[twitch]

It's official; Canon's entry into the entry level FF category
http://www.dpreview.com/news/2012/09/17/Canon-announces-eos-6d-enthusiast-le...ull-frame-dslr

Hands on preview:
Just Posted: Hands-on Canon EOS 6D preview: Digital Photography Review

[TOUGEFC]

In all honestly, its specs are rubbish when compared to the D600.
Unless its has some sort of insane low-price, the D600 is going to kill it in sales.

[Verglace]

Its max shutterspeed is 1/8000 as opposed to 1/4000 of the D600, so that's something. I can't find what it's flash sync is though.

[TOUGEFC]

Its max shutterspeed is 1/8000 as opposed to 1/4000 of the D600, so that's something. I can't find what it's flash sync is though.

Yeah, I think thats its only key advantage.

[Samsungian]

If it had articulated LCD I would have buyers remorse adding another 5D Mark II to our kit.

Other than that, I agree Nikon D600 should outsell it, then again Canon has sold 20 million more eos lenses in 26 years than Nikon has sold total for F mount since 1959. All Canon Eos lenses made since 1986 will work on 6D whereas most Nikon lenses from 1977 work on Nikon D600. Earlier Nikon glass needs a do-able modification to mount properly on Nikon 6D.

Considering All Nikon lenses made since 1959 are easily adapted to Canon Eos mount with a simple glassless adapter costing $10-$40 my better guess is 6D will outsell D600.

Canon 6D starts out $400 more than K-5 did.
Nikon D600 starts out $300 more than K-5 did.
Canon 6D starts out $261 more than my 5D Mark II cost me almost 3 weeks ago.


Here's the press release from Canon HQ in N.Y.

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., September 17, 2012 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today introduced the EOS 6D Digital SLR Camera, a versatile mid-range full-frame camera with the durability and performance professionals require and the creative imaging options serious photographers crave. Canon has coupled the incredible image quality of a newly designed 20.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5+ Image Processor with the creative potential of built-in Wireless and GPS features. The camera also includes an 11-point AF array and 63-zone dual-layer iFCL metering sensor together with 1080p Full HD video capabilities, in an affordable camera body. Building upon the qualities that made the EOS 5D Mark II camera so successful, the EOS 6D bridges the gap for budget-minded photographers, videographers and cinematographers who are eager to step up into the world of full-frame imaging.

“The introduction of this camera completes a well-rounded ecosystem from input through output for Canon, allowing us to provide the right combination of features for every level of photographer. We believe the EOS 6D Digital SLR Camera along with our new PIXMA Pro printers will help unlock the creative vision of so many who aspire to capture and display their artistic abilities,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A.

Designed for advanced amateurs and videographers making the move to a full-frame Digital SLR, the EOS 6D fits neatly into Canon’s professional imaging system with an advanced feature set including full manual options for creative control in addition to new and intuitive automatic settings to help even novice photographers capture great images. The camera’s construction helps meet the needs of professionals with a 100,000-cycle shutter durability and EOS Integrated Cleaning System for high-quality vibration-based dust removal. Among the many advancements in Canon’s new EOS 6D is the Company’s proprietary DIGIC 5+ Image Processor that powers the camera’s fast 14-bit analog-to-digital conversion for exceptionally smooth color tones and gradation. The camera offers a full-frame, 20.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and continuous shooting up to 4.5 frames per second (fps).

Thanks to the combination of its new CMOS image sensor and the powerful DIGIC 5+ image processor, the EOS 6D provides a wide ISO range from 100-25600 with a low setting, L: 50 and two high settings, H1: 51200 and H2: 102400. These outstanding low-light capabilities allow the EOS 6D to easily capture dimly lit scenes such as wedding ceremonies, indoor corporate events, or landscapes at dusk. To support the ample sensitivity of the new camera’s sensor, the EOS 6D camera’s Auto Focus (AF) system includes a newly-developed 11-point AF sensor featuring a high-precision center cross-type point with an exceptional EV -3 sensitivity rating for accurate focusing even in extremely low-light conditions.

