Canon launches EOS 6D Mark II

Canon today, on the 29th June 2017, launches a new DSLR to their line up, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II. Prior to the official announcement, there had been many news and rumours floating around the internet and social media on the Canon EOS 6D Mark II. When I picked up the news earlier, I was looking forward to its official announcement. Finally, it’s official today!

The EOS 6D Mark II succeeds her predecessor, the EOS 6D, with significant improvements and enhancements. At this point in time when I am writing this article, I do not have the opportunity yet to touch, feel and test the EOS 6D Mark II. The views and opinions here are based on my analysis of the EOS 6D Mark II technical specifications.

What are some of the significant improvements and enhancements that stood out for me?

Touch panel vari angle LCD monitor

This is something that can come in very handy and useful for the photographer, don’t underestimate the touch panel with vari angle LCD monitor. It’s more than just for taking selfies or wefies!

All Cross-type 45-point AF sensor

The increase in the number of AF points and all cross-type from 11 (in EOS 6D) to 45 in the EOS 6D Mark II, this is a pretty big improvement! With this improvement, the EOS 6D Mark II is a pretty versatile DSLR camera, capable of handling different photography fields and situations.

Panning function in SCN mode

A new function that caught my attention, I would love to explore this new feature inside the Canon EOS 6D Mark II when a review opportunity arises. From the Canon Singapore video on YouTube, this looks an in-built 5 axis stabilisation for fast action photography.

Personal thoughts and views (based on technical specifications comparisons and analysis)

The world of full frame DSLR cameras is slowly opening up to photography enthusiasts, not just for the photography professionals. The maximum video quality is Full HD 60p, if you are not into videography or a need for 4K video, the Full HD 60p is more than capable and suitable for your needs.

If you are looking to own a full frame entry level DSLR that is affordable and packed with good technical specifications and features, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II would be a good recommendation.

Here’s the press release information on the Canon EOS 6D Mark II:

Canon today announced the launch of the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, the lightest DSLR in the EOS full-frame DSLR line that offers photography enthusiasts the complete arsenal of full-frame DSLR functions, packed into a nimble and compact body.

The EOS 6D Mark II is equipped with a 26.2 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor that delivers exceptionally clear images even under low light conditions, and is capable of achieving an impressive background blur effect – a key characteristic of large sensors. Equipped with Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology for high-performance focus tracking in Live View mode as well as DIGIC 7 image processor for high image quality even in dimly lit situations, the EOS 6D Mark II boasts of significant feature enhancements as compared to its predecessor. A first in Canon’s full-frame DSLR range, the EOS 6D Mark II is designed with a versatile Vari-angle touch panel, giving users the flexibility of shooting from a high or low angle.

“In a time where there is increasingly keen interest and demand for top-notch image quality, the EOS 6D Mark II opens the gateway to full-frame photography for photography enthusiasts who are looking to up their game”, said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore. “Conscientious thought has been given to the EOS 6D Mark II to ensure a compact design and intuitive usability, so as to empower a new generation of full-frame photography enthusiasts with superior still and video innovations.”

Achieve Precise Shots with Fast Focus & Clarity

With a huge leap from 11-point in the EOS 6D to 45-point all cross-type AF system, the 45-point all cross-type AF system provides AF coverage over an expanded area during viewfinder shooting. Of the 45 points, 27 are f/8 compatible, resulting in excellent performance when using an extender.

Additionally, the EOS 6D Mark II possesses a continuous shooting speed of up to 6.5 fps, which promises sharp image capture of even fast-moving subjects. In Live View mode, continuous shooting speed is still impressive at up to 4 fps. Coupled with enhanced ISO speeds of up to 40,000 (expandable to 102,400), users are able to capture exceptionally low noise images. With the sensitivity of the center AF point rated at -3EV, the EOS 6D Mark II can consistently acquire focus in extremely low light levels (roughly equivalent to light cast by a full moon).

The EOS 6D Mark II is equipped with a 7560 pixel RGB+IR metering sensor and a colour detection AF that enables consistent and accurate exposure in various lighting conditions. It automatically detects skin tones and prioritises focus on human subjects within the frame. With the addition of the lens aberration correction settings, the EOS 6D Mark II automatically detects the lens paired, and corrects distortion and diffraction at the time of shooting.

To offer users unbridled flexibility and room for creative expression, several features are incorporated as a first in Canon’s full-frame EOS series. Sporting a Vari-angle touchscreen LCD monitor, users will be able shoot from high to low angles nimbly. This is complemented by the inclusion of the brand new Panning function. This Panning function helps in enhancing the background blur while keeping the main subject in focus by automatically selecting the optimal shutter speed by analysing the panning speed of the camera and the speed of the subject.

Through the Intelligent Viewfinder, users have quick and easy access to all shooting information without needing to look away from the viewfinder. The battery life of the EOS 6D Mark II can also be extended to accommodate longer shooting hours with the optional battery grip (BG-E21) which houses 2 pieces of LP-E6N batteries. Ergonomically designed, users will find that the EOS 6D Mark II paired with the BG-E21 battery grip allows for greater ease and comfort, especially when shooting in portrait mode.

Creating Moving Art with Advanced Technology

The affordable EOS 6D Mark II offers videographers the enjoyable experience of shooting professional movies in full HD at a seamless 60p. Powered by the high speed Dual Pixel CMOS AF, a proprietary Canon-developed technology, smooth and high performance focus tracking can be achieved when shooting in both Live View and movie mode. When recording movies, the EOS 6D Mark II is able to continuously track the movements of subjects seamlessly, and also enable users to switch focus from a foreground subject to a background subject quickly and simply via touch focus on the Vari-angle LCD.

In addition, tracking sensitivity and AF speed can be customised to allow movie-makers to create their desired effects. To combat shaky footages caused by movement, Movie digital IS provides the highly effective 5-axis image stabilization to support handheld shoots, even when paired with non-IS lenses.

With the 4K Time-lapse movie function, movie-makers can also capture moods and moments by combining still images shot at intervals over time. For example, users can produce a high quality Time-lapse movie of the sunrise, sunset, moving clouds or heavy traffic on a bustling street.

Seamless Connectivity

With Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, users can transfer images and videos from the camera to the smart devices and upload them onto the Canon Image Gateway, social media platforms and cloud storage. Also by using the Canon Camera Connect app, users have real-time control of camera settings such as shutter speed, focus selection and self-timer and more.

In addition, the EOS 6D Mark II features Bluetooth low energy technology which maintains constant connection to a compatible smart device at a low power consumption. With this constant connection, users can view images and start remote capture from the camera even when it is in Auto Power Off mode. Smart devices, when paired with Bluetooth, can wake the camera up, and then switch to Wi-Fi for browsing and viewing images or performing remote capture (with Live View).

Equipped with a GPS receiver, users can also log coordinates of every place that they have photographed, which can be stored as metadata accompanying each image. A GPS log can also be kept to create a map of places photographed as a record of the places the user has been to.

Pricing and Availability

The EOS 6D Mark II will be available at authorised Canon dealers on 27 July 2017 at the following recommended retail prices.

Customers who make a pre-order from 13 July 2017 to 26 July 2017 will be entitled to a free Canon professional camera bagpack worth $289.

Model	Recommended Retail Price (Inclusive of GST)
EOS 6D Mark II Body (Body only)	S$2,899
EOS 6D Mark II (w/24-70 L IS)	S$3,949
EOS 6D Mark II (w/24-105 L IS II)	S$4,299