Choosing the right Canon camera can be a tough decision, especially when comparing two popular models like the Canon 6D Mark II and the 7D Mark II. Both offer impressive features and capabilities, but they cater to different types of photographers and shooting styles. This comparison aims to break down the key differences to help you decide which camera best suits your needs.
The Canon 6D Mark II is a full-frame DSLR, known for its excellent image quality and performance in low-light situations. It’s often favored by photographers who prioritize image quality and portability. The 7D Mark II, on the other hand, is an APS-C sensor camera that excels in speed and action photography.
This detailed comparison will delve into various aspects, including image quality, autofocus performance, build quality, and features. We’ll explore which camera is best for landscapes, portraits, sports, wildlife, and video. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each camera, allowing you to make an informed decision between the Canon 6D Mark II and the 7D Mark II.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | 6D Mark II | 7D Mark II |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 26.2MP Full-Frame CMOS | 20.2MP APS-C CMOS |
| ISO Range | 100-40000 (Expandable to 50-102400) | 100-16000 (Expandable to 51200) |
| Autofocus Points | 45-point All Cross-type | 65-point All Cross-type |
| Continuous Shooting | 6.5 fps | 10 fps |
| Video Resolution | 1080p Full HD | 1080p Full HD |
| LCD Screen | 3.0-inch Vari-angle Touchscreen | 3.0-inch Fixed |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 98% | 100% |
| Built-in Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Body Material | Polycarbonate | Magnesium Alloy |
| Weather Sealing | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (Body Only) | 685g | 910g |
| Card Slot | 1x SD | 1x CF |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Sensor
- Canon 6d Mark Ii: Features a 26.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor, offering excellent image quality, particularly in low light. The larger sensor size contributes to shallower depth of field and a wider dynamic range. However, it can be more susceptible to dust.
- 7d Mark Ii: Equipped with a 20.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor. While offering a crop factor, it allows for a smaller and lighter body, and the crop factor effectively increases the telephoto reach of lenses. It doesn’t perform as well in low light as the 6D Mark II.
- Winner: 6D Mark II
Autofocus System
- Canon 6d Mark Ii: Boasts a 45-point all cross-type AF system. It provides accurate and fast focusing, especially in good lighting conditions. The autofocus system, while improved, is not as advanced as some competitors.
- 7d Mark Ii: Features a more advanced 65-point all cross-type AF system, offering superior subject tracking and performance, particularly for action photography. It excels at tracking fast-moving subjects.
- Winner: 7D Mark II
Continuous Shooting Speed
- Canon 6d Mark Ii: Offers a continuous shooting speed of 6.5 frames per second (fps). It’s adequate for general photography, but it may struggle with fast-paced action.
- 7d Mark Ii: Provides a significantly faster continuous shooting speed of 10 fps. This makes it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife.
- Winner: 7D Mark II
Video Recording
- Canon 6d Mark Ii: Shoots 1080p Full HD video at up to 60fps. It includes features like Dual Pixel CMOS AF for smooth focusing during video recording. Lacks 4K video capabilities.
- 7d Mark Ii: Also records 1080p Full HD video at up to 60fps, with similar features. However, it also lacks 4K video.
- Winner: Tie
ISO Range
- Canon 6d Mark Ii: Has a native ISO range of 100-40000, expandable to 50-102400. This provides excellent low-light performance.
- 7d Mark Ii: Features a native ISO range of 100-16000, expandable to 51200. Although still usable, the 6D Mark II offers better low-light capability.
- Winner: 6D Mark II
Body and Build Quality
- Canon 6d Mark Ii: Has a relatively compact and lightweight body, with weather sealing for protection against the elements. The build quality is good, though not as rugged as the 7D Mark II.
- 7d Mark Ii: Built with a more robust and durable body, featuring magnesium alloy construction and extensive weather sealing, making it more suitable for demanding environments.
- Winner: 7D Mark II
Viewfinder Coverage
- Canon 6d Mark Ii: Offers a viewfinder with approximately 98% coverage. This means the captured image will have slightly more than what you see through the viewfinder.
- 7d Mark Ii: Provides a viewfinder with 100% coverage, giving a more accurate representation of the final image.
- Winner: 7D Mark II
Connectivity
- Canon 6d Mark Ii: Includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing for easy image transfer and remote control via a smartphone.
- 7d Mark Ii: Lacks built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, requiring an external adapter for wireless connectivity.
- Winner: 6D Mark II
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Image Quality (Overall) | 6D Mark II |
| Autofocus | 7D Mark II |
| Continuous Shooting | 7D Mark II |
| Low Light Performance | 6D Mark II |
| Build Quality | 7D Mark II |
| Video Features | Tie |
| Portability | 6D Mark II |
What They Have in Common:
- Full Hd Video: Both cameras are capable of recording Full HD 1080p video, providing good quality for general video needs.
- Built-in Wi-Fi: Both the 6D Mark II and the 7D Mark II feature built-in Wi-Fi, allowing for easy image transfer and remote control capabilities.
- Weather Sealing: Both cameras offer weather sealing, protecting them from dust and moisture, making them suitable for use in various environments.
- Canon’s Image Quality: Both cameras benefit from Canon’s excellent image quality, known for its pleasing colors and overall performance.
- Ef Lens Compatibility: Both cameras are compatible with Canon’s extensive EF lens lineup, offering a wide range of options for different shooting scenarios.
Canon 6D Mark II vs 7D Mark II Buying Guide
Image Quality and Sensor Performance
The Canon 6D Mark II boasts a full-frame sensor, offering superior image quality, especially in low-light situations. This means cleaner images with less noise at higher ISO settings, allowing for better performance in challenging lighting conditions. The 7D Mark II, with its APS-C sensor, still delivers excellent image quality, but it doesn’t match the low-light capabilities and shallower depth of field control offered by the 6D Mark II’s larger sensor. The 6D Mark II provides wider dynamic range, capturing more detail in shadows and highlights, which is beneficial for landscape and portrait photography.
