Canon 5D Mark IV Vs 6D Mark II: In-Depth Comparison (2023)

Looking for Canon 5D Mark IV vs 6D Mark II?

This post will compare the Canon 5D Mark IV and Canon EOS 6D Mark II. I will share my opinion on both the cameras and will find the best one for you.

Let’s Begin.

Canon 5D Mark IV Vs 6D Mark II: Overview

Canon 5D Mark IV

• Sensor: 30.4MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
• Processor: DIGIC 6+ Image Processor
• Screen: 3.2-Inch Fixed Touchscreen
• Weight: 1.76 lb / 800 g
• Battery: 850 Shots

4.7 Out of 5

★

★

★

★

★

AmazonBHPhotoVideo

Canon 6D Mark II

• Sensor: 26.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
• Processor: DIGIC 7 Image Processor
• Screen: 3-Inches Flip Touchscreen
• Weight: 1.51 lb / 685 g
• Battery: 1200 Shots

4.6 Out of 5

★

★

★

★

★

AmazonBHPhotoVideo

Canon 5D Mark IV Quick Summary

Canon 5D Mark IV is a Full-Frame 31.7 Megapixel DSLR Camera. It holds a DIGIC 6+ Image Processor for Processing and Metering. Along with it, you get a Magnesium Alloy body that weighs 800 grams.

The Camera is packed with Specs like 61 Autofocus Points, Optical Viewfinder, etc. It performs great in low light with an ISO range of 100 – 32000. But, 4K videos are not up to the Canon 5D Mark IV mark.

Canon 5D Mark IV Pros and Cons

Pros

• Accurate AutoFocus
• Wide Dynamic Range
• Dual SD Card Slots
• Great For Still Photography
• Noise Free Low Light Photos
• Good Battery Life

Cons

• Cropped 4K Video
• Fixed Screen

Canon 6D Mark II Quick Summary

Canon 6D Mark II is a 27.1 Megapixel Entry Level Full Frame DSLR Camera. It is powered by DIGIC 7 Processor. 

It uses an Aluminum body that weighs 685 grams. 6D Mark II is packed Full of specs and features like 45 Phase-Detection Points, an Optical Viewfinder, etc. 

It offers excellent Low Light Performance thanks to its Full-Frame Sensor with an ISO Range of 100 – 40000.

Canon 6D Mark II Pros and Cons

Pros

• High-Resolution Sensor
• Great Low-Light Performance
• Fast Autofocus System
• Versatile Connectivity Options
• Responsive Flip Touch Screen
• Light Weight
• Compact Size

Cons

• Lack of 4K Video
• No Headphone Input

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Canon 5D Mark IV Vs 6D Mark II: Product Images

You can check out the Product Images of Both the Cameras Below.

Canon 5D Mark IV Product Images

You can check out the Canon 5D Mark IV Product Images Below.

Canon 6D Mark II Product Images

You can check out the Canon 6D Mark II Product Images Below.

Canon 5D Mark IV Vs 6D Mark II: Sample Images

You can check out the Sample Images of Both the Cameras Below.

Canon 5D Mark IV Sample Images

You can check out the Canon 5D Mark IV Sample Images Below.

See Original
EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
160.0mm · ƒ/9.0 · 1/125s · ISO 400 ↯See Original
35mm
35.0mm · ƒ/1.4 · 1/500s · ISO 500See Original
85mm F1.4 DG HSM | Art 016
85.0mm · ƒ/2.2 · 1/500s · ISO 160See Original
EF50mm f/1.2L USM
50.0mm · ƒ/2.2 · 1/250s · ISO 125

Canon 6D Mark II Sample Images

You can check out the Canon 6D Mark II Sample Images Below.

