Canon EOS 60D vs Canon EOS 6D: A Deep Dive to Help You Choose Your Next Camera

Whether you're stepping up from an entry-level DSLR or scouting for a full-frame option to expand your creative horizon, both the Canon EOS 60D and the Canon EOS 6D have earned their places in enthusiast and professional photographer arsenals. This comparison explores all facets of these two mid-size Canon DSLRs, grounded in over 15 years of rigorous hands-on camera testing, to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Physical Presence: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

When selecting a camera, how it feels in your hands can influence your shooting experience - especially in long sessions.

• Canon 60D: With dimensions of 145x106x79 mm and a weight of 755 grams, the 60D offers a comfortable grip typical of Canon’s APS-C mid-size DSLRs. Its robust polycarbonate body with magnesium alloy chassis provides durability without excessive heft.

• Canon 6D: Slightly larger at 145x111x71 mm and weighing in at 770 grams, the 6D is remarkably compact for a full-frame DSLR. Its slightly slimmer profile aids portability, particularly appreciated during extended travel or street photography outings.

Both cameras offer solid build quality with environmental sealing to resist dust and light moisture, although neither is genuinely weatherproof for extreme conditions. For ergonomics:

• The 60D features a deeper grip, favoring photographers who prefer a firm hold.
• The 6D’s streamlined shape balances weight well but lacks the articulated screen found on the 60D (more on that later).

In real-world use, if you often shoot handheld for hours - say at events or on the street - the 6D's subtle weight difference may not matter, but the slightly smaller form factor may make it easier to carry around all day.

Design and Control Layout: Navigating Your Workflow on the Fly

An efficient control layout can save precious seconds, crucial in dynamic shooting situations.

Here’s how the two cameras stack up:

• Canon 60D: Notable for its articulated 3-inch Clear View TFT LCD screen with 1040k dots resolution, the 60D also places key dials and buttons where your fingers naturally rest for rapid setting adjustments. The top LCD panel aids quick exposure review, and customizable buttons offer some workflow flexibility.

• Canon 6D: Incorporates a fixed 3-inch Clear View II TFT LCD, matching the resolution but lacks articulation, which can limit flexibility in tricky-angle shooting. Controls feel slightly more minimalist, with fewer customizable buttons, focusing on simplicity. The top information display is present and functional but less extensive than the 60D’s.

In the field, the 60D gives you faster access to creative controls for mode switching, exposure tweaks, and autofocus point selection via dedicated buttons and dials. The 6D’s simpler layout suits users who prioritize straightforward operation with fewer distractions but may necessitate diving into menus more often for adjustments.

Sensor Technologies and Image Quality: APS-C vs Full-Frame

At the heart of any camera is its sensor, directly impacting image clarity, dynamic range, and low-light capabilities.

• Canon 60D Sensor: Features an 18-megapixel APS-C (22.3×14.9 mm) CMOS sensor paired with the DIGIC 4 image processor. The 1.6x crop factor allows more reach from your lenses but sacrifices the wider field of view inherent in full-frame sensors. DXO Mark rates it with an overall score of 66, color depth at 22.2 bits, and dynamic range approximating 11.5 EV. Its ISO performance maxes out at 12800 (boosted), with native max ISO at 6400.

• Canon 6D Sensor: Houses a 20.2-megapixel full-frame (36×24 mm) CMOS sensor with DIGIC 5+ processor. The full-frame sensor dramatically boosts light gathering, providing richer color depth (23.8 bits), wider dynamic range (12.1 EV), and superior high-ISO noise handling, rated to ISO 102400. DXO Mark scores the 6D significantly higher at 82 overall, reflecting improved image quality.

What does this mean in practice?

• In well-lit conditions, both cameras produce sharp, color-accurate images with native RAW support.
• The 6D shines in low-light photography (indoor events, night scenes, astro), producing cleaner images with less noise at high ISO settings.
• The capability to capture wider scenes and a shallower depth of field is enhanced on the 6D due to the full-frame sensor.

For photographers who mostly shoot portraits, landscapes, or low-light scenarios, the 6D’s sensor is a clear advantage. The 60D remains competitive for wildlife or sports photographers who benefit from the APS-C crop extending the reach of telephoto lenses.

