Canon 6D or...?

"AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC" (addictedtom3s) 10/17/2015 at 20:06 • Filed to: Camera equipment advice?

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The short version is: I will be purchasing a dSLR in the next month and I need some advice on what camera and lenses to get.

The long version is: I am looking for a camera with full controls to be able to take pictures during car events (for my own non-professional / leisurely use) and some occasional traveling. Currently I am using a Sony NEX-C3 mirrorless that I borrowed from a friend. Originally I was planning on a 5D3 but after trying it in a store I found it too heavy and big for my needs.

For lenses I’m thinking a 24-105mm f4L and a 50mm f1.8 to start? I’m open to suggestions for walk-around lenses suitable for car photography.

So Oppo, what dSLR and lenses should I consider? I’m looking at the 6D right now and it looks like the one I should get but I am open to suggestions.

Have some pics I took a few months back for your troubles.

TheHondaBro > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 10/17/2015 at 20:10

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New to DSLRs? Nikon D80.

Already familiar with DSLRs? Nikon D300.

As for the lens, I’d recommend a Nikkor 28-70mm, but you probably won’t be able to find one for cheap.

Flavien Vidal > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 10/17/2015 at 20:15

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A 6D will probably be my next purchase... Or a 5D Mark3... Either way, it’s a great camera, especially if you’re filming too. as for the lenses, I’ve noticed lenses around 35mm on FF cameras tend to be better at car shows. But the 50mm 1.8L is so damn cheap that you can’t really go wrong with it either...

Steve in Manhattan > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 10/17/2015 at 20:17

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I had Nikons forever (gave up photography eventually) and they were great. On the other hand, I’ve never heard any of my friends with Canons complain. I’d go to a store, hold them both in your hand, and decide which one feels better. You could even throw Pentax into the mix, but the two top brands have more aftermarket lenses made for them.

1111111111111111111111 > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 10/17/2015 at 20:21

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https://light.co/camera

Edit: better link

DasWauto > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 10/17/2015 at 20:30

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If you’re looking for DSLR control but in a smaller form factor while maintaining a full-frame sensor, check out a Sony A7 variant. There are a couple of A7 owners on Oppo (jbh and Alex [not sure which one, check photography.kinja.com]), maybe ask their opinions.

Those pictures you took with the NEX are good as well. I’ve got one of those too, an NEX-5R, which works very well for my needs.

TheRealBicycleBuck > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 10/17/2015 at 20:33

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You will find that this is much like the Ford/Chevy fanboy debate. It’s hard to go wrong with either a Canon or Nikon.

We chose the latter because my wife already owned a Nikon film camera and we could reuse the lenses.

TheHondaBro > TheRealBicycleBuck 10/17/2015 at 20:44

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Both brands have different inherent issues, but with Nikons, you can correct then with different lenses.

Stephen the Canuck > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 10/17/2015 at 20:49

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Budget? A 6D with 24-105 f4L IS kit should be pretty easy to find used or new for a decent price.

Since you’ve been using a Sony, I agree with DasWauto. Look into the Sony A7 or A7II, it’ll be around the same price as a 6D. The Nikon D750 is also a solid choice.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1046…

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1008…

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1082…

Try and find a camera store, and go in and try these cameras out in your hands.

Those are all very decent full frame cameras. If you want to spend a bit less money, pick up a Canon 70D or Nikon D7200 or Pentax K3/K5 (good crop sensor cameras).

If you want to stay with the mirrorless crop sensors, the Sony A6000 is a very good choice.

Anon > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 10/17/2015 at 20:57

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I am not saying it’s right for everyone, but I really like my A7! For my distict needs, or lack there of, it’s a wonderful camera! I really like manual focus so the ability to zoom in focus with focus peaking. The sensor is wonderful and keeps tons of details so you can edit extensively in post. Once you use it’s EVF you will not want to go back to an OVF! You can use pretty much any 35mm lens ever created on it! It’s nice and compact. It’s also really cheap now! You can get a refurbished one with kit lens for $1100! It’s overall a wonderful camera!

That said it does have it’s downsides. The build quality of the first generation is not that amazing (the buttons feel spongey). the battery life isn’t great, the grip isn’t that good (both of these problems can be solved with the battery grip!). You can not set a median shutter speed during AV, the native lenses are very good but EXPENSIVE!

All of this said I love my camera! I will however probobly upgrade to the A7II sometime in thr future as it fixes a lot of my issues.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > Anon 10/17/2015 at 21:04

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I lean back and forth between the 6D and the A7II. On the one hand a mirrorless would be more compact and new. On the other hand though I have found that with mirrorless cameras I have a little issue with holding them for extended periods of time since they’re so compact.