The EOS 6D has a large 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor with 1,040,000 dot VGA resolution and 170 degree viewing angle, with high-transparency multicoating for maximum protection and clarity when viewing images or navigating menu screens. When used for Live View shooting, the camera’s bright high-performance LCD screen provides 100 percent coverage, for easy focusing and framing.

Full-Frame 1080p Full HD Video
Videographers, student filmmakers, and creative independent spirits will appreciate the full-frame video capabilities of the EOS 6D in an affordable and compact body. Borrowing from the best of the EOS 5D-series, the EOS 6D provides full manual control over exposure and audio levels while recording video. The camera features NTSC and PAL video modes at multiple frame rates, recording 1080p at 30 (29.97), 24 (23.976) and 25 fps, 720p at 60 (59.94) and 50 fps and standard video at 30 (29.97) and 25 fps. The camera provides up to 29 minutes and 59 seconds of continuous recording (with 4GB automatic file partitioning) in selectable All i-framei or IPB compressions with embedded timecode. Especially when used with large aperture lenses, the EOS 6D camera’s full-frame sensor offers a tremendous degree of creative control over depth-of-field, helping users to achieve pro-quality cinematic effects in Full HD video recordings.

Built-in Wireless and GPS
For the ultimate in DSLR connectivity and control, the EOS 6D features a built-in wireless transmitter which allows the camera to share images and video with the user’s choice of wireless devices such as select PowerShot cameras, smartphones, or tablets, as well as cloud-based destinations including social networking sites through the Canon iMAGE GATEWAYii iii. A very intuitive and useful wireless feature is the new, free Canon EOS Remote app available for iOS and Android systems which will allow a smartphone or wireless device such as a tablet to remotely connect, control and operate the connected EOS 6Div. This seamless connection and control will open new opportunities for professional photographers shooting weddings or remote wildlife, without the need for tethered operation or accessories.

For on-location shooters, landscape photographers or enthusiast photo travelers, the EOS 6D features a built-in GPS receiver to record longitude, latitude, elevation and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) as EXIF data for seamless geo-tagging while shooting. The GPS coordinates are appended to each image and easily syncs with Canon software or mapping apps on social network sites to show image locations. Use of UTC data allows images to be chronologically mapped and trails plotted and recorded.v

Boundless Creativity
To help photographers unlock their full creative potential and explore all the different avenues of digital photography, the EOS 6D includes several creative modes for image capture. First is the HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode allowing the camera to capture three separate exposures and combine them in-camera for a stunning image capturing both enhanced shadow detail and bright highlights. Next is the camera’s Multiple Exposure mode where users can combine up to nine individual images into a single composite image, with no need for later computer post-processing. Four different compositing methods are provided for maximum creative control, including Additive, Average, Bright and Dark. Compositing results can be viewed in real time on the camera’s LCD monitor, and there is a one-step Undo command that allows photographers to delete an image and try again if desired. The EOS 6D will even allow photographers to specify a previously captured RAW image as the starting point for a new Multiple Exposure composite image. In addition to HDR and Multiple Exposure modes are Canon’s standard Scene Intelligent Auto and special scene modes to capture great images with ease. The camera is compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards including the new Ultra High Speed (UHS-I) cards.

Pricing and Availability
The EOS 6D Digital SLR Camera will be sold in a body-only configuration at an estimated retail price of $2,099.00 and it will additionally be offered in a kit version with Canon’s EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM zoom lens at an estimated retail price of $2,899.00. Both configurations are expected to be available in December 2012.

[deadwolfbones]

The reaction on the Canon forums is that this is a poorly warmed-over 5D Mk II...

