CANON EOS6D MK II
£1349/$1399
A massive upgrade to the original 6D, the 6D Mk II has become a more affordable full-framer for enthusiasts
Now two years old, the 6D Mk II is a revamped version of Canon’s original enthusiast full-frame DSLR. Key areas are a high-res 26.2Mp sensor which gained Dual Pixel AF, a newer DIGIC 7 processor, a 45-point autofocus system in which all of the points are cross type and 27 work at f/8, and a new metering module. The continuous drive rate rose from 4.5fps to 6.5fps, and the rear screen of the 6D is replaced with a vari-angle touchscreen.
Most of these improvements are inherited by the EOS RP, launched a few months ago. The same image sensor is paired with an even newer generation of processor, and both cameras have the same sensitivity range of ISO100-40,000 (50-102,400 expanded). For stills, the 6D Mk II edges ahead for burst rate, but for video it tops out at 1080p, whereas the RP adds a 4K capability. The only movies you can shoot in 4K on the 6D Mk II are of the timelapse variety.
Both cameras have built-in Wi-fi and Bluetooth, but the 6D Mk II adds NFC and GPS. One minus point is that, while the pentaprism viewfinder is very clear, it only gives 98 per cent frame coverage.
Performance
Performance is superb. Autofocus and metering are reliable and consistent, and image quality is gorgeous. Handling is excellent, with plenty of direct-access buttons and dials for shooting parameters, to suit creative photographers. Stamina is great as well, with a 1200-shot battery life that beats every other camera in the group. The price has dropped 25 per cent since launch, making it great value.