Canon 6D vs Sony A7 II

Choosing between the Canon EOS 6D and the Sony Alpha A7 II? Here’s a deep dive from someone who’s spent thousands of hours behind the lens, comparing gear inside and out. These two full-frame cameras, though close in release dates and price, cater to surprisingly different users, each with their own quirks, strengths, and compromises. Think of this as your trusted, no-nonsense companion to figure out which “club” you want to join - Canon’s tried-and-true DSLR tribe or Sony’s pioneering mirrorless legion.

Let’s break it all down, from the sensor to ergonomics, autofocus, image quality, and how they perform in real-world shooting scenarios across genres. I’ll also toss in some pros and cons - the good, the meh, and the “hold your horses” moments - so you can confidently decide what fits your photography needs and budget. Ready? Let’s go!

Size Matters: Ergonomics and Handling – The Feel Factor

My first hands-on with these two immediately highlights how different their body designs are. The Canon 6D sports the traditional mid-sized DSLR build, fairly chunky and reassuringly robust, while the Sony A7 II embraces a more compact, mirrorless SLR-style design - smaller, lighter, and geared for travel-friendly versatility.

At 770g, the Canon holds some weight and feels solid in hand - clubs for thumbs and finger rests are well thought out, perfect for those long shooting sessions. Its grip is deeper, offering comfort especially if you tend to shoot with bigger lenses (and you probably will). The Sony A7 II, tipping the scales at just 599g, is noticeably lighter - mainly thanks to the mirrorless form factor and magnesium alloy body. It fits snugly in my smaller hands, making it great for street photographers or travelers who want less bulk.

But don’t mistake Sony’s compactness for fragility - it features a fairly robust weather-sealed body, a major plus if you shoot outdoors. The Canon 6D, while also weather-sealed, feels a bit bulkier and more “old school” in design. On the top plate, Canon’s controls feel more traditional and spaced out, while Sony’s tighter layout maximizes functionality on a smaller footprint.

If physical feel is a major criterion (and it should be), this visual comparison shows why those invested in DSLR ergonomics will tend to favor the Canon, whereas mirrorless enthusiasts appreciate Sony’s compact practicality. But here’s the kicker - the A7 II’s tilting LCD adds flexibility that the Canon’s fixed screen doesn’t match.

The Heart of the Image: Sensor and Image Quality Breakdown

The Canon 6D and Sony A7 II both feature full-frame (roughly 36x24mm) CMOS sensors - but the Sony edges ahead on resolution (24MP versus 20MP) and dynamic range, crucial for landscape and studio shooters who want rich detail in shadows and highlights.

Sony’s Bionz X processor and updated sensor technology in the A7 II deliver approximately 13.6 stops of dynamic range (DXO Mark scores support this), compared to Canon’s slightly lower 12.1 stops. While that may sound stiff as a competition stat, in real shooting scenarios it means Sony’s images can recover more detail from challenging lighting, especially in RAW editing workflows.

Color depth is also a smidge better on Sony (24.9-bit versus Canon’s 23.8-bit) - not a radical leap, but enough to notice for critical skin tones in portraits or subtle gradients in landscape skies. Canon’s colors tend to be warmer and more classic “Canon” pleasing, while Sony offers a more neutral palette out of the box.

Low-light performance for both cameras is respectable; Canon rates at ISO 2340 for usable noise, Sony slightly better at ISO 2449. However, in real-world high ISO tests, Sony’s sensor noise is a bit more controlled, especially beyond ISO 6400 - helpful for event and concert shooters.

Focusing on Focus: Autofocus Systems Compared

Ah, autofocus: The one feature that can make or break your shoot, especially when subjects don’t hang around (looking at you, wildlife and sports shooters).

Canon 6D, with its 11 AF points (1 cross-type), is a basic but reliable system - remarkably accurate when you nail your subject in the center or use selective single-point AF. It includes face detection and live view contrast detection AF, but it’s not lightning fast or highly intelligent by today’s standards. Tracking moving subjects isn’t its strong suit.

Sony’s A7 II leaps ahead with a 117-point hybrid AF system combining phase detection and contrast detection points spread widely across the frame, complete with continuous AF and AF tracking. This gives the A7 II a real edge in sports, wildlife, and any fast-action shooting. Face detection is solid, though still not quite at the level of Sony’s newer models.

Considering my field tests, Sony’s AF significantly outperforms the 6D’s for dynamic subjects but at the cost of a more complex menu system and less tactile dials.

Viewing Your Shots: Viewfinders and Screens

For years, optical viewfinders have been the DSLR benchmark - and the Canon 6D sticks to tradition with a pentaprism that covers 97% of the scene, though not 100%. It’s bright and sharp, but because it’s optical, you won’t see exposure or preview histograms through it.

On the mirrorless front, the Sony A7 II sports an electronic viewfinder with 2,359k dot resolution, covering 100% of the frame. It displays live exposure, white balance, and image previews - a big workflow advantage for those who like to nail settings on the go.

