New 6D Owner -- Images very soft

Hi Folks,

I currently own a 60D and like it for what it is. I have been wanting to step up to FF and right now, the 6D is the only option in my budget. I recently found a good deal on a 6D body and took the plunge.

My reason for the 6D was the improved low-light capability, and the overall benefits of a FF sensor. I do shoot sports occasionally (soccer), and will continue to use the 60D for that.

After having it for a few days, however, I have to say I'm not that impressed with the images, compared to my 60D. Using the same lens (EF 28-105, yes an older lens) on both, the images from the 60D are much crisper and sharper. The images from the 6D are very soft, to the point that it appears the camera is not focusing properly.

I've read very good reviews of the 6D, so I'm pretty surprised at my results. I am nowhere near a professional photographer, but have been shooting for a long time as a hobbyist/amateur. I was extremely excited to get the 6D, but am wondering if it's an issue with the camera, if there are tweaks that need to be made, or if my expectations were too high. It's extremely noticeable when viewing images at 100%, which the examples below don't convey. I don't normally pixel peep, but the first images off the camera were so soft, it got me to comparing the two at 100% and the differences were very obvious to me.

A couple images attached, same lens (EF 28-105/3.5-4.5), same focus point, straight out of each camera, shooting RAW. No PP has been done. First image is from the 6D, second from the 60D.

Thoughts?

Thank you.

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What were you focusing on? Can you post 100% crops?

jimlp wrote in post #16392406
What were you focusing on? Can you post 100% crops?

Focus point was the lower right corner of the building, just under the white roof line on the tannish bricks.

I'm at work and thus can't create 100% crops here, but will post those as soon as I have a chance.

Neither image is particularly sharp. This might be due to your 1/80 sec shutter speed. Were you hand-holding the camera or was it on a tripod?

(PS - I have the EF 28-105 lens and it is capable of taking sharp images).

I was hand holding. I'll retry when I have a chance to mount on a tripod and submit 100% crops.

oldvultureface wrote in post #16392438
Unless you have excellent hand holding technique, 1/80 is kinda slow for 78mm. You shot at 45mm for the 60D photo.

Agree. Will try to sneak out of the office and redo at a higher shutter speed.

The difference in focal length is because I was trying to frame the same scene with both. Due to the crop factor, I had to zoom out a bit on the 60D.

I realize both photos are close to the same framing, but 45mm is still 45mm regardless whether it's on a crop or full frame and more forgiving with regard to camera movement.

I'de retry with higher shutter speed for sure. If you're going to do handheld shots, at least a 1/250 and even then, pick the best of three.

Try shooting something closer or at least fills the screen more

Hmmm, i get the impression that the OP knows what he is doing, he has been shooting a long time, so while his posted images may not be perfect i would have though if his technique was bad he would have noticed long ago with his 60D, not just as soon as he gets his 6D.

Its not unheard of for some lenses to be worse on one camera and not on another. I'd put the blame there rather than on the image posted if its most of his 6D images, and with this lens.

I'd say to run some controlled tests, even the DOT.Tune test and maybe use some MFA if needed.

I also wonder about in camera settings like picture style, or even how the 6D images are processed (if different from the 60D images).

Agree with the lens on another body comment, the 75-300 I have is shocking on my 1D Mk2, but sharp as anything on my 60D! It was a very redundant lens until I tried it a few days ago.

I agree with others that the shutter speed is a bit slow. Also, at 45mm and f/4 that lens is most likely wide open. If I remember correctly, that lens performs a lot better stopped down a bit. When you re-shoot, use f/5.6 for both shots.

You may want to consider better subject matter for checking focus. A flat surface like a well-lit brick wall is a better choice. Compare an AF shot to a LV shot. LV uses an iterative focus process. It can be more accurate.

dave_bass5 wrote in post #16392488
Hmmm, i get the impression that the OP knows what he is doing, he has been shooting a long time, so while his posted images may not be perfect i would have though if his technique was bad he would have noticed long ago with his 60D, not just as soon as he gets his 6D.

Its not unheard of for some lenses to be worse on one camera and not on another. I'd put the blame there rather than on the image posted.

I'd say to run some controlled tests, even the DOT.Tune test and maybe use some MFA if needed.

First I'll try a faster shutter speed and shooting a closer subject, and will post 100% crops of those (I think I can do that with Gimp).

If the consensus is those look out of sorts, how good and easy is the DOT.Tune test?

Posting 100% crops of the original images, for what it's worth. Canon 6D first, followed by 60D.

Will get some more images with a faster shutter speed however.

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YashicaFX2 wrote in post #16392523
I agree with others that the shutter speed is a bit slow. Also, at 45mm and f/4 that lens is most likely wide open. If I remember correctly, that lens performs a lot better stopped down a bit. When you re-shoot, use f/5.6 for both shots.

But he has been using this lens for a while on his 60D if i read the first post correctly, so he is or should be well aware of what the lens can produce.

The Dot.tune method is the current "best and free" MFA checking method, its pretty easy to do and needs no special software or equipment.

I do agree it could well be camera shake in the posted images but its not just this image we are talking about, its most according to the OP>