. However, the Canon 5D seems to have a faster max shutter speed at 1/8000 second while the Canon 6D has a shutter speed of 1/4000 second. They are still pretty fast anyhow. So that’s fine. Of course, the Canon 5D would do better in certain situations. But, basically, these cameras have pretty fast shutter speeds.
Of course, as with most cameras, the shutter speeds on both cameras also slow down to 30 seconds which is great. Even though moving objects tend to blur when shot at slower speeds, they still have their advantages.
One advantage is that, at a slower shutter speed, your camera tends to let in more light. This means that in certain low light situations, you might need to decrease shutter speed just a little bit.
Also, the blur of moving objects might also be beneficial when running ads for automobiles and other such ads where you want to show speed.
Altogether, it’s always a great idea to have a range of shutter speeds available. It makes the camera more flexible and gives you, the photographer, a number of options to give every photo your best shot (again, no pun intended).
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Canon 5D Vs 6D Common Feature 6: Few Focus Points
Another common feature we picked up from comparing the Canon 5D vs 6D is that both cameras come with only few focus points. The Canon 5D comes with 9 focus points while the Canon 6D comes with 11 focus points. As we said already, these are pretty low numbers.
So, is this good news or bad news? Well, it’s mostly bad but there’s always a silver lining, right? Alright, so to the bad first.
Typically, the fewer focus points a camera has, the longer it takes for the camera to autofocus. Slow autofocusing is something that irritates many users especially these days where technology is destroying literally every reason to wait. It’s simply irritating to have to wait a couple of seconds for your camera to wait in the name of autofocusing.
Besides that, a camera that has only few focus points might not be the best camera for taking photos in fast-paced scenes. This is because, in such scenes, there are typically, many sudden movements. If the focus points are few, it’s easy for the subject to move out focus thereby running the image. This is why people typically prefer to have more focus points.
Photographers who take photos of pets and children too would need cameras with lots of focus points as these subjects typically tend to wiggle around a lot. So, it’s less frustrating taking photos of them that end up rightly focused, if the camera in question has more focus points.
That said, focus points are not much of a problem if the photographs to be taken are stills, portraits or landscape. Architecture is also another genre of photography that won’t be affected by focus points. Few or not, these are stationary subjects and so once the focus is set, the picture is great.
Another thing about fewer focus points is that they are great for autofocusing. By that, we mean that even though it takes longer for them to focus, you end up focusing on what you want even with autofocusing.
With many focus points, on the other hand, when in autofocus mode, there’s more like a competition and when the shutter release button is depressed, the first to latch on something wins. Sometimes, it could end up not being what you wanted to focus on in the first place. This is avoided when working with fewer focus points.
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Canon 5D Vs 6D Common Feature 7: Dynamic Range
The dynamic range of your camera tells you how much detail your camera can capture (or lose) in the highlights or shadows when taking photos outdoors in the sun.
A camera with a good dynamic range should be able to take photos in the sun without losing too much detail to the shadows or highlights. Experts place the sweet spot for a food dynamic range at any figure between 12 and 14.
Comparing the Canon 5D vs 6D, you find that only one of these cameras has a dynamic range that falls in this sweet spot and that’s the Canon 6D. The Canon 6D comes with a dynamic range of 12.1 while the Canon 5D has a dynamic range of 11.1. Naturally, that places the Canon 6D ahead of the Canon 5D even though it only does averagely in this respect.
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Canon 5D Vs 6D Common Feature 8: Optical Viewfinder
With the emergence of mirrorless cameras and electronic viewfinders, newbs, especially, might be tempted to think that optical viewfinders are old school. However, that’s not exactly correct. The truth is that mirrorless cameras haven’t exactly started to produce pictures with the same level of quality as DSLR cameras.
This is why, as much as professionals now use mirrorless cameras, many of them still use DSLR cameras as well. They haven’t begun to be phased out just yet and are still quite in use in the photography community.
DSLR cameras are cameras that work with mirrors and optical viewfinders. The presence of mirrors is what makes them heavier than mirrorless cameras. This weight is also part of the reasons, many people go for mirrorless camera over DSLRs – for the sake of convenience.
An optical viewfinder (OVF) works pretty much like you’re looking through an open window. Looking through the viewfinder, you find the subject in question exactly as is in real life.
