Canon 6D vs Sony A99 II - A DSLR Duel Between Generations and Giants

When it comes to choosing the right camera that marries capability with personality, the Canon EOS 6D and Sony Alpha A99 II often pop up as contenders vying for the hearts of enthusiasts and professionals alike. Both are advanced DSLRs (well, Sony’s technically a SLT, but we’ll get to that), full-frame sensor bearers designed for serious photography - but they hail from different eras, with distinct philosophies. Having put both through their paces across myriad shoots over the years, I’m here to unpack every nook and cranny, cutting through spec sheets to share real-world experience.

Grab your favorite cup - this is a 2500-word romp through sensors, ergonomics, autofocus wizardry, and everything in between, complete with image samples and performance ratings. Let’s settle this once and for all: Canon 6D or Sony A99 II? Spoiler: It depends on what you shoot and how you shoot it.

Getting Physical: Size, Weight, and Ergonomics Matter

Picking up a camera should feel good - fitting comfortably in your hands and working intuitively with your fingers. These two cameras are mid-sized SLRs, but don’t let the label fool you; the details in their heft and layout differ markedly.

The Canon 6D feels pleasantly compact and relatively light at 770 grams, with dimensions of 145x111x71mm. It’s designed for photographers who want a full-frame body without lugging a brick all day. Sony’s A99 II enters the ring at 849 grams and roughly similar in footprint at 143x104x76mm but with a chunkier, denser build. The weight difference is noticeable when holding longer sessions, especially for on-the-go or travel shoots.

Canon’s 6D sports a true optical pentaprism viewfinder that offers a classic DSLR experience - crisp and clear with 97% coverage. The grip is generous, which is a boon for extended handheld shooting. Meanwhile, the A99 II employs Sony’s SLT (Single-Lens Translucent) design with a high-res electronic viewfinder boasting 100% coverage and a 0.78x magnification. This EVF delivers a bright, detailed preview with real-time exposure feedback, a plus in tricky light, though some purists might miss the optical clarity of a prism.

In terms of handling practicality, the Sony's extra weight and population of buttons tend to skew toward users who crave control over portability. The Canon edges into more comfortable territory for photographers capturing street scenes or hiking with minimal kit. More on how these physical characteristics affect usage as we dive deeper.

Control Layout and User Interface – How Intuitive Are These Cameras?

Nothing kills a shooting moment like fumbling through confusing buttons or sluggish menus. Both Canon and Sony have mature UI designs, yet their approaches diverge.

Canon’s 6D is a model of simplicity - its top-deck features a mode dial with typical PASM (Program, Aperture, Shutter, Manual) alongside exposure compensation dial and dedicated ISO button on the back. The controls are well-spaced but don’t overwhelm newbies. Less clutter means fewer accidental button presses; a blessing for casual users or event photographers juggling multiple tasks.

Sony’s A99 II comes equipped with a more sophisticated layout, including custom function buttons that veterans appreciate. The shutter speed dial, exposure compensation dial, and dual control wheels give power users flexibility for quick adjustments. However, new users might find this a touch daunting at first, especially combined with a deep menu system.

On the rear, the 6D’s fixed 3" LCD lacks touchscreen but offers 1040k-dot resolution and the Clear View II technology for decent daylight viewability. Sony ups the ante with a fully articulated 3" screen with slightly higher resolution at 1229k dots, facilitating creative compositions at odd angles and selfie-friendly shooting.

Overall, the Canon interface leans toward simplicity and familiarity, while Sony delivers greater complexity with extra features for those willing to invest time in mastering it.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality – The Heart of the Matter

If you want to geek out over raw performance, this sensor battle lights the path to actually seeing your photos in all their glory.

Canon’s 6D features a 20.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor paired with their Digic 5+ image processor - a fine combination for decent dynamic range and color fidelity. The sensor size is the archetype full-frame 36x24mm, affording natural depth of field control and low-light thresholds. ISO sensitivity native is 100 to 25600, expandable to 50 on the low end and 102400 on the high.

Sony’s A99 II ups pixel count considerably to 42.4 megapixels, utilizing a back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor with no anti-aliasing filter, which sharpens details at the expense of a slight risk of moiré in certain scenarios. This sensor, combined with the potent Bionz X processor, boosts dynamic range, excellent color depth, and low-light ISO performance comparable to the Canon despite packing double the pixel density. Native ISO stretches same as Canon, with boosts.

Technical metrics from DxOMark commend the Sony with an overall score of 92 (vs 82 for Canon), largely driven by higher color depth (25.4 bits vs 23.8) and improved dynamic range (13.4 stops vs 12.1 stops). Low-light ISO performance is close, both hovering in the 2300 range, reflecting very usable image quality at elevated ISOs under practical shooting situations.

