Jake Fruia
Canon recently introduced their latest EOS camera, the 6D, in India. A more compact and concentrated capture tool, the 6d boasts the following features:
- Newly designed 20.2 Megapixel Full-Frame CMOS sensor, 14-bit A/D conversion, a wide range ISO setting 100-25600 (L: 50, H1: 51200, H2: 102400) for shooting from bright to dim light, and the next generation DIGIC 5+ Image Processor for enhanced noise reduction and exceptional processing speed.
- New 11-point AF including a high-precision center cross-type AF point with EV-3 sensitivity for focusing in extreme low-light conditions and a bright, high-quality viewfinder for easy focusing.
- iFCL Metering with 63-zone dual-layer metering sensor that utilizes AF and color information for optimizing exposure and image quality.
- Continuous shooting up to 4.5 fps for capturing fast-action.
- EOS HD Video with manual exposure control and multiple frame rates (1080: 30p (29.97) / 24p (23.976) / 25p, 720: 60p (59.94) / 50p, 480: 30p (29.97) / 25p) with 4 GB automatic file partitioning (continuous recording time: 29 minutes, 59 seconds), selectable “All i-frame” (UHS-I Card is required) or IPB compressions, embedded timecode, and manual audio level control.
- Built-in Wi-Fi® transmitter allows you to wirelessly transfer your images to social networking sites through CANON iMAGE GATEWAY#, share your images with Wi-Fi® enabled Canon cameras, or upload virtually anywhere on your iOS or Android smartphone* with the free download of the EOS Remote app**. Use your smartphone for remote camera control and operation (with the EOS Remote app), or even print your images on a Wi-Fi® compatible printer^.
- Built-in GPS## Receiver records location information (longitude, latitude, elevation and universal coordinated time (UTC)) as EXIF information for geotagging images when shooting.
- Compact and lightweight body with shutter durability tested up to 100,000 cycles, enhanced dust and weather resistance, and EOS Integrated Cleaning System for improved vibration-based dust removal.
- 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor, 160° viewing angle, 1,040,000-dot VGA, reflection resistance with multi coating and high-transparency materials for bright and clear viewing.
- High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Multiple Exposure modes expand creative possibilities, and Scene Intelligent Auto and Special Scene Modes lets you achieve high-quality images with ease.
- Compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, including new Ultra High-Speed (UHS-I) cards.
It’s quite the feature set. It certainly plays to the “now” with its built in Wi-Fi and companion remote app for smartphones. It’s compact frame also makes it even more ideal for quick image capture. When compared to the 5D MKIII and 7D, it almost seems to strike an exact balance between the two in many respects, including price($2,099), and pixels (mega and total), making it seem as if Canon presented it as some sort of compromise between the two popular models.
So, how does the 6D measure up? Well here are a few in depth reviews to help sort through the bits and pieces:
TechRadar – “This makes the Canon EOS 6D a more versatile, customisable option than the Canon EOS 60D for sports photographers – although the maximum continuous shooting rate is only 4.5fps.”
Planet5D – “For video? Buy a Canon EOS 5D Mark III. The moire on this beast is just disappointing – for a camera coming out in 2012, this just shouldn’t be this bad. I realize Canon wants to protect the 5D Mark III, but come on, this should be better than this!”
DPReview – “The EOS 6D is best seen as a full frame version of the EOS 60D – indeed it’s very similar in both control layout and dimensions. Its front profile is very similar to the Nikon D600, but it’s rather slimmer front-to-back, and lighter too. However it differs from the Nikon in a number of key respects…”
CNet – “For professionals looking for a second, cheaper body to supplement, neither one of these cameras[, 6D or 600D] looks like a great fit.”
You can also check out exact specs and customer reviews on the 6D’s page at www.usa.canon.com. You can also see more test pictures and videos at web.canon.jp