Canon 6D Mark II vs Canon 5D Mark III, we are comparing a 5 year old Mid-range 5D series (5D Mark III) camera with recently announced Canon 6D Mark II camera. So, the big question us, is 5D mark III is fit for the competition ? OR 6D Mark specs are better compared to the Canon 5D mark III. Let’s find out.
| Feature/Models | Canon 6D Mark II |
Canon 5D Mark III |
| Megapixel | 26.2 megapixels |
22.3 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Full frame (36 x 24 mm) | Full frame (36 x 24 mm) |
| Image processor | Digic 7 |
Digic 5+ |
| Low pass Filter | Yes | Yes |
| AF system | Contrast detect+ Phase detect | Contrast Detect+ Phase detect |
| AF points | 45 | 61 |
| ISO | 50-102400 | 50-102400 |
| Shutter speed | 1/4000 to 30 sec |
1/8000 to 30 sec |
| Image Stabilization | 5-axis (Video section) | No |
| Continuous shooting speed | 6.5fps | 6 fps |
| Video | Full HD@60fps | 1080p @ 30 fps |
| Display | 3″ Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD |
3.2″ 1.62m-Dot Touchscreen LCD Monitor |
| Hot shoe | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless | Built-in (WiFi and Bluetooth) | WiFi |
| Environmentally sealed | yes | yes |
| Battery life | 950 shots | |
| Weight | 765g | 950 g |
| Size | 144 x 110.5 x 74.8 mm | 152 x 116 x 76 mm |
| Price | $1119 |
Although the sensor and the image processor of Canon 6D mark 2 camera is advanced compared to 5D Mark III but the ISO range of both the camera is exactly same. the base ISO of both the camera is ISO 50 and the max (Expendable) ISO range is 102400.
Image processor
the image processor of the camera is quite different, the Canon 6D mark 2 camera features better image processor compare to the 5D Mark 3 camera. Canon 5D Mark 3 camera is using DIGIC 5+ Image Processor where are the 60 Mark II is using DIGIC 7 image processor. image processor is responsible for overall speed of the camera and not only overall speed
Phase AF Module
DSLRs use Phase AF module only when a photographer use viewfinder for composing shots. When a photographer switch to Live view or video mode then sensor based AF system gets activated. Now the Canon 5D mark III us using traditional sensor hence you have to deal with contrast detect AF system whereas the Canon 6D Mark II camera comes with DPAF sensor. So, the overall AF system of the Canon 6D Mk II is better compared to 5D3.
ISO Range
The standard ISO range of both the camera is bit different. The Canon 5D Mark III standard ISO range remains limited to 25600 where is the standard ISO range of Canon 6D Mark II is 40000. So, we do expect better low light performance of the camera due to high standard ISO range.
Continuous shooting speed
The continuous shooting speed of the Canon 6D Mark II camera is really impressive. When you are going to compare it with a 5 year old Canon 5D Mark 3 camera you will notice only very slight difference. The 6D Mk II features 6.5 fps and 5D3 have 6, but you also have to look at the resolution of Canon 6D Mark II which is approx 4 megapixel more compared to the Canon 5D Mark III.
Video
We can notice a minor improvement in the video section of Canon 6D mark 2 camera. canon 6D mark 2 camera can capture full HD videos @ 60 frames per second whereas the Canon 5D Mark 2 camera limited to 30fps.
Video AF
Video AF is key thing to discuss here, With the help of dual pixel CMOS auto focusing system the users get blazing fast auto focusing while recording video. But Canon 5D Mark 3 camera doesn’t have any hybrid autofocus in system hence users have no other option then using either contrast detect system of the camera.
Display
We have already seen the advantage of canon vari-angle display screen in apsc DSLR, now for the first time Canon introduces vari-angle display in its full frame camera. So, there is no doubt that that display screen of current Canon 6D mark 2 camera is better compared to 5D Mark III by the way both camera features touch screen display
Conclusion
We recommend you to get Canon 6D Mark II camera, since it features better sensor with DPAF, more standard ISO range and enhanced Video AF.
Even my iPhone shoots 4K and has a phone jack! Get with it Canon!
This is a concern of mine that id like to knowas well. I have per ordered the 6d2 butI have a guy telling me ill be more happy with the 5D3. He claims that the images on the 6d2 wont be as good as the 5d3. I have a hard time believing this because on the new processor and more pixels. Is he just blowing smoke? He claims the focal points aren’t going to be up to par and the 45 cross points arent really cross points. I will waot to test the camera when it comes. If he is correct I will return it and get the 5D3. I shoot family and studio. Not interested in video, so f you jave a reply please reply to my concerns. Not the 4k drama. I dont care about 4k!
So many errors: Price is $1999, not $1119, shutter is 1/4000 to 30, both cameras have low pass filters, so that is ‘yes’.
Canon 5D Mark III technology is 5 year old.
Canon 6D Mark II sensor is new and we do expect it will going to show up more details and better performance compared to Canon 5D Mark III camera.
The AF System of Canon 6D Mark II is better compared to Canon 5D Mark III, since the DPAF sensor inside the Canon 6D Mark II camera will do blazing fast AF in live mode whereas the sensor inside the 5D Mark III will use contrast based AF.
The Phase AF module is better but it is effective when you are using the viewfinder of the camera.
We recommend you to go with 6D Mk 2.
Yes for video 6DII DPAF is light years ahead of the glacial CDAF on the 5D3. Alas the 1080p video from Canon is poor, DPAF is wasted without 4K. For normal use the 61pt AF is better, but the extra grunt of digic 7 should help close the gap some. It’d be interesting to put 5D3 and 6DII head-to-head for birds in flight and fast action.
Sensor wsie, 6DII sensor wins hands down, my 5D4 is much better than my 5D3 at low ISO
Canon 5DMKIII screen does not have a touchscreen function.
@Cenk
Thanks Cenk
I feel like those that are trying to justify the 6dmii being worth it’s price are really reaching. For that price, you’d think that this camera would blow the 5dmiii out of the water, but it doesn’t. And yes, we all know that these cameras are specifically for photography, but we really would like the 4k option because many want to use it for film as well (not to mention, some box office movies used the 5d mark iii to shoot some of their scenes with). I understand that it would basically make a 4k dslr compete with their film cameras, but a majority cannot afford to drop 10 grand on a film camera. They’re basically chasing potential customers and revenue away. If you take 100 average Joes and gave them the choice between the 2, more than 50% (hell maybe even more than 75%) would purchase the dlsr over a film camera. I’d like to add the fact that the 6dmii only has ONE card slot. That’s a definite downgrade, especially for those that shoot film, sports, i.e, anything that requires high speed shots, or multiple shots. Canon is pushing their customers toward Nikon and Sony with no remorse. Hopefully the next release will give us customers what we’ve been asking for, for the longest, but I’m pretty sure it’ll be some years until we see any of these upgrades if they’re offered at all! SMH
Please clarify which camera has better image quality… 6D2 or 5D3?
Canon 6D2 do have slight advantage over the 5D3
Please how much for canon 6D mark 2