Should I get, the 5D or the 6D? Why would anyone buy a Canon 6D? Which full-frame camera is best for video? Whats the difference between the 5D and 6D?
These are questions I get asked on a daily basis, so I decided to put together this video breaking down the 9 biggest differences between the Canon 5D Mark III and the Canon 6D. If you’re looking to get started in DSLR video and wondering which DSLR is best for you, I would suggest you start here.
Canon 5D vs 6D
Camera Differences
These are 9 of the biggest differences between the 5D and 6D DSLR cameras.
1. Aliasing and Moire
The Canon 5DmkIII has a built in Moire filter that will eliminate the artifact. So no more messy plaid suits or brick walls! Whereas the Canon 6D still sees the artifacts You can use a special filter to fix this issue. Check out this comparison between the two cameras.
2. Price
There is a $1500 difference between the 5D and the 6D at the moment. Over time these prices will go down, but there will always be a big gap. So think about whether or not the pros of the 5D are worth $1500 to you.
3. Auto Focus
The 5D Has MUCH better auto focus when compared to the 6D. Shooting a lot of spots? Maybe you should be getting a 5D. Filming almost all video? Than the 6D will do fine.
4. Build Quality
The 5D has better build quality than the 6D but not much. The big differences can be felt in the buttons, dials, weight and bulk of the 5D. This wasn’t a huge factor for me because I cage my video cameras.
5. Changing White Balance
As I mention in the video, changing white balance on the 6D is a little more involved than the 5D which has a dedicated WB button.
6. Clean HDMI Out
The 5D Mark III allows you to record video with an external recorder such as the Atomos Ninja, Blackmagic HyperDeck Shuttle or the Sound Devices PIX. No Clean HDMI on the 6D.
7. Raw Recording (With Magic Lantern)
UPDATE: I was wrong on this… You can record RAW on the 6D. The Magic Lantern hack is in pre-alpha, but it is possible. More info on that here.
Want RAW video on your DSLR? The 5D Mark III can pull it off while the 6D can’t.
8. Headphone Jack
No headphone jack on the 6D. While the 5D Mark III sports one as I’m sure you’ve guessed.
9. Dual Card Slots
The 5D Mark III has 2 camera slots (an SD and a CF) while the 6D has but 1 SD slot.
Conclusion
I hope this video has been a help to those looking for answers about these cameras. What is your opinion? Do you think there is something missing from my list of big differences?