Native lenses are expensive but then if I were to get a non-native lens then that would require an adapter so it’d probably cost the same since I don’t intend to get a whole library of every lens. Although I’m not sure how the selection of native lenses are.

How bad is the battery life? Battery life is one the big factors I need.

Anon > Flavien Vidal 10/17/2015 at 21:07

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I tend to like 24mm because dat exagerated distortion!

Anon > 1111111111111111111111 10/17/2015 at 21:10

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When one of these crazy cameras actually works I will be amazed. The lytro cameras have jaded me.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > Stephen the Canuck 10/17/2015 at 21:12

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I’d say my budget is <2000 for the body and lens.

I’m on and off with the Song a7II. The lens selection looks kind of slim and non-native lenses require an adapter so that might push it over budget. With that said, the compactness of it would be nice but I find my hand begins to cramp up after an hours of use while using my friend’s mirrorless. How would you say the battery life is? I always hear people saying it’s worse than a dSLR but never how much worse.

I’m thinking full frame would be ideal since I’d prefer to be able to keep the lenses if I were to upgrade the body in the future.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > DasWauto 10/17/2015 at 21:21

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Yeah, looks like I have to strongly reconsider the a7II. I’m just a little worried about the battery life since the NEX completely drained its battery after ~300 pictures.

POD > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 10/17/2015 at 21:21

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If I were starting over, I’d get a used 5DmkII and invest in lenses. Just my 2 cents though.

Anon > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 10/17/2015 at 21:21

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Get a battery grip for it and it will be much more comfortable. Also the II has a bigger grip that’s more DSLRish.

The lens selection isn’t amazing but it’s only 3 years old as opposed to canon’s 20 years! That said, all of the lenses are amazing! I could survive just having the 55mm f/1.8 but it’s $1000 but it’s of the same quality or better of the Canon 50mm f/1.2! Also I get about 400 shots in normal usage with manual focus lenses. I think it would be around 350 with AF. 700 with battery grip.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > POD 10/17/2015 at 21:22

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How does your 5DII perform in low light? I’m looking for something that can perform under as many conditions as possible.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > Flavien Vidal 10/17/2015 at 21:38

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Yeah I was thinking of a 35mm 1.4 but the 50mm 1.8 is so much cheaper it’s hard to argue against.

BringBackTheCommodore > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 10/17/2015 at 21:38

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Excellent phtography! I’m quite impressed with those ... do you shoot for magazines by any chance?

I’ll submit to you Olympus cameras. Decent price, many of the photos I’ve take with one (albeit a point and shoot) were good quality.

I’d say test drive a couple of different brands and see which one fits you the best.

Flavien Vidal > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 10/17/2015 at 21:39

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I perspnnally got a 27mm 1.8L, but I currently have the japanese equivalent for a T3i, which is why it’s fine... With a FF, I’ll probably get the 35mm 1.4

POD > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 10/17/2015 at 21:41

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I’ve used it professionally for years now. When used correctly, it performs well. But I shoot with fast primes which really helps the low light performance. I find the noise bearable/usable up to around iso 5000

Here is a low light iso 3200.

www.flickr.com/photos/podruzny/14560452689/lightbox/

If you like, you can check out my photostream. Most of it has been shot with the 5DmkII. I’ve used ot for strobist, event photography, automotive, low light, portrait work, etc. etc.

All that said, lenses are the most important thing. Good glass will let the camera do what it needs to do.

DasWauto > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 10/17/2015 at 21:47

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Yeah, I get about 3-400 out of mine. I got a spare while in NYC this week. I don’t know if the A7 uses the same batteries but if you’re bringing an extra lens or two, a spare battery takes up negligibly extra space, you can easily keep it in a pocket if need be.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > Anon 10/17/2015 at 21:52

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Just looked the a7II on the BH and I’m actually quite liking it now. The bigger grip looks like what I am looking for. I’ll have to do some more googling on how it is now.

How do you like the evf over an ovf? I’m having trouble deciding which one I like better.

What zoom lenses would you recommend for it?

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > BringBackTheCommodore 10/17/2015 at 22:06

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Wow, thanks! I’m still learning but that’s high praise. I do not shoot professionally although I wish I could haha.

I briefly considered the Olympus E-M1 mk.II after seeing the Gizmodo post on it. How do you like it? I’d be open to trying one out.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > DasWauto 10/17/2015 at 22:09

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Good to know the battery life hasn’t gotten worse as the generations went on like some other devices these days.

I will definitely get a secondary battery regardless of which camera I end up with. After having my friend’s NEX run through all of its juice only halfway through my day in Monterey I learned my lesson about having a second battery.

1111111111111111111111 > Anon 10/17/2015 at 22:19

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Lytro was a letdown for sure. I have high hopes here. It seems like a win as long as they have proper cpu/gpu power to make it fast.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > POD 10/17/2015 at 22:21

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Your photostream is magnificent.

