Canon 5D Mark III vs 6D

Explore 78 sample photos taken by the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and 9 sample photos taken by the Canon EOS 6D

Significantly larger screen

3.2" vs 3.0"

Around 10% larger screen

Many more cross-type focus points

41 vs 1

Grab focus in difficult situations

Many more focus points

61 vs 11

Set focus accurately within the frame

Much less shutter lag

120 ms vs 290 ms

2.4x less delay when taking photos

Shoots faster

6 fps vs 4.5 fps

More than 30% faster continuous shooting

Significantly better viewfinder coverage

100% vs 97%

Almost the same

Has more storage slots

2 vs 1

More slots allows storing more images without switching memory cards

Better color depth

24 bits vs 23.8 bits

Distinguishes 0.2 more bits of color

Much faster max shutter speed

1/8000s vs 1/4000s

2x faster max shutter speed

Slightly higher true resolution

22.3 MP vs 20.9 MP

Capture around 10% more detail in your photos

Learn more about
the Canon 5D Mark III

More dynamic range

12.1 EV vs 11.7 EV

0.4 f-stops more dynamic range

Has a GPS

Yes vs No

Automatically geotags your photos when traveling

Slightly better image quality

82.0 vs 81.0

Almost the same

Smaller

145x111x71 mm vs 152x116x76 mm

More than 10% smaller

Thinner

2.8" vs 3"

Around 10% thinner

Cheaper

$1,328.00 vs $2,499.00

The best price we've seen is $1,171 cheaper (around 50% less)

Lighter

770 g vs 950 g

Around 20% lighter

Learn more about
the Canon 6D

Which camera do we recommend? Relative to the best recent pro DSLRs, and ignoring price

Canon EOS 5D Mark III 89

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90 Canon EOS 6D

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Compared to recent DSLRs

Common Strengths

Relatively low noise at high ISO

5D Mark III:	2,293 ISO
6D:	2,340 ISO

	Above average viewfinder size
	0.71x

	Weather sealed
	Shoot in extreme weather

	Both have pentaprism viewfinders
	Pentaprism

Common Weaknesses

	No built-in flash
	Professional

	No focus motor
	Won't autofocus with all lenses

	No flip-out screens
	Less flexible

	No image stabilization
	Risk of blur

Compared to recent pro DSLRs

Common Strengths

Snapsort is not aware of any interesting strengths shared by these two products.

Common Weaknesses

Capture low resolution images

5D Mark III:	22.3 MP
6D:	20.9 MP

Image quality data for the Canon 5D Mark III provided by DxOMark
Image quality data for the Canon 6D provided by DxOMark

Shared Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Pro DSLR

$2,341 body only

Is slightly more expensive

Is thicker

Compare the EOS 5D Mark II vs the EOS 5D Mark III

Compare the EOS 5D Mark II vs the EOS 6D

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Pro DSLR

$1,699 body only

$2,049 with 18-135mm lens

Shoots faster continuously

Can focus continuously while recording movies

Is thicker

Is slightly heavier

Compare the EOS 7D Mark II vs the EOS 5D Mark III

Compare the EOS 7D Mark II vs the EOS 6D

Canon EOS 70D

Pro DSLR

$856 - $999 body only

$1,330 - $1,349 with 18-135mm lens

Has a touch screen

Shoots faster continuously

Is thicker

Slightly lower boost light sensitivity

Compare the EOS 70D vs the EOS 5D Mark III

Compare the EOS 70D vs the EOS 6D

Nikon D750

Pro DSLR

$2,297 body only

$2,997 with 24-120mm lens

Is slightly less noisy at high ISO

Has slightly better image quality

Has a slower max shutter speed

Is slightly more expensive

Compare the D750 vs the EOS 5D Mark III

Compare the D750 vs the EOS 6D

Nikon D610

Pro DSLR

$1,399 - $1,497 body only

$1,997 with 24-85mm lens

Is slightly less noisy at high ISO

Has slightly better image quality

Has a slower max shutter speed

Is thicker

Compare the D610 vs the EOS 5D Mark III

Compare the D610 vs the EOS 6D

Nikon D810

Pro DSLR

$2,997 body only

$3,300 - $3,697 with 24-120mm lens

Is slightly less noisy at high ISO

Has significantly better image quality

Is significantly more expensive

Is thicker

Compare the D810 vs the EOS 5D Mark III

Compare the D810 vs the EOS 6D

Canon EOS 7D

Pro DSLR

$849 - $970 body only

$1,299 with 18-135mm lens

Shoots faster continuously

Slightly more lenses available

Is thicker

Slightly lower boost light sensitivity

Compare the EOS 7D vs the EOS 5D Mark III

Compare the EOS 7D vs the EOS 6D

Canon EOS 5D Mark III Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages

No significant competitors found that are specific to the Canon EOS 5D Mark III.

