The new Canon EOS 6D, which can be pre-ordered now from Adorama, is a new class of DSLR for Canon. Sporting a 20.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor, it is smaller and lighter than other full-frame Canon cameras, and, according to Canon, is priced to attract a wider range of pros and photography enthusiasts. In addition to an overhauled autofocus system and full HD video, the 6D is the first EOS camera with both built-in Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities, and can be used to share images online via iOS or Android devices.
In this exclusive Adorama First Look, we’ll dig deep into the Canon EOS 6D’s features, based on information provided by Canon.
Canon EOS 6D
Key Features
- 20.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- ISO range 100-25,600, expandable 50-102,400
- Digic 5+ Image Processor
- 11-Point AF
- Center cross-type AF Point with EV -3 sensitivity for extreme low-light focusing
- 4.5 fps burst rate
- Full HD video recording with manual exposure & multiple frame rates (1080: 30p (29.97) / 24p (23.976) / 25p, 720: 60p (59.94) / 50p, 480: 30p (29.97) / 25p)
- 63-Zone Dual-Layer Meterig
- 3-inch LCD monitor
- Built-In HDR
- Comparative Playback Function
- RAW + JPEG
- Intelligent Scene Auto
- Built-in GPS
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Special Scene Modes
The Canon EOS 6D in Depth
35mm Sensor
The big news here is the sensor. The EOS 6D features a newly developed Canon Full-Frame 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor for high resolution and fast speed and performance. A 35.8mm x 23.9mm sensor captures images of 5472 x 3648 pixels with a pixel size of 6.55 µm square with what Canon says is superior signal-to-noise ratio. With no crop factor, the EOS 6D’s sensor ensures that lenses mounted on the camera will deliver the same angle of view they would on a traditional 35mm camera. Working in tandem with the EOS 6D’s DIGIC 5+ Image Processor, the sensor, which contains a new photodiode structure, delivers ISO sensitivities of 100-25600 (with expanded sensitivities of L: 50, H1: 51200, H2: 102400) and can shoot at up to 4.5 frames per second. Wrapped up in the EOS 6D’s compact and lightweight body, photography with a full-frame sensor has never been so easy and so portable.’
The EOS 6D offers 14-bit signal processing for excellent image gradation, delivers high standard and expanded ISOs, and a score of new options that Canon says will enhance shooting in varied and fast-changing lighting situations. The EOS 6D has a standard range of ISO 100-25600 but can shoot at expanded sensitivities down to ISO 50 (L) and up to ISO 51200 (H1), and even expand to ISO 102400 (H2). Canon has apparently worked on a more powerful noise reduction method and improved signal-to-noise ratio for better image quality at the higher speeds. Beyond the obvious advantages of its wide ISO range, the EOS 6D has automatic ISO settings, which can be found on the dedicated ISO menu. Minimum and maximum ISO settings can be specified, as can a user-defined range, plus full auto and manual.
New Digic 5+ Processor
EOS 6D uses a DIGIC 5+ Image Processor. Working with two 4-channel A/D converter front-end processing circuits, and delivering speeds of up to 4.5 fps (RAW + JPEG), the DIGIC 5+ Image Processor improves data processing performance and features new algorithms that promote greater noise reduction at higher ISOs. In addition to conventional image processing functions, the DIGIC 5+ Image Processor offers real-time compensation for chromatic aberration in both still and motion images.
New Autofocus System
The EOS 6D has an entirely new 11-point AF system for fast, and Canon claims it will provide accurate AF no matter the situation. With its new centered cross-type AF point with EV -3 sensitivity, designed for improved performance and focus in low light, and a newly developed and bright 21mm eye point viewfinder with 97% coverage, the EOS 6D appears well-suited shooting in dim light. The camera offers One-Shot AF, AI Servo AF, and AI Focus AF, and the EOS 6D’s AI Servo focus can be customized with tracking, acceleration and deceleration tracking sensitivities, and 1st or 2nd image priority adjustments. For even more customization, adjustment levels for the wide-angle and telephoto ends of particular lenses can be entered and recorded into the camera’s memory.
The EOS 6D features Canon’s multi-layer 63-zone iFCL (intelligent Focus Color Luminance) Metering System that integrates the camera’s AF system into its readings. By taking into account the color and luminosity surrounding the chosen AF point(s), this system delivers accurate results, especially in situations where the light changes quickly. The metering sensor enables evaluative, center weighted, partial and spot metering, plus offers 5-step exposure compensation for perfectly exposed images, every time.