Autofocus System and Performance
The 7D Mark II excels in autofocus performance, particularly for action and wildlife photography. Its advanced 65-point all-cross-type AF system provides fast and accurate subject tracking, crucial for capturing fast-moving subjects. The 6D Mark II’s autofocus system, while improved over its predecessor, is less sophisticated, featuring 45 autofocus points. Although it performs well in most situations, it may struggle compared to the 7D Mark II when tracking erratic movements. Consider the subject matter when choosing between the two cameras based on AF performance. (See Also: Nest Cam Vs Ring )
Video Capabilities
The 6D Mark II offers Full HD video recording with features like Dual Pixel CMOS AF for smooth and reliable autofocus during video capture. It also includes a vari-angle touchscreen LCD, making it easier to film from various angles. The 7D Mark II also records Full HD video, but its video features are less advanced. It lacks Dual Pixel CMOS AF, and its LCD is not articulating. For videographers, the 6D Mark II is generally the better choice due to its advanced features and ease of use.
Durability and Build Quality
Both cameras are built to withstand the rigors of professional use, but the 7D Mark II is often considered slightly more robust. Its weather sealing and rugged construction make it well-suited for demanding environments and outdoor photography. The 6D Mark II also offers good build quality, but it might not be quite as resilient in extreme conditions. Consider the expected shooting environment when making your decision, especially if you anticipate exposure to rain, dust, or temperature extremes.
Ergonomics and Handling
The 7D Mark II features a larger body with more physical controls, making it easier to adjust settings quickly. This is a significant advantage for experienced photographers who prefer direct access to controls. The 6D Mark II is smaller and lighter, which can be advantageous for travel and general photography. Its ergonomics are well-designed, but it offers fewer physical buttons. The best choice depends on your preference for a more compact design versus a camera with more dedicated controls.
Price and Value
The 6D Mark II and 7D Mark II are available at different price points, and their value depends on your specific needs. The 6D Mark II is a more modern camera that has a full-frame sensor. While the 7D Mark II offers great performance, it’s older. Therefore, the price difference will be a factor. Consider your budget and the features that are most important to you when assessing the overall value offered by each camera. Consider the accessories, as well, as these can add to the total cost. (See Also: Lose It Vs Weight Watchers )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy 6D Mark II If…
- You prioritize a full-frame sensor for better low-light performance and shallower depth of field.
- You value a lighter and more compact body for easier portability.
- You want a vari-angle touchscreen LCD for flexible shooting angles.
- You are looking for a camera with good image quality at a more affordable price point.
Buy 7D Mark II If…
- You need faster continuous shooting speeds for capturing action and sports.
- You require a more robust and durable build for demanding environments.
- You need a more advanced autofocus system with more focus points for tracking fast-moving subjects.
- You prefer a viewfinder with 100% coverage for accurate framing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which camera has a better sensor?
The Canon 6D Mark II has a full-frame sensor, which generally provides superior image quality, especially in low light. This means better noise performance at higher ISOs and wider dynamic range. The 7D Mark II has an APS-C sensor, which is still capable of excellent images but doesn’t match the low-light capabilities or shallow depth-of-field control of the 6D Mark II.
Which camera is better for action photography?
The 7D Mark II is generally better for action photography. Its advanced autofocus system with 65 points and faster continuous shooting speeds are designed for tracking and capturing fast-moving subjects. The 6D Mark II’s autofocus system is also good, but it is not as robust for action photography and wildlife photography. It has fewer autofocus points.
Does the 6D Mark II have better video features?
Yes, the Canon 6D Mark II offers more advanced video features, including Dual Pixel CMOS AF for smooth autofocus during video recording. It also features a vari-angle touchscreen LCD, which is helpful for filming from various angles. The 7D Mark II has fewer video-specific features, making the 6D Mark II the better choice for serious videographers who need features and ease of use.
Which camera is more durable?
The Canon 7D Mark II is generally considered more durable. Its robust build quality and weather sealing make it better suited for demanding environments. The 6D Mark II also has good build quality, but its construction might not be as resilient in harsh conditions. Consider where the camera will be used and how it will be exposed to the elements when making your choice. (See Also: Bose Quiet Comfort Vs Airpods Pro )
Which camera is easier to handle?
This depends on personal preference. The 7D Mark II has a larger body with more physical controls, which experienced photographers may prefer for quick adjustments. The 6D Mark II is smaller and lighter, which can be easier to handle for travel and general photography. It has fewer physical controls, which means less direct access to settings.
Which camera is better for low-light photography?
The Canon 6D Mark II is the better choice for low-light photography. Its full-frame sensor provides superior performance at higher ISO settings, resulting in cleaner images with less noise. This allows photographers to capture better images in challenging lighting conditions. The 7D Mark II’s APS-C sensor is good, but it doesn’t match the low-light capabilities of the 6D Mark II.
What is the price difference between the two cameras?
The Canon 6D Mark II and 7D Mark II are available at different price points. The 6D Mark II is often more expensive, especially when purchased new. However, the price difference can vary depending on the condition and if the cameras are used. Consider your budget and the features that are most important to you when assessing the overall value offered by each camera.
Final Verdict
The Canon 6D Mark II provides superior image quality with its full-frame sensor, excelling in low-light conditions and offering improved video features. The 7D Mark II, however, still offers excellent performance. It is a more robust camera, with advanced autofocus and is better suited for action photography. Choosing the right camera depends on the photographer’s priorities.
Winner: Canon 6D Mark II