See Original
EF50mm f/1.4 USM
50.0mm · ƒ/2.8 · 1/1000s · ISO 125See Original
TAMRON SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 A032
70.0mm · ƒ/10.0 · 2/5s · ISO 125See Original
EF24-105mm f/4L IS II USM
30.0mm · ƒ/22.0 · 20s · ISO 100See Original
EF50mm f/1.8 STM
50.0mm · ƒ/1.8 · 0s · ISO 100See Original
EF70-200mm f/4L IS II USM +2x III
400.0mm · ƒ/10.0 · 1/400s · ISO 100

Canon 5D Mark IV Vs 6D Mark II: Photo Quality

You can check out the Photo Quality of Both the Cameras Below.

Sensor 

Canon 5D Mark IV has a 31.7 Megapixel Sensor Resolution. The sensor measures 36×24 mm. This Larger Sensor Area and Resolution give you Better Low Light Performance at Higher ISO Range with Less Noise. 

It allows you to Print your Photos on Larger Canvases in Better Quality and will enable you to Crop your Photos Confidently.

Its ISO Sensitivity Ranges from 100 to 32000. Ultimately, it gives you Better Range to Brighten or Darken Your Photo. 

On the other hand, Canon 6D Mark II has a 35.9 x 24 mm Full-Frame CMOS sensor, and its ISO Sensitivity Ranges from 100 to 40000.

Despite having Greater ISO Range and Similar Sensor Size, It is limited by its sensor resolution.

As a result, Canon 5D Mark IV gives you better quality output than Canon 6D Mark II in Low Light.

Even at upper ISO levels, Canon 5D Mark IV will perform better and will impress you with less noise, while Canon 6D Mark II Outputs Grainy Photos at upper ISO Levels. 

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AutoFocus 

Canon 5D Mark IV Offers 61 Autofocus Points, out of which 41 are Cross-Sectional Types, making it easier to Focus on 61 Points Efficiently. With the use of the Optical Viewfinder, Autofocus in Canon is superfast. Ultimately, it becomes a good Choice for Wildlife or Sports Photography.

On the other hand, Canon 6D Mark II offers 45 Autofocus Points, and all of the 45 Autofocus Points are Cross-Section Type. By providing only 45 autofocus points, it is limiting itself to being used in various scenarios.

Image Stabilization 

Canon 5D Mark IV does not offer Sensor-Based Image Stabilization. It does have Mirror Lockup. Ultimately, it compensates for the Slight Vibrations caused by the Mirror Flipping when the shutter button is pressed. 

As a result, you have to buy stabilization lenses built into the lenses.

Canon 6D Mark II does not offer Image Stabilization for Still Photography. But, It does offer a 5-Axis Video Stabilization.

Shooting Speed 

Canon 5D Mark IV offers 1/8000 to 30 Seconds Shutter Speeds. And Continuous Burst Shooting Speed of 7 Frames Per Second.

On a Bright Sunny Day, 5D Mark IV will give you Sharper and Clearer shots.

However, the Smaller 19 Shots Buffer makes the Camera Slower when you use burst mode.

On the other hand, Canon 6D Mark II offers 1/4000 to 30 seconds Shutter Speeds. And Continuous Burst Shooting Speed of only 6.5 Frames Per Second.

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Exposure

Canon 5D Mark IV offers you an ISO Range of 100 to 32000 that can be extended up to ISO 50 to 102,400. 

Canon 6D Mark II, on the other hand, offers a more comprehensive ISO range from 100 to 40000 that can be extended up to ISO 50 to 102,400.

Overall, Canon 5D Mark IV offers Better Control over Exposure while giving out great quality photos instead of the grainy images of Canon 6D Mark II.

Canon 5D Mark IV Vs 6D Mark II: Video Quality

You can check out the Video Quality of Both the Cameras Below.

4K Video

Canon 5D Mark IV does allow you to take 4K videos with a 1.4X Crop. It means that you can’t get a wide-angle in 4K.

The 5D Mark IV output large 4K video files due to its outdated codecs. A video taken at 4K at 30 FPS for 1 hour will output a file of size 226 GB.

The 5D Mark IV does not support high-speed data transfers for its card slots.

On the other hand, Canon 6D Mark II saves you post-production Time by not offering 4K recording. It only allows you to take a timelapse in 4K.