Both have 3-inch LCDs - Canon’s is fixed and uses Clear View II TFT technology with 1,040k dots; Sony’s is tilting (huge for low or awkward angles) and boasts a higher 1,230k dot count. Neither is touchscreen, which might disappoint some, but this keeps the menu navigation dependable via buttons and dials.

Genre Deep Dive – Which Camera Excels Where?

Now, let’s put specs and ergonomics aside and talk about how these cameras perform across the wide range of photographic disciplines.

Portrait Photography

When I put the Canon 6D and Sony A7 II side-by-side in portrait shoots, differences are subtle but meaningful. Canon’s color science is famously flattering for skin tones - warm, less clinical, and punchy. Its 11-point AF with face detection is good for static portraits but can struggle with more spontaneous, moving subjects.

Sony’s 24MP sensor yields finer detail and its expansive AF points improve focusing on eyes and moving faces, though the color rendition is more neutral and may require post-processing warmth adjustments.

Bokeh quality on both largely depends on lenses chosen; however, Sony users have access to modern lenses optimized for mirrorless compression of optical aberrations and faster autofocus. Canon’s EF lens selection is richer, though some older lenses may not perform as crisply wide open.

Landscape Photography

Landscape lovers appreciate high resolution and dynamic range - here, Sony’s 24MP sensor with superior dynamic range provides distinct advantages. In my testing, A7 II better preserves highlight details in bright skies and shadow information in forest scenes. The Sony’s tilting screen is also invaluable for low-angle shots.

Canon’s 6D, while slightly lower resolution, still holds up admirably for large prints and general landscape work. Its weather sealing helps in harsher environments, as does Sony’s body, but Sony’s lack of a built-in GPS is worth noting if you geotag your shots frequently (though many optical GPS apps can help).

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife photography demands speedy autofocus, high burst rates, and robust lens ecosystems. Sony’s quicker 5 FPS continuous shooting with 117 AF points clearly outpaces Canon’s 4.5 FPS and 11 AF points in my tests.

Sony’s mirrorless design offers more immediate viewfinder feedback and focus-by-wire lens control that many pros prefer for precise focus pulls on animals. On the downside, Sony’s NP-FW50 battery life (rated about 350 shots) can be a pain in multi-hour sessions; you’ll want spares, while Canon’s bigger LP-E6 battery lasts nearly three times longer per charge.

Lens-wise, Canon’s EF telephotos (400mm f/5.6, 100-400mm II, etc.) remain popular and sometimes more affordable. Sony does have a growing selection of native E-mount telephotos and many users adapt Canon glass with adapters, though this adds weight and potential AF lag.

Sports Photography

A similar story to wildlife here - fast and accurate autofocus combined with quick continuous shooting is crucial. Sony’s 5 FPS continuous burst, combined with better tracking AF, gives it the edge for capturing peak action moments. Canon’s 6D can keep up moderately but lags in focus tracking on fast-moving athletes.

Sony’s electronic viewfinder helps you frame perfectly through rapid sequences, while Canon’s better battery life makes it more reliable for long day shoots without gear swapping.

Street Photography

For street photographers seeking discretion and portability, Sony’s smaller, lighter body holds major appeal. The quiet operation (no mirror slap), tilting screen, and easier blending with crowds make the A7 II a popular choice.

Canon’s larger DSLR presence might attract some unwanted attention, plus its louder shutter and mirror slap can be a distraction in quiet environments.

Low light is another factor - Sony’s better high ISO noise performance means you’re less limited by ambient illumination.

Macro Photography

Neither camera is specialized for macro, but the higher resolution and sensor-based 5-axis stabilization on the Sony A7 II provides advantages when shooting close-ups handheld. Canon’s lack of in-body stabilization means you’ll rely heavily on stabilized lenses or tripods.

Both systems support manual focus aids in live view (focus peaking on Sony is superior), which is essential for macro precision.

Night / Astro Photography

Astro shooters want large pixels (for gathering light), excellent high ISO noise control, and long exposure capabilities. Canon’s 20MP sensor with a slight edge in pixel size can gather photons well, and the 6D supports 30-second exposures plus Bulb mode.

Sony’s sensor technology yields less noise at ISO 3200 and beyond, with dynamic range helping to capture faint stars against dark sky. The 5-axis stabilization can help with handheld night shots but is disabled during bulb exposures.

Taking real-world long exposures, I found both produce stunning starfields, but Sony’s files prove more malleable in post for noise reduction.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras cap out at 1080p Full HD - no 4K here for either. Sony’s video is the more versatile offering, supporting 60p, 60i, and AVCHD, MPEG-4, and its higher-end codec XAVC S. The A7 II also offers 5-axis sensor stabilization improving handheld video smoothness.

Canon’s 6D records 1080p but only up to 30p and in more basic H.264. It also lacks a headphone jack for audio monitoring, which Sony includes.

Videographers will appreciate Sony’s headphone port, multi-frame-rate options, and in-body stabilization. Canon’s simpler video is decent enough for casual use but not ideal for professional shooters.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

If packing light is your motto, the Sony A7 II’s smaller body and lighter weight tip the scales. Add lens adaptation options and you have a versatile system that fits well in backpacks or carry-ons.

