Canon 6D vs 7D – What Are the Key Differences?
- The Canon 6D DSLR vs 5D Mark III – Head-to-Head Comparison - December 13, 2021
- Reasons to Love the Nikon D3400 - December 13, 2021
- Get Out and Find Stuff: The Full SoloShot2 Review - December 13, 2021
If you’re looking to make the leap to a more professional DSLR camera, it can be overwhelming deciding which one to buy. Between the size of the sensor, the frame rate, video functions and low-light performance, even the most experienced photographer can have a difficult time making this choice. Two of Canon’s recent models – the 6D and the 7D – are both incredible cameras, but which one is better?
While ultimately the answer to this question is up to your own personal needs and desires, there are pros and cons to each model.
Designed for pros and semi-pros alike, the Canon EOS 7D DSLR Camera with 18-135mm Lens is a high-performance camera that features the resolving power of an 18-megapixel APS-C format CMOS sensor and dual DIGIC 4 image processors that enable 8 frames-per-second capture of high-definition.
In a hurry? Check out our high level evaluation at a glance here:
Canon 6D Advantages | Canon 7D Advantages |
More lightweight | 100% viewfinder coverage (vs 97% for 6D) |
Longer battery life | 10 AF points (instead of just 11 on the 6D) |
Lower noise | Faster shutter speed (1/8000) |
Slightly more Megapixels (20 vs 18) | Better FPS (8 vs 4.5) |
Better for still life (full frame DSLR) | Better for action photography |
Mark II version almost identical in price to the 6D (check here for latest) |
Continue reading for the full picture…
Canon 6D First Take
EOS 6D is the world's lightest full-frame DSLR equipped with a 20.2 megapixel CMOS sensor with a precision 11-point AF system and also offers built-in WiFi and GPS support.
Canon’s 6D camera is remarkable in the sense that it is the first full-frame camera offered by Canon at a lower price than its 5D counterparts. While the $1900 price tag is certainly not for the beginner photographer, it offers plenty of perks that may make the price worthwhile. If you care about the size of the sensor, the 6D might be the obvious choice. One of the biggest advantages of using a full-frame camera is image quality.
Because the sensor is larger, each photograph contains more detail than those taken with smaller sensors. Full-frame cameras typically perform better in low-light situations as well. The 6D is much smaller and lighter than other full frame cameras, offering a larger sensor in a smaller sensor’s body. This camera is also unique in the fact that it offers built in WiFi; now sharing your photographs on the web is faster and easier than ever. Another perk of the WiFi feature is that you can download an application on your iPhone or Android that you can use to control your camera remotely.
One drawback is that you cannot record video while the WiFi function is enabled. While this may not make a difference to those who are mainly using this camera to shoot photographs, being able to have an external monitor via WiFi would be a huge perk to many videographers.
Canon 7D First Take
Designed for pros and semi-pros alike, the Canon EOS 7D DSLR Camera with 18-135mm Lens is a high-performance camera that features the resolving power of an 18-megapixel APS-C format CMOS sensor and dual DIGIC 4 image processors that enable 8 frames-per-second capture of high-definition.
For those who aren’t as concerned with the size of the camera’s sensor, the Canon 7D is offered at a price of around $900 and offers plenty of its own advantages. This model can take up to 8 frames per second, which is only two frames behind the $6,000 Canon 1D Mark III. Its autofocus system offers 19 different focus points, ensuring that you’ll get a crisp image every single time.
The video capabilities will appeal to those who like to shoot both still and moving images; you have the choice of shooting in a wide variety of frame rates and can easily manually control the exposure. While the LCD screen isn’t as large as some of its full-frame counterparts, it does offer an electronic alignment grid and electronic level that you can easily switch on and off – making composing an image much easier.
Although it’s a cropped sensor, the 7D still boasts 18m megapixels which give each photograph plenty of detail. If you’re an avid outdoorsy type, the 7D may be the exact model you’ve been working for. Its body is made to be weatherproof (not to be confused with waterproof) and is slightly more durable than other Canon models. If you don’t plan on taking this camera on extreme adventures, you may find that the camera is a little too bulky for every day use.
