Canon 6D Mark II vs Casio EX-Z400: The DSLR Giant Meets the Pocket-Sized Veteran

Choosing your next camera can feel like standing at a fork where one path leads to a robust workhorse and the other to a pocket-friendly companion. Today, we're comparing two cameras that couldn't be more different on paper - yet both have their unique appeal and photogenic charms: the Canon EOS 6D Mark II, an advanced full-frame DSLR announced in mid-2017, and the Casio Exilim EX-Z400, a compact point-and-shoot from 2009. Over the years, I've tested and evaluated equipment across that full spectrum, so let’s dive deep into how these two stack up in real-world use, technical prowess, and practical value.

First Impressions and Ergonomics: Size Matters (And Sometimes It Doesn’t)

Looking side-by-side, the Canon 6D Mark II feels like a solid, reassuring companion - a mid-size DSLR with heft and grip where you want it. At 765 grams and dimensions of 144mm x 111mm x 75mm, it's designed for serious shooters who don’t mind carrying a bit more gear. Its classical DSLR body encompasses a fully articulated, 3-inch touchscreen LCD with 1,040k dots, ample intuitive buttons (albeit without illumination), and an optical pentaprism viewfinder with roughly 98% coverage. For photographers used to DSLRs, the familiar heft and layout inspire confidence, especially in outdoor or taxing environments.

In stark contrast, the Casio EX-Z400 weighs a mere 130 grams and boasts an ultracompact build (95mm x 60mm x 23mm). This is a pocket camera designed for grab-and-go snapshots rather than deliberate, creative control. It sports a fixed 3-inch display but with significantly lower resolution (230k dots), fixed lens, and no viewfinder. This model feels more like a travel-friendly little sidekick rather than a serious photographic tool.

Handling these cameras in person amplifies their distinct philosophies. The Canon’s top plate sports a conventional mode dial and a top LCD info panel, beneficial for quick setting checks - a treat during fast-paced shoots. The Casio holds to bare essentials, with a neat but minimalistic button spread and no manual dials. While the Canon demands some learning, its tactile feedback and controls reward the photographer with speed and precision. The Casio tends toward simplicity but sacrifices that direct control for convenience.

Imaging Sensors: Seeing the World Differently

The fundamental heart of any camera is its sensor, and in this battle, there’s truly no contest.

The Canon 6D Mark II is equipped with a 26.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor measuring 35.9 x 24 mm, an area of a whopping 861.60 mm². Powered by Canon’s DIGIC 7 processor, it delivers impressive image depth, ISO performance, and dynamic range with measured color depth of 24.4 bits, dynamic range of 11.9 stops, and usable low-light ISO up to 2862 - tested and supported by DXOMark. These specs translate into clean, detailed images with excellent tone gradation, a boon for demanding genres like portraits and landscapes - where subtle tonal shifts and noise performance are paramount.

On the other hand, the Casio uses a small 1/2.3” CCD sensor of 6.17 x 4.55 mm (only 28.07 mm²), and 12-megapixels at 4000 x 3000 resolution. Its maximum ISO caps at 1600 but, realistically, image quality starts to degrade well before reaching that. Given the sensor size, expect limited dynamic range and noise control, and color rendition that’s suitable for casual snapshots but falls short of demanding photographic work. It’s worth noting this camera uses a CCD sensor, a technology largely superseded by CMOS in modern cameras for speed and efficiency reasons.

This data lines up with practical experience - the 6D MII’s raw files retain detail and editing latitude unmatched by the EX-Z400’s JPEGs. The Canon’s sensor makes it a clear choice for anyone prioritizing image quality and versatility.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed

If you’ve ever spent a minute squinting through the viewfinder hoping your subject is sharply nailed, you know autofocus (AF) and frame rate are front and center.

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II brings a 45-point all cross-type phase detection AF system paired with face detection in live view, capable of tracking and focusing in complex shooting scenarios. Its continuous shooting rate is a smooth 6.5 frames per second (fps), which, while not breaking speed records, is more than sufficient for moderate action, wildlife, or sports. Importantly, AF accuracy and speed remain commendable in practical use, particularly when paired with sharp Canon EF lenses.

