The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is one of the most recently introduced full-frame DSLR which is designed to meet the needs of photography enthusiasts and amateurs. The camera is also suitable for professionals who are searching for a second body for a Canon DSLR. It features a Dual Pixel technology with its all-new 26MP sensor which works for accurate auto-focusing, especially with live view shooting. It also offers the very same 45-point auto-focusing system for viewfinder shooting. Some additional features include built-in WIFI, 6.5 fps burst shooting, fully articulating touchscreen, as well as GPC capacity.
Canon EOS 6D Mark II Features and Specs:
- Built-in GPS
- 3-inch fully articulating touchscreen
- 26MP CMOS (full-frame sensor)
- Dual Pixel AF (stills and video)
- WIFI w/ NFC
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 6.5 fps continuous shooting
- ISO 100-40,000 (which can also be expanded to 102,400 ISO)
- 45-point AF system (all-cross type)
- 1080/60p video capture (in-lens plus digital stabilization)
Handling and Build
Starting with the handling and build, the 6D Mark II camera is a nice model to hold and use. It features smooth all-over contours on its top plate. The use of pentaprism features do not just make it look attractive, but also makes the camera much easier to handle and hold. This will allow you to easily slide your finger on the surfaces in order to reach the buttons without hassle.
Speaking of the buttons, they are arranged logically, allowing users to memorize their locations easily. Four of the buttons are located on the top plate, catering to the key shooting settings, including Drive Mode, metering pattern, ISO setting, and the AF mode (AI Focus, One-shot AF, and AI Servo AF). You simply need to press the button one-time, turning the front control dial in order to change its setting.
At the back of the camera, where you usually rest your right thumb, three more buttons can be found. One of the buttons can be used to change the focus point setting (Auto selection AF, Large Zone AF, Zone AF, One-point AF, and Spot AF). Another one is for AF-L/AF-L button, while the other is for AF-On which can make possible independent autofocus activation which is perfect for action and sports shoots.
This is also designed as a twin-dial camera, which is usual for cameras at this level. The dial is located above the grip, while the second one is located at the back of the camera, surrounding the 4-way directional buttons. These two dials work really well, with a positive and firm “click” action.
Physical Controls
In terms of physical controls, the manufacturer has also incorporated a touch-sensitive and interactive Q menu. Most users agree that the camera’s touch control works well, both for focus control and settings changes, especially in live mode. The screen is quite flexible, allowing you to flip it out, rotating it to any angle.
The images that are produced are clear, crisp, and vibrant, though they may be swamped easily when exposed to bright delight. In these scenarios, it is often better to use the optical viewfinder features of the camera. While it does not offer a 100% view, it is quite good, allowing you to find objects at the frame edges which is usually kept out.
All in all, the physical controls of the Canon EOS 6D Mark II are nicely designed. The controls are well-designed and slick and can meet the needs and preferences of the intended market. It is good for those who consider themselves newbies and keen amateurs, and even professionals who are searching for a cheaper all-rounder alternative.
Overall Performance
It is not surprising to know that Canon has increased the burst rate on this camera, now at 6.5fps from the 4.5fps of the 6D. There is also enhancement on the burst depth, with this new camera being able to shoot up to 21 raw files successively when compared to the 17 raw files of its predecessor.
Those who prefer shooting JPEGs, the 150-frame burst depth that is now available with this camera is a drop compared to the 1,250 shot limit of the earlier model, even though this is not a limitation at all. It is also quite interesting that the manufacturer has not listed UHS-II support for its single card slot. The benefits that would be expected will still highly depend on how fast the camera will be able to handle the information to start with.
To set expectations, the EOS 6D Mark II is not aimed primarily for sports photography. The 6.5fps capability is one that is considered credible for the burst rate, given that it is a full-frame camera in its price range. As such, this camera is ideal for situations where the predecessor may lack.
For example, the auto white balance of this camera is doing a good job. It offers two options. The first one is the Ambient Priority mode which offers results that are slightly warmer, allowing you to keep the overall scene ambiance. The second one is White Priority, which delivers neutral and clean results even when used under artificial lighting.
Canon also included a flicker detection feature which is also found on some previous models. This is added in order to help in maintaining consistency when using the camera to shoot under artificial sources of light. This is considered as amazing news for those who need to shoot indoors, where these types of lightings are used commonly.
Pros
- High-quality live view focusing
- Vari-angle display
- Comfortable grip
- Different connectivity options
- Refined touchscreen control
Cons
- Does not come with USB 3.0
- Limited AF coverage
- Poor dynamic range
Verdict
All in all, there is no doubt that Canon did it again! With the introduction of the Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR, they have created a better spec and well-rounded camera than the earlier EOS 6D model. There may be some minor issues, but the amazing full-frame DSLR is unquestionably pleasing to use for shooting. This camera is poised to please Canon followers who are searching for a model that will allow them to transition into full-frame photography.