Looks like I’m going to have to seriously consider getting a used 5DII to save money for lenses.

Anon > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 10/17/2015 at 22:26

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I wouldn’t go back to OVF after using a7’s EVF. It’s easy to forget that it’s even a screen. It also makes nailing exposure great! What I typically do is use the multi metering but then set a button to lock the exposure on the center of the EVF for if I’m shooting against bright light. To make further adjustments I use the comp dial. With the EVF you can tell the exposure before you take the image! There’s also the fact that since it can boost the brightness to the viewfinder you can see F5.6 live without need to use the DOF preview button, this helps out extraordinarily when composing an image! Also if you choose to use manual focus lenses the focus peaking and zoom focus assist are things that are impossible with an OVF. The only thing that sucks is if you try to use it for astrophotography because all you will see in the sky is black unless you use an f/1.8 lens or faster.

Now as far as zoom lenses are concerned I don’t have any experiance as I just use nikon manual focus primes. However the sony 16-35 f/4 has received amazing reviews. The 24-70 f/4 originally got bad reviews because of problems with the first batch but the new ones are wonderful. Finally the 70-200 f/4 has been universally praised as a wonderful lens! However I would hold off before making any choices due to roumors that sony is going to announce 8 lenses before the end of the year. Sadly if you want anything faster than f/4 you will have to use the A mount adapter and get the 2.8 lenses for twice the price and size. Personally I think the high iso performance of the A7 is so good that the one stop isn’t worth the size or the price.

twinturbobmw > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 10/17/2015 at 22:39

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I will say that the 6D is an absolutely fantastic camera for the price. Along with the 24-105. If you do end up going with Canon I would recommend paying the little extra for the 50 F1.4 however. If you want to look at something different I’d look at the Sony A7 with a Canon lens adapter (Since Sony E Mount lenses are a bit lacking in variety). If you’re looking for picture quality and features I would say the 6D is the way to go, but keep in mind the Sony is much smaller and user friendly.

POD > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 10/17/2015 at 22:40

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Thank you very much. I’m very passionate about photography and have tried to teach myself as much as I could over the years.

The one major down side to the mkII (and it is easy to work around) is the autofocus. Only the center point has the cross type sensor. So basically I leave it on center point for autofocus, and recompose after the focus locks. It takes some getting used to, but it works.

As for lenses. I did a lot of research when I was in the market and I settled on the following:

Canon 135mm f/2L (easily my favorite lens, ever)

Canon 24mm mkII f/1.4L (the mkII is more expensive, but does a much better job of controlling CA and I feel it justifies the price increase)

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 (about 90-95% of the performance of the Canon 50mm f/1.2L for about half the price)

Tamron 90mm Macro (cheap, sharp, light, and great for macro work, and quite a few used ones on the market)

I’ve shot quite a few weddings with this set up (as well as a second camera, Canon 7D) and it’s been a great set up. I’ve never felt like I was missing anything. Well, maybe a longer telephoto, but for my work, it’s always been up to the task.

POD > Flavien Vidal 10/17/2015 at 22:42

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50mm 1.8L?? Are you talking about the plastic fantastic nifty fifty? It’s a great lens especially when stopped down), but it’s not an L.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > POD 10/17/2015 at 23:33

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That’s interesting. How would you say the autofocus with only one cross type sensor is when trying to catch a moving object like a car or person? Everyone seems to bash it but majority of those people haven’t actually used it so I’m very interested in knowing how it actually performs in real life with cars.

Stephen the Canuck > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 10/18/2015 at 00:03

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I have two Canon crop sensor DSLRs. Those I can average over a thousand shots per battery charge. From what I’ve read, the Sony A7 series cameras are around 350-400 shots per charge, so most people carry at least two or three batteries with them.

Crop sensor cameras can use full frame lenses, so if you were to get a crop sensor body, you could buy the lenses that you want.

A 6D plus 24-105 f4L IS would work well in that budget and leave you plenty left over for a bag and tripod.

The lens selection seems to be the biggest problem with the Sony A7 series. Tamron or Sigma needs to make their lens in the A7 mount.

POD > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 10/18/2015 at 00:22

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To be 100% honest, for very fast action I will usually use my 7D. So for a “because racecar” I use the 7D. However, that’s more because of it’s burst capabilities. When I’m panning I usually shot in burst mode, the 5DmkII is only 3fps, 7D is 8fps. Better odds that I’ll get what I want (like the shot linked below).

https://www.flickr.com/photos/podruzn…

For people though the 5DmkII does just fine. People usually don’t move fast enough for the autofocus to be a real issue. The only time I have to worry about moving people is in really low light, and even then, you can always manual focus. Below is a very low light shot from a wedding I shot this summer. Lots of movement, and with center point focus the mkII locked and took the shot with no issues.