In comparison, the Casio EX-Z400 offers only contrast-detection AF, no face detection, and a single AF mode. It’s also limited on burst shooting capabilities, mostly fixed to casual photography speeds, unsuitable for fast-moving subjects or demanding action photography.

This difference cannot be overstated if your photography gravitates toward sports, wildlife, or street moments.

Durability and Environmental Sealing: Built to Last or Just Built?

Now, the Canon 6D Mark II punches well above its weight in this category - it features environmental sealing that resists dust and modest moisture intrusion (though Canon stops short of calling it waterproof), a pragmatic choice for outdoor landscape shooters or professionals who work in challenging conditions.

The Casio, nearly a decade older and ultracompact, doesn’t offer any form of environmental protection. It’s more of a fair-weather companion that’ll need careful handling.

User Interface and Screen Experience

Canon’s fully articulated touchscreen interface is a revelation for its class. The 3-inch display facilitates shooting at tricky angles and quick menu navigation, touch to focus and shoot, or swipe through images with ease. The screen resolution of over 1 million dots means color and detail gradation on playback is pleasingly clear to assess exposures and sharpness.

The Casio’s fixed 3-inch screen, however, is a basic affair with only 230k dots and no touch capability, making it tough to preview finer details or navigate menus rapidly - a common limitation in compact cameras of that era.

Lens Ecosystem

The Canon model supports the EF mount, which includes over 250 native lenses - from affordable primes to professional-grade super-telephotos and macro lenses. This variety equips photographers to explore almost any genre without compromise.

The Casio’s fixed lens has a 28-112mm equivalent focal length at f/2.6-7.0 aperture. Fine for day-to-day snapshots, but no possibility to swap or upgrade - limiting creative control or adaptability.

Battery Life and Storage

One front where the Canon scores impressively is battery endurance - the LP-E6N battery can capture around 1200 shots per charge, making day-long shoots or travel feasible without frequent battery swaps. Storage flexibility with SD/SDHC/SDXC cards rounds out this practical setup.

Meanwhile, the Casio offers unspecified battery life typical for compacts, which tends to be shorter, assuming smaller capacity batteries, and also uses SDHC and compatible cards including Eye-Fi cards - a nice nod to early wireless storage options.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Canon 6D Mark II bundles built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and GPS - features that increasingly define modern cameras’ practicality. Wireless transfer, remote control, and geotagging are available straightforwardly through Canon’s apps, streamlining shooting and workflow.

The Casio, being from an era before smartphones took over connectivity, lacks any wireless capabilities aside from Eye-Fi compatibility - a niche early wireless tech standard with limited relevance now.

Video Recording: Full HD vs. HD

Canon’s 6D Mark II handles Full HD 1080p video at 60fps, using H.264 in an MP4 container, and includes a microphone input - features meeting the needs of casual videographers and entry-level filmmakers. Importantly, the 6D MII’s articulating screen aids framing and makes handheld shooting more versatile.

The Casio is limited to 720p videos at 24 fps and uses Motion JPEG format - quite primitive compared to modern standards. No microphone support or advanced video functions exist.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s get practical - no two photographers have the same needs, so here’s how both cameras shine or stumble in different photographic styles.

Portrait Photography

The Canon 6D MII excels with its large full-frame sensor delivering creamy bokeh, beautiful skin tones, and accurate face and eye detection autofocus improving sharpness where it counts. You’ll find the 6D’s color depth and subtle tone gradations invaluable when retouching portraits.

The Casio’s small sensor struggles for shallow depth of field and can’t offer precise AF tracking on faces or eyes. Expect flatter, less vibrant images with limited control over background blur or focus precision.

Landscape Photography

Here is another category where the Canon truly shines. Its 26.2 MP full-frame sensor captures wide dynamic range, essential for landscapes with bright skies and shadow details. Weather sealing adds ruggedness for unpredictable conditions. Pair it with wide-angle glass and a tripod, and you’re in business.