That said, this also means that an optical viewfinder does not see as the camera sees. It sees as the human eye sees which can be a bit of a challenge. Oftentimes, pictures don’t come out as expected. So, it takes a bit of practice to take excellent pictures with DSLR cameras.
Plus, OVFs do not display as much information as electronic viewfinders although they do display a bit of information. And then there’s the blackout that occurs when the mirror gets lifted in order to send light to the sensor. For the non-initiate, it could affect picture quality and require some getting used to to take the best photos.
That said, OVFs also have their advantages. For one, they don’t depend on batteries like electronic viewfinders (EVF). For this reason, therefore, DSLR cameras last longer in terms of battery life.
Furthermore, optical viewfinders are pretty much like binoculars, so they work whether or not the camera is on. Also, they work even in bright light whereas EVFs are affected by bright light.
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Canon 5D Vs 6D Common Feature 9: No Image Stabilization
Between the Canon 5D and the Canon 6D, you won’t be getting any image stabilization. Of course, this greatly increases the chances of blurry images and blurry video as well (although the Canon 5D does not come with a video mode).
There are two types of image stabilization which are either the built-in or sensor-shift stabilization and the optical image stabilization.
In the built-in image stabilization, the stabilization occurs in the sensor. The accelerometer detects the magnitude and direction of the camera shake. And then it shifts the sensor in the appropriate manner.
Optical image stabilization, on the other hand, occurs in the lens of the camera. This is the more expensive (and less convenient) form of image stabilization as it means that you can’t just use any random lens on your camera. You’d have to get IS lenses.
However, they have their advantages because when there’s a camera shake, the resulting image as seen through the lens, doesn’t shake too erratically like when the stabilization is built-in.
With the absence of image stabilization, you really have fewer options when it comes to stabilizing your images. You can choose to get IS lenses or you can use a form of support for your camera so that the images are not as affected by involuntary camera shake. A tripod stand is a good way to start.
If you’re shooting handheld though, especially if the lenses are longish, then keep in mind that there’s the chance of getting really blurry images.
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Canon 5D Vs 6D Common Feature 10: Weather-Sealed Bodies
Weather-sealing is important for cameras as it ensures that your camera remains in good condition whatever condition you intend to use it in. As the name gives away, you are sealing your camera to protect it from the elements.
When camera makers weather-seal their cameras, they overlay the bodies of their cameras, especially the vulnerable parts, with rubber. This gives the camera additional protection and if, by chance, the camera is exposed to moisture or unpredictable weather, water does not destroy the sensitive parts of the camera.
Weather-sealing also improves durability of the camera body. As with all things, continuous use, and consequently handling, of a camera would lead to a natural deterioration in the condition of the object. However, if the camera body is weather-sealed as we find in the comparison of the Canon 5D vs 6D, natural wear and tear can be delayed.
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Canon 5D Vs Canon 6D – Features Unique To Each Camera
We’ve successfully pointed out all the common features as observed from our comparison of the Canon 5D vs 6D. Now, it’s time to find out what unique features each of these cameras bring to the table.
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Canon 5D Vs 6D – Features Unique To The Canon 5D
12.7 Megapixel Sensor Resolution
This is a pretty low resolution and so images from the Canon 5D will also be quite low resolution. As much as megapixels are not all there is to excellent image quality, high resolution (high res) images are still very beneficial.
For one, high res images are more visually appealing. However, we’ve got to admit that the images from the Canon 5D were pretty good despite being low res. Of course when compared to images from cameras with higher resolutions, images from the Canon 5D might pale. But, on its own, for its price, and for its age, this camera gives pretty impressive photos.
Nonetheless, there are still limitations to the resolution of the Canon 5D. Firstly, this is not a camera for aggressive croppers. The resolution is too low for that. Plus, you can’t even consider blowing up photos from this camera to large sizes also because of the low resolution of the sensor.
So, yes, it is pretty limiting working with this camera. But we’ve got to add again that the image quality is quite good nonetheless.
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Low ISO: 100 – 3200
The ISO of the Canon 5D is super low which might be somewhat understandable considering when it was made. This was first announced over a decade ago. So, we guess that’s a bit forgivable.
With an ISO of 100 to 3200 (some list as 1600 for max ISO), this camera is practically hopeless in low light. There’s only little you can do with this camera if the light isn’t bright enough. 3200 is just not high enough. Granted, you’d be experiencing next to no noise in your images. And, in some situations, the ISO might even be suffice. However, this shouldn’t be your go-to if you’ll be working in a place where you aren’t sure of the lighting.
