cdunn Loc: Brevard, NC

I currently shoot with the original 6D, which I've enjoyed for almost 5 years. Lenses are 16-35 f2.8 ll, 24-105 f/4, 100 f/2.8 ll Macro, 100-400 f/4-5.6 ll. I'm preparing to buy a body upgrade. The specs on the 6D M2, scheduled to be formally announced on June 29, are mostly confirmed and include 26 megapixels, 45 focal points (all cross-wise), an articulating touchscreen LCD, Digic 7 sensor, no 4K video, and single card slot. I have no interest in video, concentrate mainly on landscape and close-up, but also do some shooting of wildlife and live orchestral concerts.

The street price of the 5D M4 has dropped to $3,000, making the difference with the 6D M2 only $1,000. Since I will likely have the camera for at least 5 years, the $1,000 is not a major impediment. I do like the articulating LCD and the more simplified operation of the 6D, since I probably won't use several of the features on the 5D, but these are not deal breaker considerations. I also don't shoot in rough conditions.

I would welcome opinions on whether there are aspects of the 5D M4 that would likely make it a meaningfully better camera for me than the 6D. I fully understand the decision is mine, I am just looking for experienced opinions about the difference in capabilities, assuming the specs on the 6D are correct and operate as one would expect. Thanks very much.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Some comparison sites -

(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
http://www.cameradecision.com/
http://cameras.reviewed.com/
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

cdunn Loc: Brevard, NC

Thanks, Jerry.

Japakomom Loc: Originally from the Last Frontier

I think, if you have been happy with the 6D for the last five years than the 6DII would be an excellent choice for you. You mention wildlife - have you felt that you needed a faster frame rate? If so, then the 5DIV might be better for you. If the $1000 difference isn't off putting is there a chance that you might say, "I should have gotten the 5DIV"?
I shot sports with the 6D for several years before I upgraded to the 5DIV - the 6D did a great job, but the 5DIV does an even greater job.
The 5DIV will have a steeper learning curve.
I probably have not helped in any way. It is a tough decision!

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

I moved from a 6D to the 5DIV last year and have been extremely happy with the switch. I kept my 6D for a while as a back up, but never touched it after I got the 5DIV so I sold it. I have a 7DII for back up but find that I rarely use it unless I am shooting BIF or auto racing.
I doubt you will see much difference in resolution between the 26mp 6DII and the 30mp 5DIV. The articulating LCD is a nice feature that I wish the 5DIV had. Don't know how the auto-focus will compare. It appears to be much improved over the 6D. When using a 1.4x III extender with my 100-400 L II I had no auto-focus with the 6D. With the 7DII only center point and expanded center point. With the 5DIV I have all my points available. I haven't read how the 6DII will do in that regard.
The 5DIV will almost certainly have the more robust and water resistant build of the two. It also has dual cards which, for me, doesn't mean a lot since I don't care for the CF card, using it only for back up when necessary. Still, it's nice to have that ability.
I have never shot video so having 4K capability may entice me to try it someday. Or not.
What does your 6D not do that you wish it did? Will the 6DII provide that ability or will only the 5DIV?
Based on how you say you shoot I personally would wait for the release of the 6DII, read the reviews, and then decide. It will probably do everything you want. Save the $1000 for your next GAS attack!

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

I've had the pleasure of attending workshops led by one of Canon's Explorers of Light. On the first workshop in Yellowstone he shot a 5D Mkiii and a 7D Mkii. The next was in northern Michigan where he was using the new 5D Mkiv. He had put the 7D Mkii on the shelf where it remained for the 3rd meeting in Kalispell, MT. He told me he has permanently parked the 7D saying the 5D Mkiv has everything he needs for his work. This man shoots some beautiful landscapes and abstracts with this camera. It's still his eye and his hands but the tool of choice is the 5D Mkiv.

cdunn Loc: Brevard, NC

Thank you. Helpful info for my databank. I don't think I can go wrong with either one, and you hit the right button when asking if I will someday wish I had jumped to the 5D; that is on my mind. I've decided to wait until the 6D M2 comes out and see some of the reviews.

cdunn Loc: Brevard, NC

Thanks. Very good advice. I am quite interested to see how the 6DII will handle the 1.4x extender. I'm accustomed to using MF on my 100-400 w/ extender, but there have definitely been instances where AF would have made the difference. I have decided to wait and see what a couple of the reviewers opine before pulling the trigger. And, you are right about having that $1,000 kitty to help rationalize a splurge during a GAS attack. Thanks again.

cdunn Loc: Brevard, NC

Thanks, David. Good input. I know I'd be happy with the 5D, and that may be the way I go after reading reviews upon the release of the 6D.

skingfong Loc: Sacramento

Since the $1000 difference isn't a major impediment, get the 5D M4. That way you won't have any regrets. If you get the 6D MK2 you might be saying to yourself, I wish I would've bought the 5D M4. It's always better to have more than not enough.

cdunn Loc: Brevard, NC

Certainly a risk. ( :

crazydaddio Loc: Toronto Ontario Canada

Same position as you 6mo ago. I shoot weddings and needed the extra card slot for safety so needed the MkIV and expected the new 6dmkii would not have it. FPS, AF speed and low light AF, should be the deciding factors (along with articulating screen). I have it on my 70D but never use that camera anymore except for sports in full light. Other than crop reach that the 70D provides and the articulating screen of the new 6Dii the mkiv will be better or equal in every other category.

Wait for the 6Dii if you can but I am guessing that for you the articulating screen (go 6Dii) and FPS (go mkiv) will be the deciding factor. Check on the low light AF performance...guessing they will be close enough to make it a non issue).
IQ ratings related to DR and shadow recovery need to be considered also but expect them to be comparable also)
...and i will be torn betweem upgrading my 6D to 6dmkii (articulating screen) or upgrading my 70D to 7Dmkii/iii since I still shoot a lot of outdoor sports. (The 6D mki still has great IQ but effectively only 1 AF pt.....good enough for stills at weddings...will use the mkiv for everthing else....

No bad decision here...good luck !

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

The other question is which camera will hold its value better if and when you decide you want a newer or better camera. My guess is the 5D4 being more of a Professional model and tool would retain more of its value over time. The 5D4 has a great focusing system and if you don't want shoot 30mp files you can back off and shoot smaller files too. Good luck with your decision.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

It's always better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

cdunn Loc: Brevard, NC

Thanks. Very reassuring. After the good advice I've gotten here on UHH, I'm feeling more confident about being able to produce equal IQ........ assuming good low light AF and noise control. I'm expecting 6 fps, and I believe that will be adequate; even the 4.5 on the 6Di has rarely been an issue for me. The much-improved AF with 45 focal points is a huge improvement and was critical in my decision. The articulating LCD has become increasingly appealing as I get older and experience the occasional back problems. So, I am going to wait for the 6D M2 and hope for some quick rave reviews before making a final decision. Thanks again.