The Casio could manage snapshots of landscapes in good light but falls short when dynamic range or resolution matters. The fixed zoom lens and limited manual control restrict compositional creativity.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

The Canon’s 45-point cross-type AF system with reasonable 6.5 fps burst serves moderately well here. While it’s not a specialized sports or wildlife camera, many hobbyists and enthusiasts will find it capable in moderate action scenarios.

The Casio, however, is not suited to fast-paced photography - autofocus speed and burst capabilities are too limited, and the lens zoom range, while physically handy, lacks reach for distant wildlife.

Street Photography

Interestingly, the Casio has a small size and discretion advantage on the street - ultra-compact, silent, and easy to carry anywhere. For candid snaps, its simplicity is a plus.

The Canon though bulkier and louder with mirror slap offers superior image quality, better low-light performance, and creative control. Street photographers willing to carry a DSLR or mirrorless on longer walks will appreciate this.

Macro Photography

Canon’s EF lens mount and good focusing accuracy lend it to macro work, assuming you pair it with a suitable lens. The EX-Z400 doesn’t offer macro modes or capabilities on par with dedicated macro systems.

Night and Astro Photography

The 6D Mark II shines under the stars thanks to large sensor, good high-ISO performance (usable ISO 25600 with boost to 102400), and flexibility of manual exposure modes aiding long exposures.

The Casio’s small sensor introduces noise early, and image quality under low light suffers, limiting its astro potential.

Video

Canon delivers Full HD 60p video, articulating touchscreen, and external mic input - adequate for casual and even some semi-pro filmmaking.

Casio caps out at low-res 720p and lacks external audio options, making it more a sporadic video tool than a serious solution.

Travel Photography

Here, we strike an interesting balance. While the Canon offers a feature-rich camera capable of various shooting scenarios, it’s also heavier and bulkier - possibly a burden for minimalist or long treks.

The Casio is the travel-friendly pack-it-anywhere candidate, perfect for postcard memories and snapshots without fuss.

Professional Workflows

Canon rock solidly supports RAW files, widely compatible formats, and integration into professional workflows. Its build quality, battery, and controls answer many professional requirements.

Casio’s JPEG-only files, lack of manual control, and limited performance place it clearly outside professional use.

Summing Up: Scores and Overall Performance

Below is an objective evaluation of overall performance and detailed genre-specific scores synthesized from test data and real-world use.

Canon 6D MII front Canon 6D MII screen back Casio EX Z400 screen back

The Canon 6D Mark II scores well across the board - excelling in image quality, autofocus, and versatility. Meanwhile, the Casio primarily scores as a convenience camera for low-stakes photography, with all major performance aspects reflecting its compact and simplified design.

So, Which One Should You Buy?

• If you’re a photography enthusiast or professional who craves outstanding image quality, extensive lens options, good low-light performance, and creative control - the Canon EOS 6D Mark II is the clear winner. It will reward your investment with years of reliable, high-quality shooting.

• If your priority is ultimate portability, simple point-and-shoot use, and you want a camera to slip unnoticed into pockets or bags for casual snapshots - the Casio EX-Z400 could be a charming choice, but only as a secondary, backup, or nostalgia-driven option.

• Budget considerations: The Canon, at around $1800 body-only (new), represents a bunch of serious gear including a full-frame sensor and robust build. The Casio is defunct and generally found used at low cost, but with compromises in return.

Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Cameras, Two Eras, Two Worlds

The Canon 6D Mark II and Casio EX-Z400 epitomize different generations and philosophies of photography. One aims for creative freedom and professional quality; the other for snapshots and convenience. For anyone serious about their images, the Canon is the obvious choice. Yet, don’t entirely discount the joy and simplicity the Casio brings - it reminds us that sometimes, a photo is just about capturing the moment, not chasing perfection.

After testing thousands of cameras over the years, this comparison highlights that camera selection is deeply personal - it hinges on your style, plans, and patience for technical mastery. I hope this detailed look helps you stand confidently at your own camera crossroad. Happy shooting!

If you’d like to explore more hands-on insights or see sample galleries, feel free to get in touch - I’m always eager to share the trials, triumphs, and tiny quirks that make photography gear so endlessly fascinating.