Should You Upgrade from Canon 600D to Canon 6D?

When considering a switch from Canon 600D to 6D, the choice depends largely on the lenses you already own. The Canon 600D has an APS-C sensor, while the Canon 6D is a full-frame DSLR. Let's explore how these differences affect your decision and the potential gains or losses involved in making a switch.

The Impact of Sensor Size

The 600D's APS-C sensor necessitates shorter focal lengths to cover the same angle of view as the full-frame 24x36 sensor of the 6D. This means that a 18mm lens on the 600D is equivalent to about 28mm on the 6D, while a 50mm lens on the 600D is roughly equivalent to 80mm on the 6D.

If your current zoom lenses have a shorter focal length than 70mm, they are likely Canon EF-S lenses, which won't work with the full-frame Canon 6D. Even some EF-S prime lenses, like the 24mm f/2.8 pancake lens, are incompatible. Therefore, if you switch to a full-frame camera, you might need to buy new lenses to cover the wide-angle area.

However, if you are content with your existing lenses, you might prefer the Canon EOS 7D, which also has an APS-C sensor but offers better image quality and performance in different environments.

My Personal Experience

I followed a different path. Years ago, I inherited an analog Canon EOS camera with two lenses, a 28-105mm and a 70-300mm. When I purchased a Canon 300D, I ended up not using the 28-105mm much, so I stored it and replaced it with an 18-125mm lens suitable for APS-C. The 70-300mm lens, however, continued to serve me well. Recently, I acquired a 6D, and now the 28-105mm has become my favorite lens.

Actually, I am quite fond of my 6D. Its large and bright finder, flawless handling, and impressive low-light performance are standout features. However, one drawback is the slow autofocus in live view mode, which is a significant concern—especially when compared to my 2019 EOS 250D, which has a much faster live view autofocus.

Image Quality and Low Light Performance

For the best image quality, it's essential to opt for a full-frame camera. Canon does not produce L-lenses for APS-C, and all of its lenses are designed with full-frame in mind. Consequently, full-frame cameras provide a sharper and better quality image. In low light conditions, using a full-frame camera will result in cleaner images due to lower electrical noise.

If you require excellent low-light capabilities and are willing to sacrifice your existing EF-S lenses (which won't fit on the full-frame EF mount), it might be worth considering the upgrade. Rent one and test the full-frame camera to experience its benefits firsthand. Remember that the full-frame camera will still require a high ISO setting in low light, but this will be offset by the cleaner images produced.

If the loss of EF-S lenses is a non-negotiable issue, you might consider exploring other APS-C camera options. The Canon 80D and Canon 7D Mark II come to mind as excellent alternatives featuring superior autofocus capabilities, faster processors, and respectable low-light performance for crop sensors.