Can't decide between the 70D and the 6D

I'd like some help in deciding between purchasing the 70D and the 6D. I've been shooting with a 30D for many years and it's now time to upgrade to something better and more modern.

Photographic goals

In order of priority:

1. Portraits
   
2. Fashion
   
3. Occasional wedding
   
4. Instructional YouTube videos
   
5. General photography
   

• It's brand spanking new. This camera was just released so I feel it's a bit more future-proof, as it has the latest technology.
  
• Great autofocus system.
  
• Good max speed (1/8000) and flash sync (1/250).
  
• The video autofocus is probably handy for someone like me who is not an experienced videographer.
  
• Touch screen and swivel lcd are probably handy.
  

• Image quality and dynamic range inferior to the 6D.
  
• The XXD series is (as far as I know) a more entry-level body.
  

• Great image quality thanks to the larger sensor.
  
• Better high iso performance and noise.
  
• Good dynamic range.
  
• Better low light autofocus.
  
• Larger viewfinder.
  
• Built-in GPS.
  
• More pro-sumer body.
  

• Pathetic 1/180 flash sync. I'm really afraid this would affect outdoor sessions with flashes (particularly when trying to overpower the sun or underexpose the background for dramatic effect. I know that ND filters and other tricks can be used, but it's still a limitation.)
  
• Poorer video performance.
  
• Fewer autofocus and cross-type points. Generally speaking a poorer autofocus system when dealing with anything action related.
  
• Possibly having to correct for lens distortion in post-processing due to the full frame nature of the camera.
  

Interesting conunderum you have there.

I think before looking at the features between the two, the biggest difference between the two is FF vs APS-C.

FF is going to give you:

- Better control in low light situations. (For weddings, this can quite possibly mean no flash required at all indoors, depending on your lens selection)
- Effectively Shallower DOF,
- sharper images too. (at a guess)

The trade off (in your instance) is fast AF, Flash Sync, and Video AF, plus it's going to change the effective focal range of your lens compared to what you're used to.

Fast AF isn't a big issue with portrait / fashion / wedding, so if you went the 70D I would see that it would probably be more of the lines of 'nice to have' rather than a requirement.

Flash sync, I guess it depends on how much you think you'll really use it, and the benefits of working with something else (such as using ISO 50) to work around it vs the benefits of FF. (There's always the hope that Magic Lantern will 'fix' this in a future release too, but I wouldn't hold onto that).

Video AF is the one that is going to be a big difference between the two. The question is, how much will you be wanting to do video's, and whether this feature is more beneficial than the benefits of a FF.

If you've never used a FF camera before, all I can say is when I grabbed the 6D, I was wow'ed by the quality of high ISO images, and DR.

As for the XXD series is being a more entry-level body, I wouldn't necessarily say that they would be any more entry level than the 6D personally. (And I wouldn't let that stop you). The 6D is entry level too, to the FF. (For some of the cripling stuff you've already mentioned).

The 6D is also much heavier than I anticipated. (Well I was coming from a 550D. It might not be 'as bad' from a 30D, I don't know but the weight isn't an issue for me anyway).

Be warned though: If you do go with the 6D, your future body purchases will from now on be more expensive.

Hope this helps.

tonytony wrote in post #16300011
The XXD series is (as far as I know) a more entry-level body.

Not necessarily. Already when the 5D was introduced it was an excellent sensor in a 20D body.

The 6D. Sounds like you'll benefit more from the larger sensor than from other qualities in the 70D camera body.

Read this first: http://fakechuckwestfa​ll.wordpress.com …-quality-and-other-stuff/

Take it for what it is though

I've not used a 6D but I have got a 5D3 and 70D. The 70D is the best crop camera I've used, and I've used quite a few. Not really done much video but the touchscreen and an STM lens does make it a breeze to get very good quality videos. I've got a video shoot booked for the first time now as I've not been confident of the capabilities of the previous cameras I've had. I'll use the 5D3 as an overall and the 70D for zooming in and out, then mix them in post.

With good lenses the 70D is an excellent overall performer and it's taken over from the 5D3 as the go to camera for macro, the articulating screen and wireless control from a smart phone make it easy to get the shots without disturbing the subject. I would of liked to have the 70D in time for a recent wedding shoot as I had to rely on the 5D3 for the low light shots as the 7D I had with me couldn't cope.

I think with your shooting priorities then a 6D is the only thing you'd be happy with. IQ seems to be important and coupled with great lenses both would yield a great result for you, however, the 6D is the one I'd choose and will be when I move.

I still love my 7D though. When it all falls in to place I just stare and stare at the images find it hard to believe that I took it.

tonytony wrote in post #16300011
I'd like some help in deciding between purchasing the 70D and the 6D. I've been shooting with a 30D for many years and it's now time to upgrade to something better and more modern.

Photographic goals

In order of priority:

1. Portraits
   
2. Fashion
   
3. Occasional wedding
   
4. Instructional YouTube videos
   
5. General photography
   

**snip**

Go with the 6D.

If you still can't decide between the two go for the 5DIII

very easy and simple
not shooting birds or sports
go for the FF bodies
5D2 , 5D3 or the 6D what ever

Ok, it looks like 6D it is. My main concern was the flash sync but I just realized that I can still use the 30D for the occasional shot where 1/180 vs 1/250 makes a difference in harsh light. There is no point in me buying an inferior camera (IQ wise and for my needs) just so that I can get another 1/250 flash sync camera. I'll just use the existing one for particularly tricky shots where flash sync is problematic. Thanks everyone.

You made the right choice...if and when you have any doubts just reread your own words...

What I like about the 6D

• Great image quality thanks to the larger sensor.
  
• Better high iso performance and noise.
  
• Good dynamic range.
  
• Better low light autofocus.
  
• Larger viewfinder.
  
• Built-in GPS.
  
• More pro-sumer body.
  

If video is in the mix AT ALL, I would take the 70d. The LVAF and swivel screen will make your life so much easier it's not even funny. Video on my T3i was infinitely easier than with my T2i simply because of the swivel screen. As long as you have someone else working the camera it won't matter fixed screen or not, so much. But if you're doing it yourself...yikes!

Congrats on whatever you get though!

I went from the 7D to the 6D. I'll never go back to crop. The image quality, especially in low light, and DOF are superb. The 6D's main weakness is fast sport shooting. I can get good shots, it's just harder to do. The 6D is the better tool for low light portraits. If you want both, get a 5DIII.

I am very happy with my old 5D (I had 1000d 600d 50d 60d) buy a full frame

Either get the 6D or get the 70D and a used 5Dc. Best of both worlds (sort of)