To be honest, none of these cameras are meant to capture 4K videos. However, if you are left with only these two cameras, we recommend you choose 5D Mark IV.

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Full HD Video 

Canon 5D Mark IV allows you to take Full HD 1080p at 60 FPS and 720p at 120 FPS.

HDR is available with 1080p, which will help your Camera adjust overly exposed video to standard and better-looking video.

There is No Crop at Full HD Video Recording, as there is in 4K. Though you will also suffer card speeds and large file output in these cases.

Canon 6D Mark II allows you to record 1080p at about 60 FPS. Again, none of these Cameras fit for videography, but Canon 5D Mark IV is a better option considering Canon 6D Mark II as its opponent.

Vlogging 

Even though the Canon 5D Mark IV is the Camera with better specifications, it is less suitable for vlogging.

Over 5D Mark IV, the 6D Mark II comes with one feature that makes it stand out. It is the Articulating Screen and the Overall Body Size. It is smaller and lighter to carry single-handedly.

I would recommend Canon 6D Mark II to start your vlogging and suggest Canon 5D Mark IV as an Upgrade.

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Audio Quality

Canon 5D Mark IV features a Mono Mic, while Canon 6D Mark II features a Better Stereo Mic. The Audio quality of both cameras is relatively straightforward and crisp.

Even though Canon 6D Mark II lacks a lot of features, it is still a better camera when it comes to mic.

There is always a workaround for everything, but if you are just starting out and want to concentrate only on video and the Camera to handle the audio, Canon 6D Mark II is your go-to Camera.

Canon 5D Mark IV Vs 6D Mark II: Features

You can check out the Features of Both the Cameras Below.

Screen/Display 

Canon 5D Mark IV has a 3.2-inch Touchscreen LCD with a resolution of 1,62,000 pixels. It allows Smooth and Easy Navigation through the Menu.  

A secondary display on top of the Camera displays the quick status of properties like ISO, shot number, etc.

On the Other Hand, Canon 6D Mark II also incorporates a 3.0-inch Touchscreen LCD with a resolution of 1.04 million dots.

You get 7 levels of brightness controls for better display in bright light. The Articulating Screen makes it easier to shoot in challenging situations.

You can flip it and rotate it at any angle you wish. And for that sole reason, Canon 6D Mark II is a clear winner over Canon 5D Mark IV.

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Weight 

Canon 5D Mark IV is built with Magnesium Alloy and Weighs about 800 Grams. 

On the other hand, Canon 6D Mark II has an aluminum body and weighs 685 grams.

It is much easier to carry around or pack in a BackPack. Although lightweight and small, it is also water and dust resistant as Canon 5D Mark IV.

Since the weight difference is about 125 grams, you will feel that extra weight after some time of holding the Canon 5D Mark IV. 

Ergonomics/Comfort 

Canon 5D Mark IV has a Bigger and Strong Grip. It makes it easy to hold for an extended period.

The Buttons on this Camera are well placed and come under Thumb Reach. It does not feel claustrophobic at all.

Since Canon 6D Mark II comes from the Same Segment. And, it does share the same DNA for Well Arranged Buttons.

Menu System 

The menu system of the Canon 5D Mark IV is Amazing. It is Touch-enabled and accompanies contrasting colors in its layout.

Canon 5D Mark IV also has Two Custom Buttons on the Camera to Map Frequently Used Functions.

The Menu Items are Well Arranged themselves. It makes it easier and faster to navigate.

On the other hand, Canon 6D Mark II also adheres to the same principle set. It makes the user experience better with faster, sensible, and easier to navigate menu items.

Both cameras have a great menu system and have a touchscreen LCD to navigate through it.

Viewfinder 

Canon 5D Mark IV incorporates an Optical Viewfinder. There is Zero Lag in its Functionality with a lot more accuracy.

Autofocus and phase-detection work faster and smoother in Canon 5D Mark IV. 

On the other hand, Canon 6D Mark II also has Optical Viewfinder. However, fewer Autofocus Points make it harder to shoot sports and wildlife photography.