Canon 6D | Canon 7D | |
Frame Rate | 4.5 FPS | 8 FPS |
ISO Range | 100-25,600 (expandable to 102,400) | 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800) |
Megapixels | 20 | 18 |
Weight | 1.7 lb | 1.9 lb |
LCD Screen Size | 3” | 3” |
Number of Focus Points | 11 | 19 |
Battery Life | 1090 shots | 800 shots |
Lens Mount | Canon EF | Canon EF/EF-S |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000 | 1/8000 |
Sensor Type | Full Frame | APS-C |
Maximum Resolution | 5472 x 3648 | 5184 x 3456 |
Viewfinder Coverage | 97% | 100% |
Price | Check here | Check here |
Overall Usage:
The look and feel of both models is very similar to older Canon models that you may already be used to. Although the 6D is more menu-heavy than the 7D, you’ll find that most of the controls you need frequently are available externally. All of the 6D buttons are on the right side of the LCD screen, while the 7D offers buttons on both the left and the right. To the joy of many photographers who are familiar with Canon models, both the 6D and the 7D offer the spinning wheel which allows you to change aperture, flip through photographs and navigate the menu quickly and easily.
Pros and Cons of Each
6D Pros
- Full-frame (less noise, better detail in final photographs)
- Lighter body
- Lock on exposure dial to prevent accidental changes
- More megapixels
- Lower noise at a high ISO
- Better color depth
- Offers a stereo microphone
- WiFi and GPS capabilities
- Built-in HDR mode
- Longer battery life
- Silent shutter mode
6D Cons
- Less outside controls (must control more within menu)
- No pop-up flash
- Can only use EF lenses
- Higher price
- Less durable body
- 1/180 max sync speed
- Doesn’t recognize third party batteries
7D Pros
- Durable, weatherproof body
- More outside controls (less time going through the menu)
- Pop-up flash
- Can use either EF-S or EF lenses
- Faster frame rate
- More autofocus points
- Lower price
- More viewfinder coverage
7D Cons
- No lock on exposure dial
- Heavier than 6D
- Cropped sensor
- Noisy popup flash
- In video mode, autofocus is not continuous
Something to keep in mind:
The Canon 7D takes CF memory cards, while the 6D takes SD. While it would be so much easier if every Canon model took the same type of memory card, unfortunately this is not the case. If you have a ton of one or the other sitting around, this may be the fact that pushes you over the edge one way or the other. And for those who are looking to make the switch from Nikon, neither of these Canon models offer more than one memory card slot.
Overall Recommendation
“What camera is best for you depends on the type of photographs you regularly shoot.”
The high frame rate of the 7D is perfect for those who specialize in sports photography or other forms of photography that require capturing motion. Those who specialize in these fields will also benefit from the 19 focus points, although the autofocus system may take some getting used to. Again, if you’re planning on taking shots outdoors and in various weather conditions, the weatherproof outing of the 7D is durable enough to be taken on these sorts of adventures. If you spend a lot of time photographing indoors, this may not be the best choice for you. Since the 7D has a crop-sensor, it doesn’t perform as well in low-light situations.
If you don’t spend a lot of time shooting sports or action, and spend more time shooting portraits instead, the 6D may be a better choice for you. Since the 6D has a full-frame sensor, it performs better in low-light conditions and creates a more shallow and pleasing depth of field.
The autofocus system in this camera only has 11 focus points, so it’s better for shooting subjects that are not moving. The 6D is ideal for those who are heading towards the more professional side of photography, since it only accepts EF lenses, as opposed to the 7D which accepts EF-s lenses (which tend to be – although aren’t always – cheaper than the EF lenses). You can find the 6D for a good price here.
EOS 6D is the world's lightest full-frame DSLR equipped with a 20.2 megapixel CMOS sensor with a precision 11-point AF system and also offers built-in WiFi and GPS support.
Overall, if you’re a sports photographer who doesn’t need full-frame capability, there’s no need to spend an extra $1000 on the 6D. If you tend to shoot more portraits, it may be worth it to shell out the extra bucks. You can find the 7D for a very competitive price right here.
Designed for pros and semi-pros alike, the Canon EOS 7D DSLR Camera with 18-135mm Lens is a high-performance camera that features the resolving power of an 18-megapixel APS-C format CMOS sensor and dual DIGIC 4 image processors that enable 8 frames-per-second capture of high-definition.