And when it really really counts, the camera has not let me down. The shot below was from the same wedding and was a “must have” from the bride. It’s a photo of her aunt who has terminal brain cancer.

ISO 4000 and 3200 respectively on these low light shots.

All that said, I’ve had a lot of time to learn the 5DmkII quirks and have developed workarounds to let the sensor get the light and focus it needs to get the result I want. It’s a great sensor even despite it’s age. If you could get a used one for for a good price and have the patients to learn to use it effectively, it’d be a great starting point. I will upgrade my mkII at some point, but I’m in no rush.

RWS Motorsport > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 10/18/2015 at 04:31

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I had a look at a 6D before getting the 7D mark ii. I tend to shoot moving cars so ended up with the 7D for its higher frame rate and that its more specialised for this job.

The 6D looks good, but I would definitely look at the 5d if you can afford it. Take it from someone who walks around with a 7d & 100-400, you get used to the weight, and once you see the kind of pictures you can take you wont mind.

Lens wise, the 24-105 is a fantastic piece of kit. If I don’t know what I will be shooting I take that, as its just such a good all rounder.

as others have said, id go for the 50mm 1.4 rather than the 1.8. I haven’t used the 1.8 but the 1.4 is another very nice piece of kit, feels very high quality and takes some great photos.

Flavien Vidal > POD 10/18/2015 at 05:42

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sorry typing reflex memory lol... I meant to write F1.8 :)

BringBackTheCommodore > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 10/18/2015 at 09:03

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Professional shooting would be a good fit for you, based on the work I’ve seen you post here.

I’ve yet to try the new Olympus DSLRs. Nice cameras, but haven’t had a chance to use them yet.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > BringBackTheCommodore 10/18/2015 at 18:01

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Thanks! I guess I’ll just keep on practicing and see where that takes me haha. Maybe one day. That’d be the dream.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > RWS Motorsport 10/18/2015 at 18:55

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That’s good to know about the 24-105. Definitely sounds like what I’m looking for.

The weight honestly isn’t that much of a concern for me since like you said I’m sure I’d get used to it. From when I tried the 5D3 in a store the grip was rather large and I had a little trouble getting my hand around the entire thing. I might need to go back and try it out again though. Are you referring to the 5D3 or the 5D2? I’m looking into used 5D2s now and they seem to fit within my budget of <2000.

knowonelse > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 10/19/2015 at 00:59

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If you already have lenses, stick with that brand. Canon and Nikon have image stabilization in the lenses, thus more expensive. Pentax has stabilization in body. Just something to consider. I can use my old Pentax lenses still.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > knowonelse 10/19/2015 at 02:03

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I don’t have any equipment from any system at this point so that’s why this is such a difficult decision.

RWS Motorsport > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 10/19/2015 at 05:50

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I’ve personally only used the 5D3 as its what my mum has, so couldn’t tell you the difference between the two. As for the 24-105 you will find yourself constantly thinking ‘Oh I wish it had longer reach’ or ‘Oh I wish it was wider’ depending on how you use it, but as a starting point its pretty damn hard to beat.

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 10/21/2015 at 08:10

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You are lucky not already having bought into one of the major systems out there, so you can try and see which works best.

I already have a significant amount purchased in Canon glass (OK, the 70-200 f/2.8L), so my upgrade (from an 8 year old Rebel XSi, my first camera) is likely to be a Canon body.

The Canon plastic fantastic (EF 50mm f/1.8 II) is an amazing lens for the price you pay (practically nothing). The build quality isn’t great (duh), but if you drop it, big deal, buy another one.

And if you are outdoors, once it is stopped down a bit, it works excellently.

I can’t speak for the current Nikon or Sony offerings. But in your case, use whatever (Sony, Nikon, Canon) works best for you, and doesn’t get in your way of creating beautiful art.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs 10/21/2015 at 14:34

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Yeah it’s a blessing and a curse. I have complete freedom to pick what I want (aside from budget concerns) but there are so many choices out there. Even within brands there are so many choices. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit my inner masochist likes being spoiled for choice.

Hopefully the Best Buy located in the upscale shopping locale near my house has all of these models on display. The other local electronics stores don’t have display models of full frame dSLRs and I’m not willing to pay several hundred dollars to the online equipment renting services just to rent a few cameras to try out. Like you said though, at this point everything seems on par with the competition so I’m just going to go for the most ergonomic camera with a well thought out control layout.

knowonelse > AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC 10/22/2015 at 02:02

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Unfortunately, I don’t think just trying one out for even a couple hours is long enough to really get a good feel for one versus another. And also unfortunately most people have really used one system. Good luck.