This means - if resolution and fine detail matter a lot (landscapes, studio portraits, art reproduction), Sony’s sensor is the clear frontrunner. Canon’s 20 MP is no slouch for everyday and editorial use and gives easier handling of files at the cost of less resolution.

Autofocus Brains and Burst Power - Who Keeps Up?

Let’s talk sharpness without the hunt. One of the crucial differences lies in autofocus system performance and continuous shooting speed.

The Canon 6D utilizes 11 autofocus points with a single cross-type sensor at center - an aging but dependable setup. It features face detection and live-view contrast and phase-detect AF. However, it lacks tracking autofocus, which can sometimes result in lost focus if the subject moves unpredictably. Shooting sports or wildlife? You might find the 4.5 frames per second burst rate limiting in decisive moments.

Sony’s A99 II, conversely, is outfitted with a whopping 399 phase-detection AF points, 79 of which are cross-type sensors, spread widely across the frame. This dense AF grid coupled with phase-detection contrast hybrid autofocus shines for continuous AF tracking of moving subjects. The camera performs well in low light thanks to AF sensitivity down to -4 EV. For action shooters, up to 12 frames per second with full AF/AE tracking rocks.

In practice, I found the Sony’s tracking to be significantly more reliable for fast-moving subjects like athletes or wildlife active in unpredictable patterns. The Canon 6D manages portraits and static subjects well, but struggles with continuous AF precision under the gun.

Building Tough and Shooting Anywhere – Weather Sealing and Durability

When Mother Nature joins your shoot, resilience matters.

Both bodies offer environmental sealing protecting against dust and moisture - a must-have for outdoor landscape or wildlife photography. Canon notes “environmental sealing” though the camera is not labeled waterproof or shockproof. The same applies to Sony's A99 II, which also carries sealing against dust and moisture - a meaningful reassurance for rugged conditions.

Weather sealing on these bodies keeps them functional in drizzle or dusty conditions, but neither is tank tough - extreme cold or shock resistance is not within their design. I’d advise caution for adventure photographers who demand ruggedness out-of-the-box.

Lens Ecosystems and Compatibility - The Real-World Workflow

Owning a great camera without lenses is like owning a racecar without tires.

Canon’s 6D, working with Canon EF mount, has access to an incredibly vast and mature lens ecosystem. With over 250 compatible lenses, from ultra-wide primes, L-series telephotos, to affordable third-party glass, the options abound for almost every budget and style. Canon’s monuments in portraiture and photojournalism come alive here.

Sony A99 II uses Sony A-mount lenses inherited from Minolta lineage, totaling around 143 lenses. While the selection is solid, it’s much narrower compared to Canon EF, especially in speciality lenses. Sony’s mirrorless E-mount system has surged ahead, but A99 II users are limited to A-mount glass or converters for E-mount, which may complicate future upgrades or lens choices.

In practical terms, Canon offers more accessible glass and cheaper options, while Sony users get high-quality but pricier lenses with less diversity. Telephoto and portrait primes for Sony are excellent but not as cost-effective.

Battery Life and Storage - More Shots and Security

Battery endurance is often overlooked but crucial for long-day shoots.

Canon’s 6D uses the LP-E6 battery, rated for a surprisingly strong 1090 shots per charge according to CIPA standards. Real-world usage confirms this; I managed full-day outdoor weddings and landscape treks without swapping batteries much. Battery life is a major strength here.

Sony’s A99 II, however, rates at 490 shots per charge, less than half of Canon’s capacity. The heavier power draw correlates with its electronic viewfinder and more complex AF system. This shortfall means packing at least two extra batteries for extended sessions or travel to avoid interruptions.

Storage-wise, Canon relies on a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, simpler and reliable. Sony boasts dual slots supporting SD and Memory Stick Duo cards, adding redundancy and flexibility valuable for pros shooting critical assignments.

Video Capabilities - Moving Pictures Matter?

Although primarily stills-focused, video can be a dealbreaker for some.

Canon 6D shoots Full HD (1920x1080) at up to 30p with H.264 compression, offering solid video for casual or enthusiast use. The lack of 4K and limited frame rates limits its appeal to serious videographers.

The Sony A99 II steps it up with 4K UHD (3840x2160) at high bit rates using XAVC S codec, plus Full HD 1080p at 60 fps. It also features headphone and microphone jacks, providing complete audio control. 5-axis sensor stabilization further enables smoother handheld footage - a boon often absent on DSLRs of this class.

So if video is critical, the Sony distinctly leads, positioning itself as a hybrid shooter’s tool.