Even though both Cameras share the same technology, Mark 5D Mark IV comes out as a Winner. Thanks to its 61 Autofocus Points compared to 45 Points of Canon 6D Mark II.

Battery Life 

Canon 5D Mark IV Powers itself with an 1865 mAh Battery. It can deliver up to 900 Shots when Fully Charged.

While taking time-lapse photos at 1 second, the Canon 5D Mark IV battery can last up to 3h 50 mins. 

On the other hand, Canon 6D Mark II can also come with an 1865 mAh Battery. 

However, the Camera is powered by a Much more Efficient Processor. It can take up to 1200 Shots when fully charged. 

Canon 6D Mark II is a Better Camera than the Canon 5D Mark IV in Terms of Battery Life.

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Connectivity

Canon 5D Mark IV interface allows you to connect another device via mini HDMI and WiFi.

On the other hand, Canon 6D Mark II can also be connected via WiFi and mini-HDMI.

Overall, in terms of connectivity, Canon 5D Mark IV takes the winning point with more options to connect to devices around.

Canon 5D Mark IV Vs 6D Mark II: Specs Comparison

Imaging Specs

FeaturesCanon 5D Mark IVCanon 6D Mark IILens MountCanon EFCanon EFSensor Resolution30.4 Megapixel (6720 x 4480)26.2 Megapixel (6240 x 4160)Sensor Type36 x 24 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS35.9 x 24 mm (Full-Frame) CMOSImage StabilizationNoneDigital, 5-Axis (Video Only)Mirror Lock-UpYesYesBuilt-In ND FilterNoneNoneCapture TypeStills & VideoStills & Video

Exposure Specs

FeaturesCanon 5D Mark IVCanon 6D Mark IIShutter TypeElectronic Shutter, Mechanical Focal Plane ShutterElectronic Shutter, Mechanical Focal Plane ShutterShutter SpeedElectronic Front Curtain Shutter
1/8000 to 30 SecondsMechanical Shutter
1/4000 to 30 SecondsBulb/Time ModeBulb ModeBulb ModeISO SensitivityPhoto
100 to 32,000 in Auto Mode (Extended: 50 to 102,400)
Video
100 to 32,000 in Auto ModePhoto
100 to 40,000 in Auto Mode (Extended: 50 to 102,400)
Video
100 to 25,600 in Auto ModeMetering MethodEvaluative, Partial, SpotCenter-Weighted Average, Evaluative, Partial, SpotExposure ModesAperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Shutter PriorityAperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Shutter PriorityExposure Compensation-5 to +5 EV (1/3 EV Steps)-5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps)Metering Range0 to 20 EV1 to 20 EVContinuous ShootingUp to 7 FPSUp to 6.5 FPS

Still-Image Specs

FeaturesCanon 5D Mark IVCanon 6D Mark IIImage Sizes3:2 Raw
5040 x 3360
4:3 Raw
4480 x 3360
16:9 Raw
5040 x 2836
1:1 Raw
3360 x 3360
3:2 JPEG
6720 x 4480
4:3 JPEG
5952 x 4480
16:9 JPEG
6720 x 3776
1:1 JPEG
4480 x 44803:2 Raw
6240 x 4160
4:3 Raw
5536 x 4160
16:9 Raw
6240 x 3504
1:1 Raw
4160 x 4160
3:2 JPEG
6240 x 4160
4:3 JPEG
5536 x 4160
16:9 JPEG
6240 x 3504
1:1 JPEG
4160 x 4160Aspect Ratio1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:91:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9Image File FormatJPEG, RawJPEG, RawBit Depth14-Bit14-Bit

Video Recording Specs

FeaturesCanon 5D Mark IVCanon 6D Mark IIRecording ModesM-JPEG 4:2:2 8-Bit
DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 30 FPS
MOV
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 60 FPS
HD (1280 x 720) at 120 FPS
MP4
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 60 FPSH.264/MP4
Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 60 FPS
HD (1280 x 720) at 60 FPSRecording LimitUp to 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds for DCI 4K (4096 x 2160)Up to 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds for Full HD (1920 x 1080)Video SystemNTSC/PALNTSC/PALBuilt-In Microphone TypeMonoStereoAudio RecordingMP4: AAC Audio
MOV: LPCM AudioAAC Audio

