MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I was asked by a UHH'r what the image quality difference was between the Nikon D700 and the Canon 6D. I was stumped as this was a comparison I had not made. So I grabbed both and using comparable lenses (Nikkor 28-300mm F3.5-5.6 VR and Canon 70-300mm F4-5.6L IS USM), I proceeded to take one shot each of the stained glass window in the church across the street from the store. Both cameras were shot in "P" mode with AUTO WB on and the lenses at full zoom of 300mm. Shots were handheld and stabilization was turned on.
The very first thing I noticed was the difference in the auto white balance as you will see below. (The red bias of the Canon sensor is very evident) The image size is different due to the difference in sensor sizes, but the Nikon seems to have slightly more zoom than the Canon at 300mm. Image quality appears quite comparable when you zoom in to the leaded glass on the window, both images pixelate at about the same magnification. I would think you would end up with one size larger print from the Canon than the Nikon just due to the sensor differences.
I am not making this unscientific comparison to judge which camera is better, merely to answer the question posed to me as I had both bodies available and comparable lenses to test them with. Download and view for yourself if you wish.

Nikon D700


Canon 6D

TucsonCoyote Loc: Tucson AZ

I look at the exif on both pics and nothing is the same....WB is auto on one and manual on the other. ISO is 100 and 400.
Everything else is also totally different.
You sure you posted the right 2 pictures you wanted to post?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

That is a difference in the cameras, WB on both bodies were set to auto at the time the shots were taken.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Hate to say it canon boys...the nikon looks better, more natural.

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

[quote=MT Shooter]That is a difference in the cameras, WB on both bodies were set to auto at the time the shots were taken.[/quOTE

Sure am glad i didn't buy a canon!!

bonneyda Loc: Michigan

WELL, I BOUGHT THE 6D BECAUSE I HAVE GREAT CANON GLASS......... WOULDN'T TRADE THAT FOR ANYTHING!

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

You were testing the difference in the auto then? If not, then why not just use manual and identical settings? Not trying to challenge anything, just want to know.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

I didn't quite hear that through all the caps locks. Tap the button again to turn it off, in case you didn't know that. Glad your system works for you.

I was comparing the two images submitted...that's all.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Oh, and seeing that this was your first post...WELCOME!

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I was just asked to do the same comparison using the Canon 7D and the Nikon D7000. Since I do have both, as well as a pair of 70-200mm lenses, I will do them tomorrow if we have another sunny day. Same settings, "P" mode, AUTO WB and 200mm on the lenses. I wonder if the Canon red bias will be as noticeable in the crop sensors as the full frames?

I may also do a repeat of today with full manual settings on the full frames, if anyone would be interested in the comparison (this would have to be done from a tripod of course). I could also add the D800E to the mix in case someone thinks the D700 is "too old" for an effective sampling.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

No, as these cameras do not have an AUTO mode in them. I only selected AUTO WB to simplify the comparison.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

Sorry. Thought the WB was auto, which seemed to account for the largest difference in the shots.

I would be interested in seeing the full manual.

TucsonCoyote Loc: Tucson AZ

Maybe MT Shooter is overstocked on Nikons ? !
....or just wanted to start another fight ? !

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

i trust mt to crank out a fair if not pure comparison. who knows we might learn something if he doesn't mind making the effort.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I don't mind the effort at all really.
That church window is likely one of the most photographed objects in the state of Montana over the last few months. I use it all the time for my customers to shoot when making camera or lens comparisons at my store. I often use it myself for testing cameras or lenses brought in for trading, just because I am familiar with the colors and its great to be able to zoom in on the details on the stores laptop for a quick check of sharpness and focus. I will play some more tomorrow and post some comparisons, who knows what I might dig out of inventory to compare.
And I do have a lot more Nikons than Canons in stock, since they outsell the Canons by at least a 15 (or more) to 1 margin here.