Should I Get the Canon EOS 6D Mark II or the 5D Mark IV?
With the introduction of the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, you may be wondering whether it's an adequate camera for your needs or if the higher end EOS 5D Mark IV is a better fit. Compared to the original 6D, the 6D II goes a long way in closing the feature gap with its 5-series full frame brethren.
Before we analyze the differences between the two bodies, let's first take a look at some of the primary features they have in common:
- Full frame 1.0x 35mm field of view with EF lenses
- Likely excellent high-ISO image quality
- AF working range: EV -3 - 18
- Autofocus Microadjustment
- AEB: 2, 3, 5 or 7 Shots +/-3 EV 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments
- Viewfinder: Pentaprism, approx. 0.71x magnification
- Exposure compensation: +/- 5EV in 1/2 or 1/3 increments
- Auto exposure bracketing (AEB): +/- 3EV in 1/2 or 1/3 increments
- Top LCD Panel: Yes
- Wi-Fi, NFC & GPS: Built-in
- Intervalometer
- Light flicker detection and shutter timing
- Water and dust resistant construction
Now let's take a look at how these DSLR bodies differ.
6D Mark II Advantages over the 5D Mark IV:
- DIGIC 7 processor vs. DIGIC 6+
- Vari-angle LCD (3" 1.04m-Dot vari-angle touchscreen LCD vs. Fixed touch screen 3.2" approx. 1.62m dots)
- Bluetooth vs. none
- 4K time-lapse movies vs. 1080p only time-lapse movies
- Smaller, lighter (5.67 x 4.35 x 2.94" (144.0 x 110.5 x 74.8mm), 26.98 oz (765g) vs. 5.93 x 4.58 x 2.99" (150.7 x 116.4 x 75.9mm), 31.4 oz (890g))
- Lower price
5D IV Advantages over the 6D Mark II
- Higher resolution (30.4 MP vs. 26.2)
- Better metering (Approx. 150,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor, 252-zone metering. EOS Intelligent Subject Analysis system vs. 7560-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor with the area divided into 63 segments)
- More AF points and wider point coverage
- Faster max shutter speed (1/8000 sec vs. 1/4000)
- Slightly higher burst rate (7fps vs. 6.5)
- Dual memory card slots (CF + SDHC/SDXC vs. SDHC/SDXC)
- 4K video recording
- Selectable .MOV or .MP4 video formats vs. .MP4 recording with .MOV available only in time-lapse movie mode
- Multi-controller joystick
Note: The advantages listed above should not be considered an exhaustive list, but instead represent some primary differences between the cameras.
Who should opt for the EOS 6D Mark II?
If you are stepping up from an entry level EOS Rebel/****D/***D/**D/7-series camera, the 6D Mark II will offer at least one big feature you didn't have in your previous camera – a full frame sensor. But depending on the model being displaced in your kit, the 6D Mark II may offer a wide variety of feature upgrades that make it an attractive primary camera for your needs, especially for the price.
If you already own a recent 1-series or 5-series DSLR, the 6D Mark II should prove to be a great backup camera that's more compact and easier on the budget compared to a new/retail duplicate of your existing camera.
And while we're on the subject of the camera's size and weight, anyone who is traveling to remote locations with the responsibility of carrying their camera kit on their backs for long distances and/or long periods of time will certainly appreciate the 6D II's smaller dimensions and lighter weight.
Who should opt for the 5D Mark IV?
While the 6D Mark II can easily produce professional-looking results from an image quality and AF perspective, its lack of dual memory card slots may make it a less ideal choice for those who are shooting once-in-a-lifetime imagery (think, weddings). And with a more advanced AF system (with more points and more coverage), you can expect the 5D IV to perform a little better in challenging AF conditions or when framing subjects closer to the edges of the viewfinder.
If you are primarily interested in video filming with your DSLR, the 5D IV offers more video features – including 4K recording – that will make it a much better option compared to the 6D Mark II.
Summary
The 6D Mark II represents a huge step up from its predecessor, and its upgraded features along with a budget-friendly price make the 6D II an incredible value in Canon's DSLR lineup. For those that don't require the extra features found in the 5D IV, the 6D II should prove proficient at tackling most photographic challenges with ease.
But for those who need an edge in AF performance, dual memory card slots and 4K recording, the 5D Mark IV is your camera.
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