Is The Canon 6D Worth Buying In 2023?

Here is my now annual post where I ask a fundamental question about the Canon 6D, still my go to camera in 2023. Who'd have thought it eh? And if you are thinking, the Canon 6D? Isn't that an ancient camera? Read on......
The Canon 6D is still worth buying in 2023. The Canon 6D was a great camera when it was released in late 2012, and can still take great photos in 2023. The Canon 6D was Canon’s entry level full frame camera when it was released, and whilst it has been superseded by newer models it is a great way to get into full frame photography.
You do not need the shiniest, latest bells and whistles camera to take great photos. You can do this with a Canon 6D Mk 1.
Right, that is you told! In this post I am going to tell you why the Canon 6D is still well worth buying, giving you a great, economical route into full frame photography and great image capture capabilities.
Check out the full blog post here - rickmcevoyphot...

[@ronrotunno2901]

When it came time to purchase a camera to be modified for astrophotography I knew exactly what I needed. The original Canon 6D. The low light capabilities of this camera body are legendary and it’s still a very relevant body in 2023. Not to mention that low shutter count copy’s can be found here in the U.S. for $400.

[@rickmcevoyphotography]

Hi Ron - thank you for the comment. Completely agree. And that is a lot of camera for $400, isn't it! With kind regards. Rick

[@ryuchan4721]

I'm still using a EOS 6D. The combination with the EF24-70mm F2.8L lens provides the best descriptive power. From Japan. Many thanks.

[@rickmcevoyphotography]

Hi, and thanks for sharing this with me. Yes, the 28-70 is a great lens and a great partner for the good old 6D. With kind regards from me in England, Rick

[@dermotfaloon_streetmonkey]

Having this as my first Full Frame, bought last month, really like it. Like yourself I find the screen hard to see especially outside and the options on the camera for 'too dark' 'too bright' or any warnings or histograms etc are too small for my old eyes. Having installed magic lantern you can get it to display a false colour preview as part of the review which turns the close-to-over hilights to strong red, and darks to strong blue, and leaves the rest greys. Super handy and easy to work with. The screen issue can be solved by getting a matt screen protector, one I got was called Expert Shield for 6D , its old but still available from the usual places. Made such a difference outside shooting. Like having a new screen. The default screen is borderline unusable without this. So pleased it can be fixed.

[@rickmcevoyphotography]

Hi Dermot - thanks very much for this. I got a cheap loupe viewer, which did the job nicely; although it is another bit of kit, and it sticks out, it magnifies the LCD screen and helps me. Regards Rick

[@vnamahi4056]

I am in Vietnam. I bought the Canon 6D as soon as it was released to replace my 5D2 and 600D. I needed something compact like the 600D and beautiful like the 5D2. And now, I am still using it. Currently, I want to buy a mirrorless camera to replace it because I need a camera with good live view, good focus, the ability to shoot 60fps video, a flip-out screen, lighter than the 6D, and cheaper. I have considered the Canon RP as the best option currently available, except for the fact that its battery life is inferior to the 6D classic. I think a used 6D for around $300 to $400 is a very good price to own a top-quality full-frame camera like the 6D.

[@rickmcevoyphotography]

Hi there and thanks for your thoughts. The screen on the 6D is a challenge to me, especially as I am getting on a bit, but I still love using the old school optical viewfinder! The Canon RP is a great choice, just buy some spare batteries and you will be good to go! Cheers from me Rick

[@Wolf-6567]

I purchased a 6D new when it first came out. I really know and understand this camera and I have not replaced it, I get the photos I want, and my camera has taken thousands of pictures and is still going strong after more than ten years. I do use good glass, L lenses are outstanding and a very good price compared to mirrorless. For a lot of affordable lenses with a mirrorless you'll probably end up getting an adapter EF to mirrorless, so one of the advantages of mirrorless being weight reduction kind of gets reset. I'll probably eventually replace this old 6D with a 5dmkIV, again the build quality is way past the plastic mirrorless cameras, so many decent lenses too. The colours are great, weather seals are good, it's a tough camera again. Unlike some mirrorless cameras that need to go for expensive services frequently. I have the budget for one camera, not 2 in use, one in service. The older DSLR like the 6d, 5dMkIv, old Fuji, and Nikon D750/D850 are so built to last. Weight yes heavy, so don't take 20 lenses with you to the park. 6d For me is absolutly brilliant, you have to learn more camera skills, and for best result learn whatever camera you use well, modern mirrorless there is less requirement to do so, this skills gap doesn't seem to give many users the skills or confidence to overide the cameras choices and get creative.. or even touch manual. The money I save from mirrorless buys more great glass, that will improve my photography better. My eyes are getting older now, I just leave my glasses on, and adjust the diopter next to the view finder. Old DSLR especially 6d are the best value for money, not perfect but a really solid choice, totally agree with you. Liked and subbed. Thank you for sharing your insight..