The summary of it all is that the Canon 5D is not your camera for wedding receptions or other indoor-related photography where light is unpredictable.
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No Video Mode
You probably are as shocked as we are but oh well, that’s what it is. The Canon 5D is not a camera for videography. It’s strictly for photography and does not come with a video mode. The only thing you’d be doing with this camera is to be taking photos.
Now, before you get disappointed, remember that this is a really old camera (announced in 2005) and right now, it’s also super inexpensive as well. So, if you can live with that, that’s the Canon 5D’s offering for you.
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No Wireless Connection
The Canon 5D comes does not have a wireless connection. What this means is that it might be a bit difficult uploading your photos to your like your smartphone. You’d have to do that manually which is just bothersome.
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Canon 5D Vs 6D – Features Unique To The Canon 6D
20.9 Megapixels Sensor Resolution
Comparing the Canon 5D vs 6D, you find that the Canon 6D has a higher sensor resolution. This makes for better photos and images with better detail and clarity than the Canon 5D.
Some might consider 20 megapixels a low sensor resolution especially since there are cameras with a 42 megapixel sensor resolution. But the truth is that 20 megapixels is good enough for nearly all your photography needs.
If you crop aggressively or your clients typically demand that you print their photos in large sizes, then you might want to go for the Canon 6D over the 5D. The sensor resolution is sharp enough to accommodate either of those actions.
With the Canon 6D, you’ll be able to print in a size as large as 11 by 14 inches perfectly. It can also print in other large sizes fairly well although it might not be as great as an 11 by 14 inch sized photo.
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Great ISO
Comparing the ISO of the Canon 5D vs 6D side-by-side, we already saw that of the Canon 5D. At a max ISO of 3200, the Canon 5D is a lost cause when it comes to low light photography.
On the other hand and in the case of the Canon 6D, the ISO is much more appreciable. The Canon 6D comes with a max ISO of 25600 which is a world of improvement from that of the Canon 5D.
This max ISO means that your camera would be able to function adequately in low light. But then, you’d have to be careful about light. Typically, the higher the ISO of your camera when you take a photo, the noisier (or grainier) your photos would eventually get.
With advancement in technology though, there are now ways of handling noise in images. And so professionals are going for cameras with what one might call ridiculously high ISO (in a good way).
With the Canon 6D, Canon says the ISO is also expandable to 50 – 102400. However, we won’t bank on that and instead just work with the native ISO as described. Good thing it’s good enough on its own.
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1920 x 1080 Pixel Video Resolution
We’re still comparing the Canon 5D vs 6D and so far, we have learnt quite a lot from their common features to the unique features of the Canon 5D. Now, we’re looking at the unique features of the Canon 6D and one of them is the fact that it shoots in full HD.
If you remember, the Canon 5D does not have a video mode. So, if you’re also a videographer or just a videographer and you’re stuck between the two, the Canon 6D is your better choice.
Shooting in full HD, the Canon 6D produces videos of the highest quality possible. It also does fantastic in low light too. Its low light ISO is so impressive and people who have worked with this camera in such situations have testified to thoroughly enjoying their use of the camera.
Anyway, that said, this might not be 4K. But then again, full HD is not so bad and in fact, almost everybody is still shooting in 4K right now.
If you can’t afford to upgrade your computer to something more powerful just yet, then you might be better off shooting in full HD until you can. 4K is quite demanding in terms of post-production work even though the end product is really good. But then again, picture quality difference from 1080 to 4K is not so glaring. So, 1080 is still a great resolution for shooting videos.
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Wireless Connection
Our world is becoming more and more fast-paced and everyone is sharing moments of their lives at lightning speed. The wireless connection of the Canon 6D facilitates that. This allows the user to instantly upload photos and videos from their cameras to their smartphones or other devices. From there, they can edit and immediately share with the world. This brings a level of convenience to your use of any camera.
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Built-in GPS
You probably have heard of geo tagging before. It’s a way you can store location data on your photos. This way, you are able to locate your photos on an exact spot on the map.
With geo tagging, it’s easy for you to organize your photos into albums according to location/events. It, therefore, makes it more intuitive to find your photos if you ever have to.
Also, if you do have the photo but can’t seem to remember where you took it, geo tagging can help with that. Some people don’t consider that a big deal, but how about this?