LCD Screen and User Interface: Monitoring and Composing Your Shots

Let’s explore how each camera assists your framing and reviewing process.

• 60D: The fully articulated 3-inch screen is excellent for video shooting, vlogging, and shooting from creative angles like low or high positions. Its Clear View TFT technology renders colors and contrast accurately, facilitating on-site image assessment.

• 6D: Sports a fixed 3-inch Clear View II TFT LCD with similar resolution but lacks articulation. This limits flexibility but retains excellent visibility in various lighting conditions.

Both screens lack touchscreen capabilities, which was common at their release times but less convenient compared to modern cameras. The 60D’s articulation is a significant plus if you value video or non-eye-level composition.

Autofocus Systems and Performance: Speed, Coverage, and Accuracy

The autofocus system is critical depending on your subject and shooting style.

From testing:

• Canon 60D: The 9 cross-type focus points provide reliable accuracy and decent subject acquisition speed, especially in good lighting. The autofocus struggles with low-contrast or fast-moving subjects due to fewer focus points and lack of advanced tracking.

• Canon 6D: With 11 focus points but only one cross-type in the center, the autofocus system offers accurate focusing primarily through the center point. Peripheral points are less sensitive, making focus-and-recompose methods necessary for off-center subjects. Autofocus speed is adequate for portraits and landscapes but less suited for fast action.

Neither camera provides advanced subject tracking or animal eye detection available in newer models. Therefore, for sports or wildlife that demand precise tracking, these models are adequate for casual use but limited for high-speed, professional demands.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds: Capturing the Decisive Moment

Continuous shooting speeds and shutter mechanisms impact your ability to capture peak action moments.

• The 60D’s 5fps burst rate slightly edges out the 6D’s 4.5fps, beneficial for action and sports photography.
• The 60D also features a faster maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 sec compared to 1/4000 sec on the 6D, allowing better control in bright conditions or creative use with wide apertures.
• Neither camera offers electronic or silent shutter options.

For bursts of action - like kids playing or birds in flight - the 60D’s advantage is modest but noticeable.

Lens Compatibility and Ecosystem

Lens options heavily influence the creative possibilities with your camera.

• Canon 60D: Accepts Canon EF and EF-S mount lenses. EF-S lenses, designed specifically for crop sensors, tend to be more affordable and compact. With 326 lenses available for both mounts combined, the 60D benefits from an extensive lineup spanning primes, zooms, macros, and more.

• Canon 6D: Uses only Canon EF mount lenses since it has a full-frame sensor. While its 250-lens ecosystem is slightly smaller, every lens covers the full sensor area, ensuring maximum image quality. The 6D’s system benefits from Canon’s professional L-series lenses and third-party full-frame options.

If you own EF-S lenses already, the 60D suits your needs effortlessly. The 6D unlocks full-frame lens benefits like wider angle perspectives and improved bokeh but requires EF lenses exclusively.

Video Capabilities: Flexibility for Creators Beyond Photography

Video is an integral part of modern cameras, and both Canon models deliver respectable video features for their eras.

The 60D’s fully articulating screen is advantageous for vloggers and filmmakers who need flexibility in framing and selfie mode. Both cameras feature external microphone inputs for improved audio capture - critical for serious videography.

Neither camera incorporates in-body image stabilization, so lens IS or external stabilization solutions remain necessary for smooth video.

Battery Life and Storage: Endurance in the Field

Both cameras use Canon's popular LP-E6 battery pack, favored for longevity and ease of replacement.

• Canon 60D: Rated by Canon at 1100 shots per charge, the 60D performs well for day-long sessions without charging.
• Canon 6D: Rated at 1090 shots, practically identical in real-world usage.

Storage options are standard - both support SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards in a single slot.

For travel photographers or event shooters who rely on long battery life, carrying spare batteries will provide peace of mind for either model.

Connectivity: Sharing Images in Today’s Fast-Paced World

Modern cameras often integrate wireless features; here’s what each model offers:

• Canon 60D: Features Eye-Fi card compatibility, allowing some wireless image transfers when paired with specific SD cards.
• Canon 6D: Offers built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, a significant upgrade enabling wireless image transfer, remote camera control, and geotagging without additional accessories.

If on-the-go sharing and GPS metadata are important to your workflow - such as travel bloggers or photojournalists - the 6D gives you an edge.

