Canon 5D Mark IV vs Canon 6D Mark II

 photo by aetb via iStock 

Canon 5D Vs 6D – Detailed Guide

The Canon 6D Mark II and Canon 5D Mark IV are two mid-size digital single-lens reflex cameras, both very popular among semi-professional and enthusiast photographers.

At first glance, these two cameras share a lot in common. They were both built around a full-frame sensor and there are no substantial differences in image resolution. Further, they have a similar ISO range and burst shooting speed, while there is the same autofocus system in both cameras.

With this being said, it might be strange to hear that a brand-new Canon 6D Mark II costs around $1,500 less than the Canon 5D Mark IV. However, there are reasons for this and you will understand why there is such a big difference in price after reading this article.

Canon 5D Mark IV vs Canon 6D Mark II – Image Quality

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As we already mentioned, there is the same full-frame CMOS sensor in the Canon 5D Mark IV and Canon 6D Mark II.

The 5D Mark IV offers a bit bigger resolution (30.4 MP) and produces stills of 6720 x 4480 pixels, while there is a 24.2 MP sensor in the 6D Mark II, capable of capturing stills of up to 6240 x 4160 pixels.

Both cameras produce images of outstanding quality and they will preserve all important details even if you decide to make huge prints.

Since the Canon EOS 6D Mark II release date was in July 2017, almost a year after the release date of the 5D Mark IV, this camera sports a processor of a newer generation – the DIGIC 7.

Maybe this is the reason why the 6D MII offers a bit wider native ISO range that goes from 100 to 40,000, in comparison to the 5D MIV’s native ISO range of 100 – 32,000. However, in both cameras, expanded ISO goes from 50 to 102,400.  

Once again, this does not make a big difference between these two models since you will rarely have an opportunity to shoot at high ISO settings. What is important is that both cameras produce great results in low-light conditions and images will be vibrant and detailed while shooting at low ISO. 

Canon 5D Mark IV vs Canon 6D Mark II – Specs

As we could see, these two models do not differ significantly when it comes to image quality. However, when we focus on other specifications, the Canon 5D Mark IV seems to be much more capable camera.

The first thing where the Canon 5D Mark IV beats Canon 6D Mark II is burst shooting. When looking at numbers you might not observe this difference. The 5D Mark IV offers continuous shooting at up to 7 frames per second, while the 6D Mark II offers burst shooting at up to 6.5 frames per second.

However, what places the 5D on the top is its capability to shoot an infinite number of JPEG files (well, until the memory card fills up!) or up to 30 RAW files, while the 6D offers only up to 150 JPEG or 21 RAW images.  

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV and Canon EOS 6D Mark II also seem to have similar autofocus capabilities. Both cameras feature a Dual Pixel CMOS AF system that works perfectly even in the live view mode and while recording videos. Additionally, they are both able to focus down to EV -3, which means they can acquire subjects even if there is not much light.

What makes the 5D Mark IV better in terms of autofocus capabilities is that this camera has 61 focus points while the 6D Mark II has only 45 focus points. On the other hand, only 41 AF points in the 5D Mark IV are capable of being cross-type, while all of them can become cross type in the 6D Mark II.

Finally, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV utilizes Dual Pixels Raw technology which helps you to improve sharpness in your images during post-production. This is a convenient feature and one more reason because of which the 5D Mark IV costs much more than the 6D Mark II.

Canon 5D Mark IV vs Canon 6D Mark II – Video Quality 

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If you are not only into capturing stills, but also looking for a camera that has a good video quality, then you should opt for the Canon 5D Mark IV.

Although the Canon 6D Mark II offers Full HD (1080p) video recording, most of the videographers would not be satisfied with this. The technology has advanced and 4K resolution is now more accessible than ever before. Additionally, the 6D Mark II offers only Full HD up to 60p which means you will not have a chance to create slow-motion sequences.

Meanwhile, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV offers 4K DCI up to 30 fps and possibility to extract 8MP photos from 4K video. It is worth mentioning that 4K video capabilities come with certain disadvantages since there is a 1.6x sensor crop on 4K videos. Also, the camera can make only 1080p videos if you use the external recording. However, this is still much better than what the 6D MII has to offer.

Additionally, the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV allows you to shoot 720p slow-motion videos at 120 fps and it has a headphone port which lacks in the 6D Mark II. Both cameras, however, feature a microphone jack and HDMI output.

The only thing where the 6D Mark II seems to be better than the 5D Mark IV in terms of video is that it has Digital video stabilization.

Learn more about features and capabilities of the Canon 5D Mark IV and Canon 6D Mark II in the video above by Jared Polin.

Canon 5D Mark IV vs Canon 6D Mark II: Body

5D Mark IV

If you are traveling a lot and carrying your camera with yourself everywhere you go, you might want to buy a model that will not be too much of a burden.

Both cameras we are reviewing in this article are mid-size and relatively compact (if you bear in mind they are DSLR models), still, the Canon 6D Mark II has an advantage when it comes to size and weight. The camera has dimensions of 5.67 x 4.35 x 2.94 inches and weight of 24.2 oz (without lens, card, and battery). On the other side, the Canon 5D Mark IV measures 5.93 in × 4.58 in × 2.99 inches and weighs 28 oz (body only).

Although it is a bit bigger and heavier, the Canon 5D Mark IV has much stronger build. Both cameras are weather-sealed, but the 5D Mark IV uses stronger material that makes this camera much more durable.

6D Mark II

Now, let’s compare LCD screens and viewfinders of these two cameras. The Canon 5D Mark IV has a bigger LCD display (3,2“ vs 3“) and higher resolution (1.620k dots vs 1.040k dots), but its screen is fixed. On the other hand,  the Canon 6D Mark II has an articulating screen which is definitely of use when you need to shoot images or videos from awkward angles.

With regards to viewfinders, both cameras have the same amount of magnification (0.71x), but the Canon 5D Mark IV features a viewfinder with a coverage of 100%, which means you will shoot exactly what your eye sees. On the other side, the Canon 6D Mark II has a  viewfinder with a coverage of 98% which is still quite good but you might not see the edges before you shoot an image.

Canon 5D Mark IV vs Canon 6D Mark II: Connectivity 

Both cameras have good connectivity options and you can easily connect them to your smart devices in order to transfer files or conduct remote shooting.

There is a Wi-Fi and NFC capability in both cameras, but only the Canon 6D Mark II uses Bluetooth technology. This is very useful since it is well known that Bluetooth technology sucks up very little energy.

Overall, the Canon 6D Mark II has much longer battery life. On a full charge, you can take 1200 shots with this camera, while you can make only 900 with the Canon 5D Mark IV.

One of the disadvantages of the 6D MII is that it has only one storage slot, while there is a dual card slot in the 5D MIV. Moreover, both cameras support only SDHC and SDXC cards.

Canon 5D Mark IV vs Canon 6D Mark II: Price

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Although I can’t say either of these cameras are cheap, luckily, there are platforms such as MPB where you can find well-preserved second-hand cameras at a much lower price than it would be if you decide to buy a new one. See why MPB is my go-to used camera retailer in my MPB review.

For example, the price of a new Canon 5D Mark IV is around $3000.00, but if you decide to buy a used one, you will spend only around $2,299.00.

Also, the price of a new Canon 6D Mark II is around $1800, but you can find a used one on MPB at price as low as $1,099.00.