[Rondec]

Canon had the advantage in the sensor world for awhile, but it seems like they have run out of options lately. Everything they release recently feels like it is second best to whatever Nikon just released. I know a lot of this is Sony's doing and some pretty amazing tech coming Nikon's way, but still... Canons answer to the D800 is the 5D Mk III? Their answer to the D600 is to rerelease the 5D Mk II? Just feels like they are running on empty.

[rawr]

No built-in flash but it has WiFi?
Why?

[deadwolfbones]

Of course there's a built-in flash.

[Jasvox]

Of course there's a built-in flash.

From the specs:
Built-in flash: No

Jason

[pinholecam]

If it was $200 cheaper than D600, it would create and impression of afford ability over advanced aps-c and lower end FF options.
Its specs vs the D600 even suggested it would be priced lower, by saving here and there.
But now that the price is known, it seems its just a tie.
It will sell purely on the Canon name and the general impression the Canon has cheaper lenses (not meaning better lenses)

[deadwolfbones]

From the specs:
Built-in flash: No

Jason

Oh wow, you're right. Hmm!

[jogiba]

One of the key themes of Photokina 2012 is shaping up be the resurgence of the full frame format, with the launch of a raft of cameras featuring 24x36mm sensors. First up was Sony, with its SLR-like Alpha SLT-A99 and Cyber-Shot RX1 fixed-lens compact. Now, just four days after arch-rival Nikon announced what it billed as the 'smallest and lightest full frame DSLR' in the shape of the D600, Canon has revealed its own contender - the EOS 6D.

The EOS 6D is best seen as a full frame version of the EOS 60D - indeed it's very similar in both control layout and dimensions. Its front profile is very similar to the Nikon D600, but it's rather slimmer front-to-back, and lighter too. However it differs from the Nikon in a number of key respects; for example it has Wi-Fi and GPS built-in, while the D600 offers a distinctly higher spec'ed autofocus system, dual card slots and a built-in flash.

Canon EOS 6D key specifications
•20.2MP full frame CMOS sensor
•DIGIC 5+ image processor
•ISO 100-25600 standard, 50-102800 expanded
•4.5 fps continuous shooting
•'Silent' shutter mode
•1080p30 video recording, stereo sound via external mic
•11 point AF system, center point cross-type and sensitive to -3 EV
•63 zone iFCL metering system
•97% viewfinder coverage; interchangeable screens (including Eg-D grid and Eg-S fine-focus)
•1040k dot 3:2 3" ClearView LCD (fixed)
•Single SD card slot
•Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS
•Single-axis electronic level

The EOS 6D is built around a new Canon CMOS sensor, which offers a pixel count of 20.2MP (compared to the D600 and A99's 24MP, or the 5D Mark III's 22MP). In concert with the DIGIC 5+ processor it offers a standard ISO range of 100-25600, expandable down to 50 and up to 102,400. The AF system has 11 points, but only the central one is cross-type (i.e. sensitive to both vertical and horizontal detail). However according to Canon to will operate at extremely low light levels; right down to -3 EV – a stop dimmer than the 5D Mark III.

The EOS 6D's most eye-catching additions are integrated GPS and Wi-Fi - their first appearance on a Canon SLR. The GPS unit includes exactly the same functionality as on the company's compacts - it can embed location data into every image, and has a logging function that can keep track of where you've been through the day. This, we suspect, will be most-popular with landscape and travel photographers.

The integrated Wi-Fi unit has the basic functionality you might expect, allowing transfer of images to a smartphone or tablet, and direct upload to social media sites such as Facebook and YouTube. You can also send images directly to a Wi-Fi-enabled printer. But we think more photographers are likely be interested by the fact that it can also be used to turn your smartphone into a wireless remote control via Canon's EOS Remote app for iOS or Android, complete with live view and full control of exposure settings.

The EOS 6D gains Canon's silent shutter mode that we saw on the 5D Mark III, which offers quieter, more discreet shooting. It gets in-camera HDR and Multiple Exposure modes, but disappointingly these are JPEG only, unlike on the 5D Mark III that also records RAW files. There's also a single-axis electronic level to check for wonky horizons.