Canon EOS 6D Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages

No significant competitors found that are specific to the Canon EOS 6D.

EOS 5D Mark III

Canon

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EOS 6D

Canon

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Showing 24 comments

hayvaleri

(6:57 PM, February 08, 2015)

I've been considering upgrading to the 5D for quite some time now, but it might be kind of a crazy jump from the Rebel T3i to something like this one. I'm currently a student, but I need a professional camera. I shoot weddings, portraits, sports, video, and everything in between so I really need something versatile and something that can do well in low light situations without flash. Would the 5dmkiii be a good choice? I'm willing to save up and pay the higher price if it's worth it. Any suggestions?

Jeff Forbes

(2:08 AM, February 03, 2015)

I realize this is old, but the 7D/7DII would be the place to look for sports photography in a lower price range. The 7DII offer pro-body level autofocus. The 5DIII is probably suitable, if expensive, and the 6D offers an autofocus system most comparable to the old 30D by comparison. It's not a penalty box in the grand scheme of things, but it wasn't meant for sports at all. You may lose a little bit on image quality with the crop body (Particularly if you compare a 7D to modern DSLRs with Sony sensors), but for outdoor sports, getting the images in focus is going to be more important.

chill

(8:57 PM, December 16, 2014)

try mirrorless camera like panasonic gh4 or sony =)

Guna Sekar

(7:44 AM, October 08, 2014)

worst comparison

myhealthtoo

(1:41 AM, September 09, 2014)

whats a good camera and lens to use for taking tennis shots under $2000??

Cass Webber

(3:08 AM, August 11, 2014)

Jessica E Catino
Social Security# 155-90-7983
Date of Birth 07/02/91

Aian I. Mazumder

(5:19 PM, July 02, 2014)

If you shoot RAW video using Magic Lantern, the fast speeds of the CF slot is pretty important in the 5D over the 6D.

Aian I. Mazumder

(5:17 PM, July 02, 2014)

That's always an option but at almost $400, I'd personally rather just put that money toward saving up for a 5D. You can't necessarily go wrong with the 6D but the 5D is no doubt still a better camera. The fast speed of the CF card slot is important if you're planning to record RAW video to the card slot. For photography and everything else other than being a professional or high speed/sports photography, the 6D is a great, affordable choice and will get identical pictures (image quality) to the 5Dm3. For video, I'd still save up for the 5D, but that's just my opinion. Both are still great cameras. Obviously the 5D costs a decent amount more but it's up to you if it's worth the money for the upgrades.

Lucas Vazquez

(1:15 PM, July 01, 2014)

Hi Aian, what about VAF-6D moire/anti-aliasing filters? I saw some videos and they actually look great.
Woud you still recommend 5d?

Kwest

(9:21 AM, June 22, 2014)

I've filmed a low budget TV show with the 6D and 5dMk2 as back up. I gotta give it to the 6D. The only thing I hate about the camera is that damn moire! Now that I bought a $350 filter for it I'm very happy with it. $1650+350 still out weighs the $3500 for a 5DMK3. Don't get me wrong the 5DMK3 is the king but this fresh prince is just coolin' right now. The real problem is waiting to see if I should get the 1D-C (price drop) or the 5DMK4 or 6DMK2! Dang!

John

(2:35 AM, June 13, 2014)

Yeah I mean who cares about money these days?

Lawrence C

(10:58 AM, June 11, 2014)

If the 5d's price was actually $250..... (Error in price)

Hannibal

(5:35 PM, May 29, 2014)

5d mark III for 249.95?? Where?? I'll buy a whole bunch!! lol :P

Tim

(4:08 PM, May 12, 2014)

I need to disagree with the final decision. It looks like far to much weight is given to size and weight. (no pun intended.) In nearly every way but price, the 5D3 is the clear winner. In terms of dynamic range and image quality, the 6D might have an extremely slight edge, but it is so minimal as to not really matter.

Frame rate, auto focus, dual card slots, and shutter lag are all significantly better on the 5D3, which are very important features for a pro photographer.

Aian I. Mazumder

(2:15 AM, March 31, 2014)

The 3 things that led me to the 5Dm3 over the 6D is 2 card slots, the anti-aliasing filter (rarely gets mentioned), and the much, much better focusing system. For event photography, writing to 2 cards is HUGE, esp a fast write to a CF card. For video, anti-aliasing filter is quite important. If you don't notice aliasing now, you probably will eventually. Because of this, there is no doubt that the 5Dm3 is a much better camera for video. The focusing system is also a huge upgrade from the 6D if you're shooting anything other than stationary shots in the middle of the frame. Those 3 things made me pick the 5D over the 6D.

For someone that doesn't do video, shoots mostly still subjects, and is comfortable shooting to one SD card (many photographers), then the 6D is the better choice at the cheaper price but if the 3 things I mentioned are important, I recommend saving up for the 5Dm3 like I did.