With geo tagging, when you post your photos online, even without titling it, people can easily find your photos just by searching for photos of the place where you took your picture.
So say you took a photo at the Grand Canyon and posted on Flickr. Your photo would most likely show up when people search for “Grand Canyon” and people can see your super awesome photography skills. Isn’t that something? Who knows what that might lead to?
But then again, hey, it doesn’t hurt to have a built-in GPS even if all these benefits don’t wow you. So, why not?
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Face Detection Focus
Also known as face priority autofocus, face detection focus is quite easy to understand as the name gives it away.
With this function, the camera is able to detect human faces. This allows your camera to give the photograph the appropriate focus and the right focus automatically.
It’s commonly found in modern cameras these days, and probably the only reason the Canon 5D lacks it is because it’s outdated.
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Smartphone Remote Control
This feature allows you to control your camera remotely simply by downloading the app on your phone. It’s a really convenient and innovative feature.
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Canon 5D Vs 6D – Unique Pros
Canon 5D Vs 6D – Pros Unique To The Canon 5D
- The Canon 5D has a faster max shutter speed of 1/8000 second.
- It also has a higher sensor pixel area of 67.92µm2.
- The Canon 5D comes with a flash sync port whereas the Canon 6D lacks one.
- The Canon 5D is a more affordable camera than the Canon 6D.
Canon 5D Vs 6D – Pros Unique To The Canon 6D
- The Canon 6D comes with built-in wireless connection which is great for instantly uploading and sharing your photos.
- It also comes with built-in GPS which means you can geo tag your photos.
- The Canon 6D does not come with face detection focus which detects human faces, giving you a shot that is perfectly focused and exposed.
- It has a higher sensor resolution at 20 megapixels which is ideal.
- The LCD screen size is larger and also way sharper than that of the Canon 5D.
- Battery life is more than twice as long as that of the Canon 5D. A single recharge gives you 1090 shots.
- It comes with a video mode shooing at 1080 pixels. Plus it also comes with a microphone port so you can attach a microphone to help with sound quality.
- Better color depth than that of the Canon 5D.
- The Canon 6D has a much higher ISO and low light ISO as well making it much better for low light situations than the Canon 5D.
- You get smartphone remote control with the use of the Canon 6D.
- The Canon 6D is more up-to-date than the Canon 5D.
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| Get the Canon 5D here! | Get the Canon 6D here! |
Canon 5D Vs 6D – Unique Cons
Canon 5D Vs 6D – Cons Unique To The Canon 5D
- The Canon 5D lacks a wireless connection which could make it more difficult to upload and share photos instantly.
- No built-in GPS. So, no geo tagging. This might not be a big deal for many, though.
- There’s no face detection focus. You’re going to have to get the camera to focus on the human faces manually for the best shot and this is slightly annoying.
- Sensor resolution is almost poor but manageable.
- The Canon 5D has a smaller-than-normal LCD with a really poor resolution of only 230k dots.
- Battery life is quite poor. You get only 400 shots for a single charge which is still less than half of what you get when shooting with the Canon 5D.
- The Canon 5D is heavier than the Canon 6D.
- There’s no video mode which makes the Canon 5D strictly for photography.
- Does not come with smartphone remote control.
Canon 5D Vs 6D – Cons Unique To The Canon 6D
- Although the Canon 6D has a fast shutter speed, it’s still not as fast as that of the Canon 5D.
- It also has a smaller sensor pixel area than the Canon 5D.
- It lacks a flash sync port.
- It’s the more expensive camera of the two.