HD Video
The EOS 6D captures HD video with a level of sophistication on par with professional movie cameras. It offers both All-I (UHS-I memory card is required) and IPB compression, supports H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High Profile, and automatically splits files greater than 4GB (FAT specifications) for extended recording without interruption. It offers the option of timecoding during recording only (Rec Run) or at all times (Free Run), useful for multi-camera shoots. It also features improved sound recording adjustment capabilities, offering 64-step volume control accessible through the Quick Control screen during video shooting, as well as a 3.5mm microphone terminal. The CMOS sensor’s drive system significantly increases image processor performance, reducing color artifacts and moiré (a common problem that occurs in scenes with horizontal lines), and ensures that the EOS 6D can record at a number of frame rates up to ISO 25600 in H mode.
AII-I Compresses each frame. Although the file size is larger than IPB, each frame is not affected by the previous and next frames, making it suitable for editing and extracting frames.
IPB Compresses the movie frame by referencing the previous and next frames. High compression is used, making it suitable for recording long movies.
Built-In Wi-Fi
The new EOS 6D features built-in Wi-Fi. The EOS 6D’s exposure settings such as aperture, shutter speed and ISO, focus, and shutter can be operated wirelessly using an iOS or Android smartphone with the free Canon EOS Remote app (available soon). Using a smartphone with the EOS Remote app installed, you can shoot remotely from a distance, even in Live View mode, for those difficult-to-capture shots; you can also review images in the EOS 6D without having to take it out of the bag, and easily transfer and save images directly from the camera to a smartphone.
Full DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compatibility means easy sharing between the EOS 6D and other DLNA products, like HDTVs, smartphones and more. Still images can even be transferred between two Wi-Fi enabled Canon cameras over a Local Area Network. Images and video can be uploaded instantly to CANON iMAGE GATEWAY for easy sharing on social networking sites, and photos can even be printed on a Wi-Fi compatible printer^ without the need for a PC.
Built-In GPS
The EOS 6D’s built-in GPS can record longitude, latitude and altitude data as EXIF data, can track movement at set intervals with its logging function and can even set the camera’s internal clock to local time! When using the logger function on a computer, you will see the exact route you travelled, and the map will show you where and when you took each image.
Construction
For photographers on the move, there’s nothing quite like the full-frame performance available with the EOS 6D. It’s designed to be portable, light and simple to operate yet doesn’t compromise the quality one expects from EOS SLRs. With an aluminum alloy and polycarbonate chassis and a magnesium polycarbonate resin exterior, plus a shutter rated to 100,000 cycles, the EOS 6D is both lightweight and durable.
3.0-inch TFT LCD Monitor
The EOS 6D’s 3.0″ TFT LCD monitor has 1,040,000 dots, anti-reflective construction and features Canon’s Clear View technology for what Canon describes as a bright, sharp display in any number of shooting situations. It’s ideal for reviewing settings and images, as well as for shooting in Live View mode. In Live View, grid lines can be displayed in 9 sections, 24 sections, or 9 sections with diagonals, as can the electronic level, which helps ensure accurate level by displaying roll. For image review, the EOS 6D has a dedicated Magnify/Reduce button. While pressing the button, zooming in or out (up to 10x) is achieved simply by turning the Main Dial. Images can be protected or erased quickly, individually or in batches, and slideshows can be created with some or all images and can be sequenced by date, folders, movies, stills or rating. A feature guide can be accessed for the selected menu, providing detailed reference information when needed.
EOS Integrated Cleaning System
To prevent dust accumulation, the Integrated Cleaning System featured in the EOS 6D removes particles on the surface of the glass filter by vibrating the glass ultrasonically. The particles are then absorbed by an adsorbent at the bottom of the unit; the unit itself is completely sealed for protection against external contaminants, and the front face of the low-pass glass filter is treated with an anti-dust fluorine coating, making it easier to remove damp or sticky dust particles.
