The 6D vs the 60D focus system

Not looking to start a full frame versus crop debate or anything other than just these two camera system's focus systems.

So I picked up a 6D this weekend. My inital impression was disappointment, not with IQ but the focus points on the 6D. I was in my living room and while it wasn't the best lighting, it was far from dark, it seemed that the outter points just don't lock as fast or reliably as the 60D. I get that they aren't double cross-type like the 60D but is there a way to better utlize or familiarze myself with the camera's system? I don't like to just use the center point for composition reasons, what focus modes should I be using for most reliablility. Someone also told me that I should try and focus on a dark contrasty part of the subject to lock on.

I don't need it to be perfect, because I didn't spend as much as I would have on a 5DMKIII but I've seen a lot of great pictures on a 6D so I know it's possible. I guess coming from the 60D to the 6D kind of spoiled me on focus points. I tried out the 6D at Nebraska Furnature Mart and didn't notice it struggling too much with focus. On another note, my brother's 6D he recieved has major trouble locking focus with even the center point (he uses a nifty fifty) so he is exchanging it for a non-faulty one. Even mine doesn't seem as locked in as the one at the store.

What are the best outter points on the 6D and which scenarios should I use them in? The first pics I've taken with the 6D have def done better in low light but my rate that have been in focus haven't been as high as on the 60D, so I'm trying to increase my knowelege and understanding here.

Seriously, lets please limit responses to the focus system and how to better use it, I have the 6D and want to work within it's capabilities. I clearly understand it's not a 5DMKIII. I also want to get constructive help. Thanks in advance.

I don't own a 6d, but my knowledge is that the center point is the most sensitive in low light and can focus extremely well. Don't use the outer points in low-light.

Is there a "popping popcorn" emoticon?

My 60d nails focus most of the time. The rest of the time it's my fault.

The Center point on the 6D is more sensitive in low light than the 60D. The outer points are not as sensitive and are not cross type as you mentioned.

The 6D is very much a center point centric camera and from what I have seen it does a good job when center point is used. The outer points are better used in bright or studio lighting situations and their effectiveness drops off in lower light. Lens apertures would also probably come into play with the outer points as well, with wider aperture lenses being able to feed more light to those outer points.

I own both cameras (though the 60D is literally collecting dust) and I simply use the center point on the 6D at least 90% of the time (back-button focusing) and then recompose.

I have a 6D and a 60D. Certainly the AF systems are different. I am used to my 60D just working with any point I choose. The peripheral points of my 6D are OK as long as there is plenty of light and contrast. I bought my 6D for its low-light high-ISO goodness, and at that it excels. I keep vacillating on keeping/selling my 60D because I do, from time to time, shoot moving targets. I think I'm going to work with the 6D a bit more before I decide about the 60D.

I had a 50 1.8. I think your brother's problem is the lens, not the camera.

mclaren777 wrote in post #16764490
I own both cameras (though the 60D is literally collecting dust) and I simply use the center point on the 6D at least 90% of the time (back-button focusing) and then recompose.

So you've adjusted to the 6D it sounds like. How accurate is this back-button focusing when using wide apertures. I assume at 1.4 or so it would be difficult or does it nail focus?

mclaren777 wrote in post #16764490
I own both cameras (though the 60D is literally collecting dust) and I simply use the center point on the 6D at least 90% of the time (back-button focusing) and then recompose.

I am going to try switching to back button focus when I get my 6D tomorrow. How hard is it to focus recompose on fast primes without changing the focal plane?? Any tips? Also, do the outer points work fine for outdoor portrait photography with natural light?

And in studio, will I have to turn on a light to focus then turn it off if I am using off camera flash? I do nut run strobes so I don't have continuous model lights.

Ugh - I've been contemplating upgrading from my 60D to a 6D and threads like these make me wonder if I need to bite the bullet on a 5D3 instead. I've never had issues with the autofocus on my 60D, which is the reason that I decided not to go with a 7D from the start. I figured the 6D would be about equal to the 60D autofocus, and that the 5D3 was closer to the 7D.

I usually shoot one of the off-center points as well, instead of dead center. Is the 6D autofocus worse than both the 7D and 60D? I had always assumed it was about equal to the 60D, which made me think that it'd be perfectly fine for me.

giballi wrote in post #16764508
How accurate is this back-button focusing when using wide apertures.

I usually shoot at 2.0 instead of 1.4, but if you frequently shoot at really low aperture values, you could get an Eg-S focusing screen to help ensure accurate focus.

HazemG wrote in post #16764529
And in studio, will I have to turn on a light to focus then turn it off if I am using off camera flash?

No, the center point on the 6D might as well have night vision. I'm constantly amazed by its ability to focus in the dark.

If a linear focus point can't find a contrast to measure, simply tilting the camera a bit can sometimes help, as it will rotate the AF sensor as well.

GoHokiesGo wrote in post #16764551
Is the 6D autofocus worse than the 60D? I had always assumed it was about equal to the 60D, which made me think that it'd be perfectly fine for me.

On paper, yes, the 60D locks focus better than the 6D (unless it's dark –– 0EV can't match -3EV). That being said, the 6D tracks and maintains focus really well once it acquires lock. I rarely feel limited by the center point, but I'm primarily a portrait/wedding photographer so take that for what you will.

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mclaren777 wrote in post #16764633
On paper, yes, the 60D locks focus better than the 6D (unless it's dark –– 0EV can't match -3EV). That being said, the 6D tracks and maintains focus really well once it acquires lock. I rarely feel limited by the center point, but I'm primarily a portrait/wedding photographer so take that for what you will.
...

Not my experience. Though I admit my lack of experience with AI-Servo may be an issue, the 60D works better for me. I own both.

mclaren777 wrote in post #16764603
I usually shoot at 2.0 instead of 1.4, but if you frequently shoot at really low aperture values, you could get an Eg-S focusing screen to help ensure accurate focus.

No, the center point on the 6D might as well have night vision. I'm constantly amazed by its ability to focus in the dark.

Ok great. And you can focus/recompose in the dark and stay on the same focal plane? Thanks.

Also, how much is a eg-s focus screen?