The 6D doesn't, however, offer the latest goodies Canon introduced on the EOS 650D. There's no on-chip phase-detection to aid autofocus in live view or movie mode, nor does Canon's superb touchscreen interface make an appearance. As usual at this level the screen itself is fixed, rather than articulated as with the 60D the camera is modeled on - Canon says this is for maximum durability and minimum size. So if you really want a full frame camera with an swiveling screen, the Sony A99 is your only option.

Canon hasn't yet offered any firm commitment on pricing or availability for the EOS 6D, but we're led to believe it will be a month or two before it's in the shops. Its price is likely to be in the same ball park as the Nikon D600, placing it between the EOS 7D and EOS 5D Mark III in Canon's lineup.

Canon EOS 6D Hands-on Preview: Digital Photography Review

We've not spent enough time with the EOS 6D to fully get to grips with it yet, but there's little doubt that it looks like a highly-competent camera on paper. The addition of built-in Wi-Fi and GPS probably won't immediately grab traditionalists, but we can envisage all sorts of situations where they'll be useful, from geotagging your travel shots to remote-controlling your camera from your smartphone.

The elephant in the room, though, is the Nikon D600 - a camera that offers a higher spec in several key areas, with its 39-point AF system (including 9 cross-type), 100% viewfinder, 2016 pixel colour-sensitive metering, faster 5.5 fps shooting, dual card slots and excellent movie spec (including such things as clean HDMI output and a headphone socket for sound monitoring). In many areas the 6D just comes up slightly short in comparison, and the question is whether merely being highly competent will be enough to win the hearts and cash of buyers. This is further complicated by the fact that, in principle at least, you can buy (or at least order) a D600 today, whereas the 6D won't be in the shops for some time yet.

The counter-argument is that many of the D600's advantages won't make a whole lot of difference for the majority of users - how often do you really need to record files to two different cards, for example? - and in our estimation a lot will hinge on how well the 6D's autofocus system behaves in practice. If it proves positive and accurate with off-centre subjects (a clear weakness of the EOS 5D series prior to the Mark III), then many users will probably be very happy with it.
The 6D is clearly aimed at tempting APS-C owners to upgrade to full frame, but here Canon has given itself another problem. Its EF-S lenses simply won't fit on the 6D, so users with a decent collection - perhaps the 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM, 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM and 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM - will have to buy a new lens set to use with it. At which point the barrier to switching systems becomes rather lower, and the temptation to change brands stronger. On the other hand, let's not forget that Canon's EF lens lineup is very strong indeed, with a large number of reasonably-affordable fast primes to go alongside the workhorse 'L' series zooms, and more-esoteric optics such as the unique MP-E 65mm f/2.5 1-5x Macro.
Overall, though, it's difficult to shake the feeling that the EOS 6D simply lacks the 'wow' factor of its main rival. Whereas Nikon seems to have taken the approach of taking away as little as possible from D800 when creating the D600, Canon appears almost to have gone the other way, removing as much as it thinks it can get away with at the price. The result is the kind of conservative, slightly unimaginative design that's become the company's hallmark. It's still bound to be a very good camera, of course; just perhaps not quite as good as it could be.

[Na Horuk]

I think Canikon upped their mid-level lineup. They noticed that flagships are important, but most people don't buy them, they go for something slightly cheaper. This is bad news for Pentax, though, because it will be hard to compete!

[RobA_Oz]

I think Canikon upped their mid-level lineup. They noticed that flagships are important, but most people don't buy them, they go for something slightly cheaper. This is bad news for Pentax, though, because it will be hard to compete!

I don't think the 6D will be hard for Pentax to compete against, based on their past performance. The 6d's specification isn't a difficult starting point - the Nikon D600 clearly outguns it in that regard, so that's the entry-level benchmark.