Specialist Genres: Where Each Camera Shines and Struggles

Let’s zoom into how these cameras perform across photography types:

Portrait Photography

Canon 6D’s 20MP sensor combined with Canon’s acclaimed color science renders pleasing, natural skin tones with smooth gradations. Its 11-point AF with face detection works fine for headshots and portraits in controlled settings. The full-frame sensor ensures creamy bokeh with quality Canon EF primes.

Sony A99 II's higher resolution is overkill for casual portraits but perfect for studio or editorial shoots demanding detail. The extensive AF points and tracking help maintain sharp focus on eyes subject to movement. The sensor’s dynamic range preserves shadow details nicely. If you prioritize pin-sharp portraits, Sony’s the edge.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution dominate landscapes. Sony’s 13.4 stops and 42MP sensor excel in pulling detail from shadow and highlight, fitting for fine art prints or panoramic crops. Weather sealing helps in rugged environments. Canon’s 12.1 stops and 20MP deliver good images but less room for heavy post-processing or extreme crops.

Wildlife Photography

Sony A99 II’s 12 fps burst rate and vast AF system outperform Canon 6D’s 4.5 fps and modest autofocus in tracking unpredictably moving subjects. Plus, Sony’s minimum shutter speed (1/8000 sec) allows better freezing of fast action. Canon is serviceable for casual animal shots but not ideal for fast-paced wildlife assignments.

Sports Photography

Parallel to wildlife, Sony wins decisively with burst, AF tracking, and EVF feedback. Canon’s slower frame rate and fewer AF points hinder fast subject capture. That said, Canon’s Full HD video may capture some moments adequately.

Street Photography

Canon 6D scores with portability, quieter operation, and smaller size - critical for blending in. Its fixed screen and optical EVF appeal to traditionalists. Sony’s heavier body and louder shutter might attract attention but delivers better autofocus in dim lighting scenes.

Macro Photography

Neither camera is macro-specialized. But Sony’s superior AF precision and sensor resolution assist focus stacking and fine detail capture, though macro lenses matter most here. Canon works fine but could benefit from focus peaking tools absent in its system.

Night and Astrophotography

Canon’s excellent battery life and lower pixel density provide cleaner images at high ISO. However, Sony’s superior dynamic range and 14-bit data outpace Canon in retaining detail under extreme conditions. The electronic shutter and 5-axis stabilization help Sony users nail handheld starry shots.

Sample Gallery - Seeing Is Believing

Before final verdicts, feast your eyes on image samples from both cameras, shot in identical conditions.

Canon 6D front Canon 6D screen back Sony A99 II front Sony A99 II screen back

You’ll notice the Sony’s files show finer detail and smoother tonal transitions, especially in shadowed areas. The Canon delivers pleasing colors and respectable sharpness but can struggle with noise at highest ISOs.

Performance Review - Summarizing the Numbers and Experience

This graphic summarizes core DxOMark and real-world assessment scores:

• Sony A99 II leads on sensor score, AF system, burst rate, and video features.
• Canon 6D excels in battery life, size, and ease of use.

Genre-Specific Strengths and Weaknesses

Photographers prioritize differently:

• Portraits: Tie, slight Sony edge in detail, Canon in skin tones.
• Landscapes: Sony dominant.
• Wildlife/Sports: Sony clearly better.
• Street: Canon preferred for stealth.
• Video: Sony far ahead.
• Travel: Canon favored for weight and battery.
• Pro Work: Sony wins workflow and file quality; Canon valued for simplicity.

Final Thoughts – Which Is Your Perfect Match?

The Canon 6D and Sony A99 II are both stellar cameras, but they cater to different priorities and pockets.

Choose the Canon 6D if:

• You want a beginner-friendly full-frame DSLR with excellent battery life
• Prioritize portability for travel, street, and general photography
• Value an extensive lens ecosystem with affordable options
• Don’t demand cutting-edge autofocus or video
• Have a tight budget (MSRP around $1700 body only)

Choose the Sony A99 II if:

• You need top-tier resolution, advanced autofocus, and fast burst
• Video and hybrid shooting play a significant role
• You want cutting-edge electronic viewing with articulation and stabilization
• Can handle heavier gear and invest in A-mount lenses or adapters
• Have a pro or semi-pro workflow demanding ultimate image quality (MSRP around $3200 body only)

Both demand clouds of experience and a clear shooting vision to unleash their full power. Ultimately, I recommend testing each if you can and envision your shooting scenarios - you’re paying for different strengths in each body.

So, whether you fancy Canon’s classic charm or Sony’s modern tech blitz, you’re in expert company either way. Now get out there and make some magic happen.

Happy shooting!