Another 6D or 5D2 Q...

I'm looking at the 6D and 5DMK2 for low-light shooting - I am interested in the 6D of course, for the newer tech but occasionally deals come up on the 5DMK2 as well, and it's the same price (used) so my question is, how does the 5D2 compare to the 6D in high-ISO-low light situations for those of you with experience in both?

I've researched the specs on both thoroughly, and am not really interested in all of the bells and whistles, so the 5D2 would do me nicely assuming it comes reasonably close to the 6D's high ISO capabilities. I've compared raw files at 6400 ISO from both cameras and they look pretty close, the only difference would seem to be the 6D's see-in-the-dark autofocus, which would not really be a big issue for me.

I have not actually handled either of these cameras. I'm a center-point focus shooter as well, so I can live with focus-point limitations in both.

Cheers, thanks for any input.

Chris.

Ive had the 5D2, the 6D and now the 5D3.

honestly, the 6D blows the 5D2 out of the water. I was never really impressed with the 5D2 low light capability.

in fact, I prefer the files from the 6D over the 5D3, I just like the extra "bell and whistles" of the 5D3.

If I were in the market, I wouldn't even look at a 5D2. when you compare it to the 6D, there really isn't any comparison. the ONLY thing the 5D2 has over the 6D, is that it is a bit more robust. a bit more of a "professional" feel.

three years ago i had this debate with myself, yeah, i talk to myself big deal.

anyway we decided that the 6D was a much better low light camera. Plus they are going to be newer and last longer ... shutter count is just one metric and even cameras that sit most of the time wil age. Canon service on the 6D will go on for many years after the 5DII has stopped being supported.

Image quality is significantly better with the 6D. All that said, the 5DIV is coming out in a few weeks and I expect a flood of used 5DIIIs to hit the street once they are shipping. Depending on your cash position and patience, it might be worth waiting to see what happens.

edit: your f/4 lenses will appreciate the low light focusing of the 6D

I am also waiting for the used 5DIIIs to come down in price. I'll be purchasing another lol

Thanks for the input Brisket: yes, that's one reason I'm leaning towards the 6D, newer tech that will be serviceable for a longer period. I'm not worried too much about how robust the body is as I'm pretty gentle with my gear.

I am looking forward to low light for the f4's (and by the way - I've been muttering to myself for years - keeps the peanut gallery away from me when I'm shooting)

I've had a 6D for more than 2 years. I really like that it can see in the dark. I really like the clean ISO 12,800 JPGs and workable 25,600 raws. I don't use ISO much higher than 3200 since I've been buying fast(er) primes. The center point of the 6D is so good that it can focus with the lens cap on. OK, perhaps that is a bit too far. But it is really good.

What I don't like about the 6D is mostly meaningless. A max shutter of 1/4000 gets in the way very rarely. I don't think I've ever had 'safety shift' stop me down to f/2.8, let alone past it. I can live with that. The 1/180 sync speed drives me up a tree. It is just stupid! That said, HSS is available if/when I need it. You don't lose much power if you stay at 1/250 or 1/300. In my opinion, the 6D just sucks at multi-AF point AI-Servo. If you stick to center-point, and can stay on target, the 6D is more responsive than the 7D.

I wouldn't consider a 5D2 just to get 1/250 sync and 1/8000 max.

Thanks Bassat: I do think the 6d will be the camera for all of the points you mention, and flash sync is not something that bothers me as I don't use it (yet! - we all know the domino effect of buying good gear... :lol

Thanks Lichter: good to hear from someone who's compared both files: I have looked at files from both cameras but it's hard to tell from a single scene comparison image shot with both cameras - you need to see the general 'spread' of a camera's capabilities over different types of shooting conditions and subjects to get a real comparison.

Cheers,
Chris.

So, 6D II it is then