Clover Paws Cattery

(8:38 PM, January 29, 2014)

This is such a tough choice! The focusing system of the 5D is definitely
better, I don't think there is any question about that. But in every
other way these two are very comparably similar. The biggest advantages
of the D6 are it's price and built in WIFI/GPS, which if you added these
features to the 5D it would be a thousand dollars more than it already
is. I do portraiture and some events. I tend to think I might get more
usable, in focus shots, especially for weddings and perhaps with
restless children with the 5D. But is the difference so much it's worth
paying an extra thousand dollars? That's the big question. Saving a
thousand dollars could allow me the purchase of a new lens, or some nice
props. I am still very undecided!

Jason Nalley

(0:57 AM, October 21, 2013)

The shutter speed is also an issue for the 6D. I mean seriously why include a 1/4000s limitation on a Full Frame? Why not just allow it to do the 1/8000s like the rest of the cameras on the market today as well as its predecessors?

Shawn M. Knox

(3:08 PM, August 28, 2013)

The 5DM3 has a multi-cluster of center points (9 I believe). It makes a big difference for sports or event action. I used to have a 5DMK2 that had the lone center focus point. If you're subject is moving directly towards you you'll probably get some usable shots but if it is moving across the plane then you'll need a lot of luck or perfect timing. The choice is up to each person on what they buy. My only point here is make sure you choose what you need. The 5DMK3 focusing system is very advanced and not difficult to do. It has been a long time since I could say that about a Canon DSLR. If you're shooting sports you will be limited. If you're shooting still life subject then you will probably be satisfied with the 6D. WiFi seems to be an overrated feature to me. I can see few specialized uses but not many in my workflow. I would rather have a higher percentage of in-focus shots than have the wifi option and end up with a lot of out-of-focus shots transferred wirelessly. There are other and better ways to fire cameras wirelessly (at the moment). But again, choose the camera based on your needs and understand that almost no camera is perfect for every type situation, so choose wisely.

John Wynne

(4:33 AM, August 26, 2013)

Then you must have very still subjects. Fast moving subject such as action or sports requires an adept focusing system, even when your subject is not dead center.

kaka

(4:10 AM, August 24, 2013)

forgot about the money and the weight

Cbordin

(9:46 PM, August 04, 2013)

I have never moved my focus point from center. I would never trust that the sensor wouldn't pick a back ground or foreground object and ruin my shot.

Pick your focus point and hold then frame your shot.
I can not think of a time in the past 22 years of shooting that I would want the camera to decide what to focus on.

Just bought a 6D and I am selling my 5D Miii to buy a second 6D.

5D plus wifi = 2 6D's .... no brainier unless you are making thousands of dollars a month from your camera.

I'm going to miss my dual card slot but that is about it. And JPG In the camera for HDR.... Who would want to create a HDR in the field unless it was for fun. To do a good job in HDR it needs to be done in post.

My 2 cents :)

Shawn M. Knox

(8:23 PM, July 29, 2013)

There is one glaring advantage to the 5DMKIII that should be heavily weighted in its favor over the 6D and that is the focusing system, which is well worth the additional cost. The 6D is using a system with only 11 focus points and 1 cross sensor. If you are shooting stationary objects then you'll be OK but if you're shooting anything with any type of movement pay the difference and get the 61 point/41 cross sensor focusing system of the 5DMKIII which compares favorably with the very high priced 1D X. As with every camera purchase, look at your needs first and then match those to the camera. If you're a landscape, fine art or portrait only photographer then the 6D is probably a good choice. If you shoot the aforementioned, plus events, weddings, sports, etc. then upgrade to the 5DMKIII. My personal rule of thumb on buying high cost technology is to always try and buy up if you can possibly afford it. That's just me but given that you are already spending $2K, I think another $1K is worth the investment. You can usually get a refurbished 1DMKIII with warranty from the Canon store for around $2800 which is less then a $800 difference and is definitely worth it in my opinion.

Wildlife shooter

(10:09 PM, March 25, 2013)

I can't choose ...... Both so cool!

Ricecim

(3:40 PM, September 20, 2012)

Forgot wifi for the 6D

Canon EOS 6D vs Canon EOS 5D Mark III

Reasons to buy the Canon EOS 6D

Reasons to buy the Canon EOS 5D Mark III

galleries

differences

Advantages of the Canon 5D Mark III

Advantages of the Canon 6D

recommendations

Which camera do we recommend? Relative to the best recent pro DSLRs, and ignoring price

similarities

Compared to recent DSLRs

Compared to recent pro DSLRs

dxomark

competitors

Shared Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Canon EOS 7D Mark II

Canon EOS 70D

Nikon D750

Nikon D610

Nikon D810

Canon EOS 7D

Canon EOS 5D Mark III Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages

Canon EOS 6D Competitors

Advantages

Disadvantages

appearance

discussion

Showing 24 comments