Performance Scores and Overall Assessment

Best Camera Fits by Photography Genre

Portrait Photography

• Canon 6D: Full-frame sensor provides superior skin tone rendition, smoother bokeh, more precise face detection, and generally more flattering depth of field control. Better suited for professional portraits and studio work.
• Canon 60D: Good skin tones, but APS-C sensor limits shallow depth of field. Articulated LCD aids creativity with off-angle compositions.

Landscape Photography

• 6D: Larger sensor excels in dynamic range and resolution, capturing more tonal detail in shadows and highlights. Weather sealing supports outdoor shoots.
• 60D: Competent dynamic range and detail but cropped sensor limits ultra-wide framing.

Wildlife and Sports

• 60D: Faster burst rate and smaller sensor crop factor (1.6x) give an advantage for telephoto reach and capturing action.
• 6D: Autofocus system less optimized for fast, erratic movement, making it a secondary choice here.

Street Photography

• Both cameras offer quiet operation and discreet profiles.
• 6D's smaller body and better low-light sensor make it ideal for urban night shooting.
• 60D's articulated screen is less critical here but enables creative angles.

Macro Photography

• Both support compatible macro lenses.
• 60D's crop sensor offers more apparent magnification without dedicated extension tubes.
• Autofocus precision is comparable.

Night and Astro Photography

• Canon 6D dominates with exceptional high ISO performance and extensive ISO range.
• Full-frame sensor captures more stars and reduces noise.
• The 60D can manage astrophotography but with limited clarity and noise control.

Video and Vlogging

• 60D stands out with its articulating screen.
• Both offer 1080p at 30 fps but lack 4K video.
• External mic inputs facilitate improved audio recording.

Travel and Everyday Use

• The 6D offers compact full-frame quality and connectivity features valuable for travelers.
• The 60D is reliable, versatile, and lighter for long excursions with interchangeable EF-S compatibility.

Professional Workflows

• The 6D’s full-frame files and better color fidelity provide advantages in commercial and studio environments.
• The 60D remains a capable backup or enthusiast-level professional tool.

Sample Images from Both Cameras: Real World Gallery

Canon 60D screen back Canon 6D front Canon 6D screen back

Here, you’ll notice:

• The 6D captures images with deeper tonal range and smoother gradients.
• The 60D produces sharp images, with punchy colors but less creamy bokeh and slight noise in shadows.
• Both handle daylight scenes with excellent detail.

Practical Advice for Deciding Between These Two Cameras

Choose the Canon 60D if you:

• Are budget-conscious and want a well-rounded APS-C DSLR.
• Seek an articulated LCD screen for video or creative composition.
• Shoot sports, wildlife, or require a faster frame rate.
• Already own EF-S lenses or prefer smaller lenses.
• Value a versatile DSLR with solid manual control access.

Choose the Canon 6D if you:

• Need full-frame image quality with superior dynamic range and low-light capabilities.
• Want built-in Wi-Fi and GPS for easy sharing and geotagging.
• Shoot professional portraits, landscapes, or astro photography.
• Prefer compact full-frame DSLRs for travel and street shooting.
• Are prepared to invest more initially for long-term image quality benefits.

Final Thoughts: Bridging the Gap Between Enthusiast and Full-Frame Powerhouses

Both the Canon EOS 60D and Canon EOS 6D represent significant milestones in Canon's DSLR lineup. The 60D serves as a versatile, affordable tool packed with practical features, while the 6D brings full-frame excellence into accessible territory.

Your choice ultimately hinges on your photography ambitions, budget, and workflow priorities. For photographers prioritizing superior image quality, full-frame bokeh, and connectivity, the 6D is a worthy investment. For those valuing flexibility, faster action capture, and articulated screen usability, the 60D remains a compelling choice.

If possible, try handling both cameras at a local retailer or rental shop. This tactile experience, combined with the insights shared here, will help you confidently step into your next chapter of photography.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Explore Canon’s lens lineup to complement your choice, and consider essential accessories like extra batteries, memory cards, and camera bags to enhance your shooting experience. Whether it's the Canon 60D or 6D, both cameras offer ample room to grow your skills and creativity. Let’s get started capturing your vision with confidence!