[@rickmcevoyphotography]

Hi, and thanks very much for your thoughts. Completely agree with everything you say. The LCD screen is the challenge to me with my ageing old eyes, though... With thanks and kind regards. Rick

[@dehv]

I miss my 6D, bought and sold it way back but considering getting another. Prices are great these days!

[@rickmcevoyphotography]

Get another one. You can't go wrong. But you know that.... Cheers, Rick

[@EnidAgnusDei]

The 6D mk1 is a very under rated camera. Not keen on the mk2 version but the mark 1 is great in low light, only lacks a better fps and more pixels, other than that, a damn good camera and use mine for astro shots and for those, the best camera made given its size etc. Mine is a keeper.

[@rickmcevoyphotography]

Thanks, Enid - I completely agree. Regards, Rick

[@K_Shea]

I agree, the 6D was a remarkable camera when it was introduced and is still a great camera even in 2023, though a jump to the 6D Mk II takes a huge step in dealing with many of the 6D short falls, they can be found in excellent shape with basic lens for $800 give or take. (live view, articulated LCD screen, 4k, 60FPS videos, 26.2Mpx, faster burst rate, a substantially faster AF with broader functions, much more then I can explain)

[@rickmcevoyphotography]

Hi Kenneth - thank you very much for this. You raise some excellent points there. The articulated screen I would dearly love. You have got me thinking now.... With kind regards from me, Rick

[@pauldarville3843]

I bought the Canon 6DM2 in 2023 and I love it!!

[@rickmcevoyphotography]

Hi Paul - when my 6D falls over I will get a 6D Mk 2 for sure. With kind regards. Rick

[@TomKirkemo-l5c]

The only camera that I bougth new. In 2013. I LOVE it!! I have 4 other came3ras, but the 6D is my absolute favorite! :) But, I have broken the rear LCD on it. :( Now I actually use an even older 5D MK2.

[@rickmcevoyphotography]

Hi, and thanks for this. My first frame camera was the 5D Mk 1, which I loved. It was massive with the grip! I moved on to the Canon 6D which I learned to love more. Regards. Rick

[@jesuscidoncha9706]

Yo también la tengo y estoy muy contento

[@rickmcevoyphotography]

Thanks very much. Cheers. Rick

[@fatweevlogs]

I have always wanted a fullframe since I love bokeh and wide angle. I cant afford one though, not even the old 5d classic. I really hope that one day I can get myself one of those. For now, Im just gonna stick to my 30d.

[@rickmcevoyphotography]

Hi - I started my full frame journey with a Canon 5D Mk 1, which I loved. But before that, I had 4 cropped sensor Canon cameras, which were great. The most important thing is to get out, take photos, and enjoy photography, whatever camera you have. Regards Rick

[@fatweevlogs]

@@rickmcevoyphotography thank you for the reply, Rick. Thats exactly what I do. Get out, take photos and enjoy the process, but eventually, I will start my full frame journey, together with my cropped sensors which I also love. It should be nice.

[@rickmcevoyphotography]

@@fatweevlogs Good to hear - enjoying photography and getting out to take photos is what it is all about.

[@sebastiennarcisse6571]

I had the 6D couple with EOS R I am all set.

[@rickmcevoyphotography]

Thanks Sebastien - good to hear. With kind regards, Rick

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

can the 6D cleanly handle 6400ISO? how is the 6D servo mode? thanks in advance. thumbs up.

[@rickmcevoyphotography]

Hi and thanks for the comment. Honestly, I wouldn't know - I have never gone beyond ISO1600. I doubt if ISO6400 would be clean, though. I have only played with the servo mode as I photograph things that aren't moving, so I have very limited knowledge of that, too. Sorry, little help to you here! Regards Rick

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

It was kind of you to reply. Thumbs up 👍🏼

[@Cotictimmy]

EVF? Nope - I really don’t like ‘em thanks.

[@rickmcevoyphotography]

Hi there - thanks for your comment. I still prefer the optical type myself. Cheers, Rick