Canon 6d vs 7d: Which Canon Dslr Reigns Supreme?
Choosing the right camera can feel like navigating a maze. With so many options, how do you know which one is the perfect fit for your needs? Today, we’re diving deep into a head-to-head comparison of two popular Canon DSLRs: the Canon 6D and the Canon 7D, to help you make an informed decision.
Both the Canon 6D and the Canon 7D have earned their place in the hearts of photographers. But they cater to different styles and requirements. Understanding their strengths and weaknesses is key to selecting the camera that best aligns with your photographic journey.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to upgrade or a seasoned pro considering a new body, this comparison will provide valuable insights. We’ll examine everything from image quality and performance to features and overall value, leaving no stone unturned in our quest to determine which camera comes out on top.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | 6D | 7D |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full-Frame CMOS | APS-C CMOS |
| Megapixels | 20.2 MP | 18 MP |
| ISO Range | 100-25600 (Expandable to 50-102400) | 100-12800 (Expandable to 100-25600) |
| Autofocus Points | 11 | 19 |
| Continuous Shooting | 4.5 fps | 8 fps |
| Video Resolution | 1080p at 30fps | 1080p at 30fps |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 97% | 100% |
| LCD Screen | 3.0-inch, 1.04 million dots | 3.0-inch, 1.04 million dots |
| Body Material | Polycarbonate and Aluminum Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
| Weather Sealing | Limited | Yes |
| Built-in Wi-Fi | Yes | No |
| Weight (Body Only) | 680g | 860g |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Sensor
- Canon 6d: Full-frame 20.2MP CMOS sensor. Offers excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field capabilities. However, it’s larger and can make lenses more expensive.
- 7d: APS-C 18MP CMOS sensor. Provides a 1.6x crop factor, which can be beneficial for telephoto reach. It’s generally more affordable, but it doesn’t perform as well in low light.
- Winner: 6D
Autofocus System
- Canon 6d: 11-point AF system with a single cross-type point in the center. While decent, it’s not as advanced or fast as some other systems, especially for tracking moving subjects.
- 7d: 19-point all cross-type AF system. Offers significantly better autofocus performance, especially for tracking moving subjects, making it ideal for sports and wildlife photography.
- Winner: 7D
Continuous Shooting Speed
- Canon 6d: 4.5 frames per second (fps). Adequate for general photography but might be limiting for fast-action scenarios.
- 7d: 8 fps. Offers a much faster continuous shooting rate, making it well-suited for capturing rapid action.
- Winner: 7D
ISO Range
- Canon 6d: Native ISO range of 100-25600, expandable to 50-102400. Provides excellent low-light performance.
- 7d: Native ISO range of 100-6400, expandable to 12800. Performs well at lower ISOs, but noise becomes more noticeable at higher settings compared to the 6D.
- Winner: 6D
Video Recording
- Canon 6d: Records 1080p video at 30fps. Offers good video quality, but lacks features like a headphone jack for audio monitoring.
- 7d: Records 1080p video at 30fps. Also offers good video quality, with the added benefit of a microphone jack for external audio input.
- Winner: Tie
Build Quality & Durability
- Canon 6d: Features a weather-sealed body. Offers a solid build, but it’s lighter and less rugged than the 7D.
- 7d: Built with a magnesium alloy body and extensive weather sealing. Known for its robust construction, making it ideal for demanding environments.
- Winner: 7D
Viewfinder Coverage
- Canon 6d: 97% viewfinder coverage. This means the image you see in the viewfinder doesn’t exactly match the final image.
- 7d: 100% viewfinder coverage. Shows the entire frame, which offers more precise composition.
- Winner: 7D
Connectivity
- Canon 6d: Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS. Enables wireless image transfer and geotagging.
- 7d: Lacks built-in Wi-Fi and GPS. Requires external accessories for these features.
- Winner: 6D
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Image Quality | 6D |
| Autofocus System | 7D |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 7D |
| Durability | 7D |
| Low Light Performance | 6D |
| Features | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Video Recording: Both cameras can record Full HD 1080p video at 30fps, allowing users to capture high-quality moving images. They share similar video capabilities, making them suitable for basic video recording needs.
- Lcd Screen: Both cameras feature a 3.0-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1.04 million dots, providing a clear and detailed view for composing shots and reviewing images. The screens offer a similar user experience in terms of clarity.
- Lens Compatibility: Both the 6D and 7D are compatible with Canon EF lenses, giving photographers access to a wide range of lenses for various shooting scenarios. This shared compatibility ensures flexibility in lens selection.
- Image Processor: Both cameras utilize Canon’s DIGIC image processor, which contributes to their ability to produce high-quality images with good color reproduction and noise reduction. The processing power is similar.
- Iso Performance: Both cameras offer impressive ISO performance, allowing photographers to capture images in low-light conditions. Although the 6D has a slightly wider native ISO range, both cameras handle noise well.
Canon 6D Vs 7D Buying Guide
Image Quality and Sensor Performance
The Canon 6D excels in image quality, primarily due to its full-frame sensor. This larger sensor allows for superior low-light performance, producing cleaner images with less noise at higher ISO settings. The 6D also offers a wider dynamic range, capturing more detail in both highlights and shadows. The 7D, with its APS-C sensor, still delivers excellent image quality, especially in good lighting. However, it struggles in comparison. The 6D’s advantage is most noticeable in challenging lighting conditions, making it a preferred choice for photographers who often shoot in low light or require maximum image detail.