Canon 5D Vs 6D – Common Pros
Canon 5D |
Canon 6D |
| The Canon 5D comes with an external flash shoe. | The Canon 6D also comes with an external flash shoe as well. |
| It also comes with an optical viewfinder with a fantastic coverage. | Same goes for the Canon 6D although the Canon 5D has a slightly wider coverage than the Canon 5D. |
| You get RAW support with the Canon 5D for beautiful photos. | The Canon 6D also comes with RAW support as well. |
| Since the camera comes weather-sealed, you’d be able to use this even in unpredictable weather. Weather-sealed camera bodies are more durable than non-weather-sealed camera bodies. | The same goes for the Canon 6D. |
| You get to do some time lapse recording with your Canon 5D. | Also comes with time lapse recording. |
| The Canon 5D comes with an LCD display although fixed. | Same goes for the Canon 6D. |
| There’s AE bracketing with the Canon 5D. | Also applies to the Canon 6D. |
| Get the Canon 5D here! | Get the Canon 6D here! |
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| Get the Canon 5D here! | Get the Canon 6D here! |
Canon 5D Vs 6D – Common Cons
Canon 5D |
Canon 6D |
| There’s no image stabilization with the Canon 5D. So you run the risk of blurry images. | You also don’t get any image stabilization with the Canon 6D. |
| The screen is fixed and not articulating which makes it inconvenient to use the camera. | Also does not come with a fixed screen although the screen is slightly larger than that of the Canon 5D. |
| The Canon 5D lacks a built-in flash | The Canon 6D also lacks a built-n flash |
| The Canon 5D has a poor continuous shooting feature. | Same also applies for the Canon 6D. |
| The Canon 5D only has very few focus points. | Same goes for the Canon 6D. |
Canon 5D Vs Canon 6D – General Feeling Among Users
Canon 5D |
Canon 6D |
| Despite being so old school, the Canon 5D actually got a good number of positive reviews. Many customers had a number of good things to say about the camera. Of course, there also were a few gripes. But here’s the summary. First off, the grip and body of this camera felt wonderful to most users. So, ergonomics was score one for the camera. Besides that, customers also commended the camera for its images. This camera produces truly excellent photos. However, because they were low res, users found that they couldn’t crop as much as they wanted to without sacrificing some image quality. But it seemed everyone expected that and then again for the price as well. So, it wasn’t such a big deal for most. Users also commented on the full frame sensor of the Canon 5D. This made the camera a lot easier and kind of made up for the less-than-average sensor resolution. The lack of video mode didn’t seem to be an issue with most. And that’s quite weird when you think of it. Altogether, the age of the Canon 5D was not to its disadvantage at all. Many users were strongly attached to the camera. Especially when used with the right glass, customers truly loved using the camera surprisingly, despite all its limitations. | The Canon 6D is a wonderful camera. We did find that a number of customers went for the Canon 6D as an upgrade from the first generation Canon 5D. So, here are some of the things customers had to say about the camera. First off, the low light capability of the camera was truly appreciated. Especially since it’s also a full frame camera, the ISO of this camera was just amazing for most people as they worked with the camera. Another thing users loved about the camera was its battery life. In the words of a particular user, “the battery life seems infinite.” The Wifi on the camera, as well as the GPS were fun to use. However, some customers encountered a few problems with the initial setup of the Wifi. Afterward though, working with it was quite a breeze and it paired pretty fast. But then again, it seemed to be a real problem as some customers gave up on setting up the Wifi altogether. We think that, for the most part, many found this camera a good buy for the price barring its few limitations like its lack of a flash sync port. Yeah, lest we forget, a customer pointed out that turning on GPS tends to run the battery of the camera down faster. So, you want to be mindful of that. |
| Get the Canon 5D here! | Get the Canon 6D here! |
Canon 5D Vs 6D – Final Thoughts
Our final choice between the Canon 5D vs 6D is quite an easy one and if you’ve been following this article, it should be glaring to you.
The Canon 5D is a really old model. In fact, it’s pretty much outdated. Compared to the 6D, it is less expensive, definitely. However, a few things worry us about the camera.
For one, it’s not a camera that can keep up with demands of modern day photography. It lacks most of the features that modern day cameras typically come with.
Besides that, this is a camera that’s strictly for photography. There’s no video mode which is weird for any camera. So, getting this means you won’t be able to shoot videos and this is a big handicap, of course. Not to forget that the camera also lacks wireless connection, face detection focus, and smartphone control as well.
However, the Canon 5D has better and newer versions – the Mark II and Mark III. You could check them out if you want. They’d make better options for you than the Canon 5D Mark I.
If you must though, the Canon 5D is a great choice for anyone looking for a casual camera. And if you’re new to DSLR cameras and you need something inexpensive to practice with, the Canon 5D is great. However, keep it at that.
The Canon 6D, on the other hand, while not the best thing since sliced bread is a better option than the Canon 5D. It has more modern and sophisticated features than the Canon 6D. It is not so expensive, selling for just nearly a thousand bucks. Plus, there’s video mode on the Canon 6D. It shoots in 1080 and is, therefore, great for videography.
Overall, this is the better camera in literally any category you could think of.
| Get the Canon 5D here! | Get the Canon 6D here! |
