Canon EOS 6D Mark II Review: Top Features, Pros, and Cons You Need to Know

Are you in the market for a high-performance full-frame camera? If yes, then the Canon EOS 6D Mark II might be the perfect choice for you. In this review, we'll cover all the essential details you need to know before making an informed decision and committing to this camera.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Canon EOS 6D Mark II article cover photo

Key Features

Jun 29 2017

Announced

26 megapixels

Resolution

BrandCanon
Sensor TypeFull frame
SensorCMOS
Weight765g
MSRP$2599USD

Other similar cameras

Canon EOS 7D Mark II thumbnail

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Released Sep 15 2014 | 20MP resolution

Canon EOS 5D Mark III thumbnail

Canon EOS 5D Mark III

Released May 22 2012 | 22MP resolution

Canon EOS 5D Mark II thumbnail

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Released Feb 13 2009 | 21MP resolution

Overview of the EOS 6D Mark II

When it comes to professional photography, choosing the right camera can be a daunting task. There are numerous factors to consider such as image quality, usability, features, and price. With the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, you get a full-frame camera that ticks all the boxes for both professionals and enthusiasts. In this review, we'll dive deep into its features, pros, and cons to give you a comprehensive understanding of what to expect from this camera. Let's get started.

Canon EOS 6D Mark II Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Canon EOS 6D Mark II camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

26.2 megapixels
Full frame sensor
Dual Pixel autofocus
Vari-angle touchscreen
Weather-sealed body
6.5 fps continuous shooting
Good battery life
Built-in WiFi and Bluetooth
High ISO performance
45 autofocus points

Cons

No 4K video recording
Only one memory card slot
No built-in flash
Snappy autofocus not available in live view mode
No uncompressed HDMI output
No USB 3.0
No headphone jack
Limited dynamic range at high ISOs
Not as good for action photography compared to other full-frame cameras
Price point on the higher side

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Canon EOS 6D Mark II

Weather sealed
Dimensions144 x 111 x 75mm
Weight765g
Thickness75mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the EOS 6D Mark II is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderOptical (pentaprism)
Screen TypeFully Articulated
Screen Resolution1,040k dots
Body typeMid-size SLR

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fully articulated 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 1,040k dots. This makes the Canon EOS 6D Mark II very suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you can view yourself while shooting selfies. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.

Viewfinder

EOS 6D Mark II includes a optical (pentaprism) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of 98% and a magnification of 0.71x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Canon EOS 6D Mark II has a 26MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 26 pixels. Canon EOS 6D Mark II has a native ISO range of 100 - 40000 which can be boosted to 50 - 102400. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Jun 29 2017

Announced

100 - 40000

ISO Range

SensorFull frame
Extended ISO50 - 102400
Max resolution6240 x 4160 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

85 / 102

Color Depth

24.4 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

11.9 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

2862 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Canon EOS 6D Mark II camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also above average, allowing it to retain medium amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is below average, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the EOS 6D Mark II is above average

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: Full frame

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible)
Battery Life1200 shots
Battery ModelLP-E6N
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II supports SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible) with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II uses the LP-E6N model of battery pack. This is rated for 1200 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II does not have a built-in flash, but it does offer a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II includes two autofocus (AF) systems: contrast detection and phase detection, with 45 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

View on Amazon

FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Canon EOS 6D Mark II?

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II features a CMOS sensor

Is the Canon EOS 6D Mark II weather sealed?

Yes the EOS 6D Mark II does have weather sealing.

When was the Canon EOS 6D Mark II announced?

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II was announced on Jun 29 2017

Does the Canon EOS 6D Mark II have in-body image stabilization?

No the EOS 6D Mark II does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Canon EOS 6D Mark II?

The EOS 6D Mark II has a native ISO range of 100-40000, which can be expanded to ISO 50-102400 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

View on Amazon

Similar Camera Reviews

Canon EOS 7D Mark II article cover photo

Canon EOS 7D Mark II Review - The Ultimate Camera for Professionals

Looking for a camera that delivers exceptional image quality, speed and durability? Look no further than the Canon EOS 7D Mark II. This camera is designed to meet the needs of professional photographers, delivering impressive features that make it one of the most popular professional cameras on the market.