Autofocus System and Performance
The Canon 7D boasts a more advanced autofocus system designed for action photography. It features 19 cross-type autofocus points, providing greater accuracy and speed when tracking moving subjects. The 6D, while still capable, has a less sophisticated 11-point autofocus system. It is suitable for general photography but may struggle to keep pace with fast-moving subjects. The 7D’s faster burst rate (8 fps vs. 4.5 fps for the 6D) further enhances its suitability for capturing action shots. The 6D focuses better in low light, benefiting from its full-frame sensor.
Video Capabilities
Both cameras offer video recording capabilities, but the 6D lacks some advanced features found in the 7D. The 7D includes features like a 1080p video at 60fps and external microphone jack. The 6D’s video capabilities are still respectable, with 1080p recording at 30fps. The 6D is a better choice for shooting video in low light. The 7D’s more comprehensive video features, including a higher frame rate and more control options, make it a better choice for serious videographers. The 6D, however, excels with its full-frame sensor for shallow depth of field videos.
Ergonomics and Build Quality
Both cameras are built to a high standard, but the 7D generally has a more robust build. The 7D features a magnesium alloy body, making it more resistant to dust and moisture, and built for professional use. The 6D has a polycarbonate body, providing adequate durability. The 7D’s design includes more physical controls and dials, giving photographers quicker access to settings. The 6D is slightly lighter and smaller, making it more portable. Both cameras provide a comfortable grip, but the 7D feels more solid. The 7D is more reliable in extreme conditions.
Lens Compatibility and Ecosystem
Both the 6D and 7D are compatible with Canon’s extensive EF lens lineup. The 6D, being a full-frame camera, can utilize the full potential of EF lenses. The 7D, with its APS-C sensor, has a 1.6x crop factor, which affects the effective focal length of lenses. This crop factor can be advantageous for telephoto photography. Both cameras work with EF-S lenses, but EF-S lenses are designed specifically for APS-C sensors and are not optimized for the 6D. The Canon ecosystem provides a vast range of lenses and accessories for both camera types.
Price and Value for Money
The price of both cameras varies depending on their condition and availability. When released, the 6D was the more expensive option, reflecting its full-frame sensor and features. The 7D, being an older model, can often be found at a more affordable price, representing excellent value for money, especially for photographers focusing on action. The 6D’s value lies in its superior image quality and low-light performance. The 7D’s value stems from its robust build, advanced autofocus, and more comprehensive feature set. Both offer great value, depending on individual needs.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy 6D If…
- You prioritize image quality and want the benefits of a full-frame sensor for better low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
- You are interested in landscapes, portraits, or general photography where image quality is a top priority.
- You value built-in Wi-Fi for easy image sharing and remote camera control.
- You are looking for a more compact and lightweight camera body.
Buy 7D If…
- You need a camera for sports, wildlife, or action photography, where fast continuous shooting and a robust autofocus system are crucial.
- You require a more durable camera body with weather sealing for challenging shooting conditions.
- You frequently photograph subjects that require a cropped sensor’s reach, like wildlife.
- You need a camera with a more advanced autofocus system with more focus points for tracking fast-moving subjects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the Canon 6D and 7D?
The Canon 6D features a full-frame sensor, excelling in low-light performance and image quality. The 7D, with its APS-C sensor, offers a faster autofocus system and a more robust build, making it suitable for action photography. The 6D is better for general photography. The 7D also has more physical controls. The 6D is more portable. The 7D has more advanced video features.
Which camera is better for low-light photography?
The Canon 6D is significantly better for low-light photography due to its full-frame sensor. This larger sensor gathers more light, resulting in cleaner images with less noise at higher ISO settings. The 7D, with its APS-C sensor, is still capable of producing good results in low light, but it will show more noise at high ISOs compared to the 6D. The 6D’s advantage is especially noticeable in challenging lighting conditions.
Which camera has a better autofocus system?
The Canon 7D has a much more advanced autofocus system, particularly suited for tracking moving subjects. It features 19 cross-type autofocus points, offering faster and more accurate focusing. The 6D’s 11-point autofocus system is still capable but less sophisticated. The 7D’s faster burst rate (8 fps vs 4.5 fps for the 6D) also aids in capturing action.
Which camera is better for video recording?
The Canon 7D provides more comprehensive video recording features. It supports 1080p video at 60fps and includes an external microphone jack for improved audio quality. The 6D records at 1080p at 30fps. The 7D’s advanced features cater to serious videographers. The 6D may offer a better shallow depth of field due to its full-frame sensor. Ultimately, the 7D is a better choice for serious video work.
Which camera is more durable?
The Canon 7D is generally considered more durable. It features a magnesium alloy body, which is more resistant to dust, moisture, and wear and tear. This makes it a better choice for photographers working in harsh environments. The 6D, with its polycarbonate body, is still reasonably durable, but the 7D offers superior build quality for professional use and demanding conditions.
Which camera is lighter and more portable?
The Canon 6D is slightly lighter and more compact than the 7D. This makes it easier to carry around for extended periods. While the 7D is not excessively heavy, the 6D’s smaller size and weight can be an advantage for travel or situations where portability is a priority. The 6D is easier to manage single-handedly. The 7D has a more substantial feel.
Which camera offers better value for money?
The Canon 7D often provides better value for money, especially when purchased used. Its robust build, advanced autofocus, and comprehensive feature set make it a good deal. The 6D’s value is in its superior image quality and low-light performance. The best choice depends on your needs. Check current prices. The 7D has a lower price point. Both cameras offer good value.
Final Verdict
The Canon 6D and 7D cater to different photography needs. The 6D shines with its full-frame sensor, offering superior image quality and low-light performance, making it ideal for general photography and portraits. The 7D, on the other hand, excels in action photography due to its faster autofocus and robust build. The 7D is a better option if video is important. The best choice depends on your specific photographic interests and requirements.
Winner: Canon 6D