Callisto Loc: Charlottesville VA

My interest in photography has changed so that I want to do almost only macro photography. I have a Canon XSi currently but I want to upgrade to a newer camera. I am thinking of getting a 70D or a 7D Mark II, or a 6D. I create almost all my images using a tripod with my Canon EF 100mm Macro lens. I want to take pictures of flowers and other things, some possibly with low lighting. I anticipate using focus stacking with many of my pictures.

I am particularly interested in knowing if the full frame 6D would be superior to the 70D or the 7DMII since these are 1.6 crop cameras.
Thanks for any comments on this situation.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Instinct says the full frame 6D would provide a better image quality, however the 7D MII will work better in low light.

You should decide what you need more and compare the two. S-

A-PeeR Loc: Houston, Texas

All the cameras you have listed are fine cameras. 7DII is still new but preliminary results I have seen indicate it will be fine for macro photography. You note that you are interested in stacking so you’ll want to confirm the 7D-II has EFCS and it doesn’t have a "reset zing" like the 60D.

None of the cameras are superior rather they have different limitations. Understanding these limitations may help you whittle down which camera is best for you. Basic differences between APS-C cameras and Full Frame for macro:

APS-C: Smaller frame - a tighter 1:1 squeeze on insects in the 15mm to 20mm range. You can’t fit insects longer than 24mm in the frame.
Higher pixel density/smaller pixels - more resolution for cropping, smaller airy disc coverage so larger aperture required to avoid pixel bleed over.
Noisier sensor - Need better, more intense illumination to override electronic noise generated by sensor D/As, need to shoot lower ISO to better avoid sensor noise.

FF: Larger frame - more real estate to capture the subject, able to capture larger subjects, need greater magnification (x.6) to capture equivalent APS-C detail.
Less pixel Density - Less resolution for cropping, larger airy disc coverage so you can shoot smaller aperture before encountering pixel bleed over.
Quieter sensor - Pixels are larger and capture more light. Proper exposure is proper exposure but due to larger pixel size FF sensors are more forgiving when a frame is under exposed. Lower Sensor noise allows one to shoot higher ISO before noise becomes an issue.

I’m sure I missed a thing or two but those are the key differences that come to mind right now. Hopefully others will chime in.
All of these limitations/differences can be overcome. It’s up to you to decide which you want to deal with.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Your Canon EF 100mm is an excellent Macro lens. You will be pleased with whichever camera body you choose.

I recommend that you obtain the highest pixel count you can afford. I personally use a Nikon D5200 because of its light weight (field macro-photography) with a 24Mp sensor.

Asking questions on this forum, and reading the Macro FAQs will speed you on your way:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-36372-1.html

Don, the 2nd son Loc: Crowded Florida

"reset zing?"

A-PeeR Loc: Houston, Texas

It has been documented with the 60D and to a lesser extent the 70D that when shooting in live view there is a noise (zing) at the start of the exposure. This zing propagates vibration. Not a big deal for normal shots, not a big deal for flash illuminated macro, can be a big deal for continuous light stacks. Vibration is strong enough that it blurs detail at the pixel level. This causes a loss of sharpness and detail in the image that can't be corrected in post.

Don, the 2nd son Loc: Crowded Florida

Thanks.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Full disclosure here: I don't have a full frame. I shoot Nikon (D7100 & D300--both cropped sensors) and do a fair amount of focus stacking. Almost all of my stacks require some cropping. It would seem to me that with a full frame stack, you would have more to work with.

I'm sure any of those Canons will suit your purposes with the lens you already have....

willaim Loc: Sunny Southern California

I think any of those cameras would be fine. The APC sensor doesn't make the image bigger. Only crops somewhat off a full frame. Since you use a tripod (recommended) for macro, use mirror lock up to prevent some vibration. Good luck whatever you chose.

gym Loc: Athens, Georgia

I agree, Douglass. The lens is great and any of the cameras mentioned would be a good choice.

As an aside, because of my investment in L-lenses, I'm now committed to Canon, but am a bit PO-ed because they have not come out with a larger pixel Camera to compete with Nikon. They have the sensor. But they wait- letting little improvements seep out over time, to bait Canon owners into purchasing everything piece meal. They make a great product, but I feel they're nickel and diming their users. But then.......... I think all the manufacturers do this to some extent.

There, I've had my say. Vent no. 2G-456.
LOL

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

I will enter this into the log book.

<Bazinga!>