That said, battery life is a common pain point on Sony mirrorless - typically 350 shots per charge versus Canon’s near 1100 shots. For travel photography where charging opportunities are limited, Canon’s LP-E6 battery longevity is a strong advantage.

GPS is another difference: Canon 6D includes built-in GPS for straightforward location tagging; Sony requires external options or apps.

Professional Use: Workflow and Reliability

Pro photographers often demand reliability, fast cards, ruggedness, and solid integration with editing workflows. Canon’s mature DSLR platform offers highly stable raw file compatibility with Lightroom and Capture One, and a rich ecosystem of pro-level EF lenses.

Sony’s newer sensor technology and raw formats have matured but sometimes require careful updating of software; however, it supports compressed and uncompressed RAW files well.

Both cameras offer a single SD card slot (Sony plus Memory Stick if you want), which is less than ideal for redundancy. Weather sealing on both is decent but not fully “rugged” - so mind your environment.

From a workflow perspective, Canon’s USB 2.0 is slower but more widely supported. The Sony’s Bluetooth is absent, but NFC is built-in for easier mobile transfers.

Tech Specs and Extras: What Sets Them Apart?

• Canon 6D uses a Digic 5+ processor (now aging), with max shutter speed of 1/4000s and a minimum ISO of 100 (extendable to 50). It has no in-body image stabilization.
• Sony A7 II’s Bionz X processor is more modern, max shutter speed 1/8000s, and sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization reduces blur even with non-stabilized lenses.

Both feature Wi-Fi built-in, but Canon’s GPS and Sony’s NFC for wireless pairing and geotagging are unique touches.

Storage for both is limited to single SD cards - Canon does not support dual slot redundancy.

A Visual Celebration: Gallery of Sample Shots and Scores

Here are some direct visual examples from both cameras, shot under similar conditions. Note the Sony’s improved detail in texture and dynamic range, especially in shadow areas, while Canon renders colors warmly and pleasingly.

Canon 6D front Canon 6D screen back Sony A7 II front Sony A7 II screen back

Performance-wise, DXO Mark’s overall scores corroborate my hands-on verdict:

Breaking down by photography genre, you see distinct strengths:

Pros and Cons Recap

Canon 6D Pros

• Classic DSLR ergonomics, great handling for prolonged shoots
• Longer battery life (approx. 1100 shots)
• Built-in GPS for effortless geotagging
• Warm and flattering color science for portraits
• Affordable price point for full-frame entry

Canon 6D Cons

• Slower and less sophisticated autofocus system (11 AF points)
• Fixed LCD screen limits compositional flexibility
• No in-body image stabilization
• Slower continuous shooting burst (4.5 fps)
• Older processor and connectivity (USB 2.0 only)

Sony A7 II Pros

• Compact and lightweight mirrorless body with weather sealing
• Advanced 5-axis in-body image stabilization
• Superior autofocus system with 117 AF points and tracking
• Higher resolution sensor with greater dynamic range
• Electronic viewfinder with 100% frame coverage
• Versatile video options with headphone jack

Sony A7 II Cons

• Shorter battery life (~350 shots per charge)
• Smaller lens selection native to E-mount (though growing)
• No built-in GPS (depending on apps or accessories)
• Single memory card slot only
• More complex menu system (can be intimidating)

Who Should Buy Which?

If you’re a budget-conscious enthusiast or prosumer leaning toward tried-and-true DSLR ergonomics, want longer battery life for travel or events, love Canon’s color science, and don’t demand the latest AF tech, the Canon 6D remains a solid, reliable choice. It’s perfect for portrait, landscape, and general use, especially if you already own Canon EF lenses.

If you’re a mirrorless convert or first-timer intrigued by compact design, crave snappy autofocus with tracking, want in-body image stabilization, shoot wildlife, sports, or video, and value higher resolution for cropping and detail, the Sony A7 II is the smarter pick. It also excels in street and travel usage where size and agility matter.

Final Verdict: It’s a Matter of Priorities

Neither camera is perfect for everyone - they represent a transitional era in camera technology, balancing legacy systems and new standards.

The Canon EOS 6D brings classic DSLR reliability, color, and stamina with a price tag that’s friendly to those who can’t (or won’t) jump into mirrorless yet. Its handling and battery life make it a workhorse for portraits, landscapes, and long-duration shoots.

The Sony Alpha A7 II stakes its claim as a more modern, versatile full-frame platform with advanced autofocus, stabilization, and video features tucked inside a compact, weather-sealed package. It’s the more future-proof camera, especially for shooters who prioritize adaptability and tech features.

In my experience with both, if you’re squinting at specs but can’t decide, ask yourself: “Do I want a dependable DSLR companion with significant battery muscle and Canon’s color vibe, or a nimble mirrorless powerhouse packed with autofocus wizardry and image stabilization?”

Whichever path you choose, both cameras deliver full-frame picture quality and solid performance - you just have to pick your club.

I hope this hands-on comparison helps you weigh the real-world benefits and drawbacks beyond specs sheets. Let me know your shooting style, and I can help you nail down lenses and accessories to complement your chosen system - after all, the camera is only one part of the photography journey!

Happy shooting!