High Dynamic Range (HDR)
With its High Dynamic Range (HDR) mode, the EOS 6D can merge 3 images of varying exposure in camera and save them as one final image, capturing a broad range of shadow and highlight detail with stunning tonal range. Adjustable to cover a range of ±3 stops, HDR recording truly expands the parameters of the light and dark detail a camera can actually record, surprising viewers with the range of tones a photograph can accurately recreate.
Multiple Exposure Control
The EOS 6D offers a Multiple Exposure mode for film-like image creation with the convenience of in-camera processing. It offers two different compositing methods for proper exposure and composition: additive or average. Multiple exposure shots from 2 to 9 are stored as one final image and can be taken in both RAW and JPEG shooting modes. A RAW image previously captured by the EOS 6D (3:2 aspect ratio only) can be used as a starting point, and cumulative results can be observed and corrected in real time on the camera’s LCD screen.
Scene Intelligent Auto mode
An enhanced Scene Intelligent Auto mode incorporates a number of Canon technologies to deliver the best possible exposure. Joining Picture Style Auto, Automatic Lighting Optimizer, Automatic White Balance, Autofocus, and Automatic Exposure, Scene Intelligent Auto mode analyzes the image, accounting for faces, colors, brightness, moving objects, contrast, even whether the camera is handheld or on a tripod, and then chooses the exposure and enhancements most appropriate for any scene or situation.
Special Scene modes
The EOS 6D features a variety of Special Scene modes that achieve high-quality images: Handheld Night Scene and HDR Backlight Control. The Handheld Night Scene mode captures nightscapes with bright highlights and detailed dark areas by shooting and combining four consecutive shots at a shutter speed fast enough to avoid camera shake, making dramatic nighttime photography simple. The HDR Backlight Control mode ensures that backlit subjects are not recorded too dark by shooting three consecutive shots at different exposures (underexposed, correctly exposed and overexposed) and then combining the images; the final result maintains detail in both the shadow and highlight areas, ensuring the backlit subject is properly exposed.
Compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, including new Ultra High Speed cards.
The EOS 6D uses popular SD, SDHC, SDXC memory cards, and is even compatible with the newest Ultra High Speed (UHS-I) memory cards. Compact and available in large capacities, SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards are a perfect complement to the portable EOS 6D’s lightweight design.
Optical Correction Tools
The EOS 6D features a number of corrective tools to accommodate for the particulars of the lens used. Canon’s lens peripheral illumination correction feature corrects light falloff in the corner of the image. Chromatic aberration can be corrected at the time of shooting with the EOS 6D’s Chromatic Aberration Correction tool. The Distortion Correction feature corrects distortions such as curved lines by correcting for the characteristics of the particular lens used to take the shot, so images that may have been distorted in the captured image appear straight. The camera has correction data for a number of EF lenses preloaded, and new lenses can be added to the camera’s database via EOS Utility. The camera can even distinguish between different lenses of the same model using the serial number (with compatible EF lenses).
Auto Picture Style & Scene Intelligent Auto (A+)
The EOS 6D not only features a number of Canon’s Picture Style settings but also a Picture Style Auto setting that finely controls color tones for every composition based on information from the camera’s EOS Scene Detection System. This can be an effective feature not only in normal scenes, where “standard” punchy contrast will be used, but also in nature and outdoor scenes, where the blues and greens will look more vivid without the need to switch the camera’s Picture Style to Landscape.
In-Camera RAW Processing & JPEG Resize
The EOS 6D features state-of-the-art in-camera RAW processing for quick conversion of RAW files to JPEG with control over size, brightness, WB, Picture Style, Auto Lighting Optimizer, Noise reduction, color space, distortion correction and more. Additionally, the EOS 6D features expanded Quick Control functions during playback like image protect, image rotate, rating, RAW image processing, resize, highlight alert, AF point and image jump, meaning a streamlined workflow can begin in the field.
Comparative Playback
The EOS 6D’s comparative playback mode enables images to be played back two at a time, side by side. A tremendous in-camera timesaver, comparative playback means images can quickly be enlarged simultaneously to compare focus, blur and noise, and can be individually rated, deleted or locked.
Silent Shooting
The Canon EOS 6D offers a silent, low vibration shooting mode. By slowing down and muting the shutter and mirror reflex action, the camera is capable of handheld, virtually imperceptible operation for discrete shooting in more situations.
The Canon EOS 6D can be pre-ordered now from Adorama. It is expected to be available from Adorama in December for $2,099 body only.