Interface Specs

FeaturesCanon 5D Mark IVCanon 6D Mark IIMedia/Memory Card SlotSlot 1: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
Slot 2: CompactFlash (UDMA 7)Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)Video I/ONot Specified1 x Mini-HDMI OutputAudio I/O1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output
1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone Input1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone InputPower I/ONot SpecifiedNoneOther I/ONot Specified1 x Canon N3 Control Input
1 x USB Mini-B (USB 2.0) Data OutputWirelessWi-FiWi-FiGPSGPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSSGPS, GLONASS, QZSS

Monitor Specs

FeaturesCanon 5D Mark IVCanon 6D Mark IISize3.2″3.0″Resolution1,620,000 DotNot SpecifiedDisplay TypeFixed Touchscreen LCDArticulating Touchscreen LCDSecondary DisplayTop: Status DisplayTop: Status Display

Viewfinder Specs

FeaturesCanon 5D Mark IVCanon 6D Mark IITypeOptical (Pentaprism)Optical (Pentaprism)EyePoint21 mm21 mmCoverage100%98%MagnificationApprox. 0.71xApprox. 0.71xDiopter Adjustment-3 to +1-3 to +1

Focus Specs

FeaturesCanon 5D Mark IVCanon 6D Mark IIFocus TypeAuto and Manual FocusAuto and Manual FocusFocus ModeContinuous-Servo AF, Manual Focus, Single-Servo AFAutomatic, Continuous-Servo AF, Manual Focus, Single-Servo AFAutofocus PointsPhase Detection: 61 (41 Cross-Type)Phase Detection: 45 (45 Cross-Type)Autofocus Sensitivity-3 to +18 EV-3 to +18 EV

Flash Specs

FeaturesCanon 5D Mark IVCanon 6D Mark IIBuilt-In FlashNoNoMaximum Sync Speed1/200 Second1/180 SecondFlash Compensation-3 to +3 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps)-3 to +3 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps)Dedicated Flash SystemeTTLeTTLExternal Flash ConnectionHot Shoe, PC TerminalHot Shoe

Environmental Specs

FeaturesCanon 5D Mark IVCanon 6D Mark IIOperating Temperature32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°COperating Humidity0 to 85%0 to 85%

General Specs

FeaturesCanon 5D Mark IVCanon 6D Mark IIBattery Type1 x LP-E6N Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 1865 mAh1 x LP-E6N Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 1865 mAhTripod Mounting Thread1 x 1/4″-20 Female (Bottom)1 x 1/4″-20 Female (Bottom)Accessory Mount1 x Hot Shoe Mount1 x Hot Shoe MountMaterial of ConstructionMagnesium AlloyAluminumDimensions (W x H x D)5.9 x 4.6 x 3″ / 150.7 x 116.4 x 75.9 mm5.7 x 4.4 x 2.9″ / 144 x 110.5 x 74.8 mmWeight1.76 lb / 800 g (Body Only)1.51 lb / 685 g (Body Only)

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Canon 5D Mark IV Vs 6D Mark II: Conclusion

To conclude, Canon 5D Mark IV is clearly a Better Camera than Canon 6D Mark II in almost all aspects. Of Course, there are a Few Aspects like Articulating Screen and Battery Life, where Canon 6D Mark II does better than Canon 5D Mark IV.

However, Canon 5D Mark IV tops Canon 6D Mark II in Video Quality, Photo Quality, Low Light Performance, 4K Video Recording, Better Autofocus Points, and much more.

Even though Canon 5D Mark IV won this comparison game, we recommend Canon 6D Mark II to new photographers if you want a budget Full Frame DSLR Camera.

For better understanding, Read Our Camera Buying Guide and Photography Gear Buying Guides. Also, Check out our other Camera Comparisons Posts Below.