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Canon 6D Mark II vs Canon 5D Mark III ? Which camera should I buy, should I hold my purchase for a $2K 6D Mk II or should I get a $2.3k 5D Mark III camera ?
We are getting a lot of questions like this prior to the announcement of Canon 6D Mark II camera.
We are doing a specification comparison prior to the announcement of 6D Mk II, of course thiis will give a perfect answer. Read the article and decide yourself should you hold your purchase for Canon 6D Mk 2 or should you go with 5D Mk 3.
| Feature/Models | Canon 6D Mark II | Canon 5D Mark III |
| Megapixel | 26mp CMOS DPAF Sensor | 22.3 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Full frame (36 x 24 mm) | Full frame (36 x 24 mm) |
| Image processor | DIGIC 7 | Digic 5+ |
| AF system | Hybrid Sensor + Dedicated Phase AF Module | Contrast Detect Sensor + Phase AF Module |
| AF points | 45 pt AF all cross-type | 61 |
| ISO | NA | 50 – 102400 |
| Shutter speed | NA | 1/8000 to 30 sec |
| Image Stabilization | No | No |
| Continuous shooting speed | NA | 6fps |
| Video | 1080p @ 60 fps | 1080p @ 30 fps |
| Display | Vari-Angle LCD (First time in Canon FF Camera) | Fixed 3.2″ 1,040,000 Clear View II TFT LCD |
| Hot shoe | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless | WiFi + NFC | WiFi (Optional) |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Battery life | NA | 950 shots |
| Weight | 950 g | |
| Size | 144.0 x 111.8 x 75.5 mm | 152 x 116 x 76 mm |
1. New Sensor
Canon 6D Mark II coming with dual pixel CMOS AF (DPAF) sensor whereas the Canon 5D Mark III camera is limited to contrast sensor. The other major improvement you are getting with Canon 6D Mark II camera is more resolution. Canon 5D Mark III camera give 22 megapixels where as 6D mark II camera offers you 26 MP resolution that will be going to helpful to pick up more details of a given frame.
2. New Image Processor
The other one of the most noticeable improvement we can see is the introduction of digit 7 image processor inside the Canon 6D Mark II camera that will going to boost the overall speed as well as the image quality of the camera.
New processor directly means new image processing algorithm is also implemented inside the camera and And hence we are confident that low light performance of Canon 6D Mark II camera will going to be better compared to Canon 5D Mark III
3. Phase AF Module
The Phase AF module of Canon 6D Mark II is still inferior compared to Canon 5D Mark III camera. The Canon 5D Mark III features 65 point Phase AF system whereas the Canon 6D Mark II camera features 45 point AF system. But, at the same time we can say that 6D Mark II is using DPAF tech that will upscale the AF performance of the camera to next level.
At the end the bottom-line is the when we are talking about phase AF module the Canon 5D Mark III is better.
4. Better Video
Canon 6D Mark II is limited to Full HD mode only, whereas the upcoming camera is rumored to feature Full HD video at 60fps. The camera will also offer fast AF support due to DPAF tech used inside the sensor, which will be relatively faster compared to the 5D Mark II camera.
5. Introduction of Vari-angle LCD
If all the rumors are true then for the first time Canon is about to bring a vari-angle tocuh display screen in a fullframe DSLR. Which will going to upscale the overall user experience to a next level.
Yes, WiFi and NFC is going to persent inside the upcoming Canon 6D Mark II which allow you to share your data and do remote shooting flawlessly with 6D Mk 2.
Price difference – Canon 5D Mark III available at $2.3K Amazon | B&H |||| Canon 6D Mark II rumored to have $2K price tag
Conclusion
We have done a rumored specification comparison, more then 40% of data isn’t available right now. But, from the available data it is very clear that Canon 6D Mark II will have advance sensor, better image processor and new Phase AF module. BTW, the phase AF module isn’t as good as 5D Mk 3 AF module but that doesn’t actually matter when you have a DPAF sensor in your hand.
We will going to update this specification comparison review soon, stay with us for latest updates.
Join our dedicated Canon 6D Mark II page for live updates and news.
The 6D MII is a no brainer. The 5DM3 has been replaced with the 5DM4. Why would anyone purchase an out of date camera, when you can get the latest technology for $300 less?
Exactly, the 6D Mk II sensor is so much improved.. DPAF + Better low light performance. Don’t waste your money in 5D Mark III.
Brand new release or 5-6yrs of older technology? Should be a no brainer
I wouldn’t be buying a Canon 5D Mark III but I really can’t comment on Canon 6D Mark II until I see some reviews. I still use my Canon 6D for portrait work and it’s a beautiful camera for that. But in the absence of a small light Canon 6D update and with Canon’s struggle to keep up with Sony (Nikon) for dynamic range, I’ve used my Nikon D750 mostly over last 10 months. Canon 6D Mark II: sure the AF system will be much improved, I’d expect it to be lighter and smaller than Canon 5D Mark II.. but dynamic range? colour depth? I’ll probably stick with my Nikon D750 and wait a year or so till Canon 6D Mark II price bottoms then I’ll add 6D Mark II to my kit – depending on image quality, particularly dynamic range and colour depth.
The 6D will produce better photos than the 5D3 however won’t shoot as fast, the 5D4 is only slightly improved over the Mark3 so the 6D2 won’t go near it.
The DPAF is only relevant when using live view.
Some precision / question :
– The EOS 5D MkIII has no builtin WiFi. It uses an optional WFT-E7 “grip”.
– It it *sure* the 6D MkII is weather sealed ?
Regards
Jean-Luc
@Jean-Luc Coulon
We will add optional tag in WiFi section, thanks
@Sam we are comparing both the camera since we are getting this particular question in big volume.
Why compare two cameras when one isn’t released and half the specs are missing. Just wait a week.