It's even possible to delete images from the camera via the device. What we preferred was the ability to view the images from the camera's inserted SD card on the phone - and while the iPhone 4S that collaborated for this aspect of this test isn't particularly huge on the screen front, we imagine that an iPad experience would escalate that to a whole other level.
Using a smartphone to control the camera is fun and may have some application for more unusual shoots.
There are multiple ways to use the Wi-Fi: to transfer images between cameras to connect to a smartphone as a direct pairing or via a LAN as a remote control using the EOS Utility software on your PC or Mac to print wirelessly via PictBridge upload pictures via Web service using Canon Image Gateway or to connect to a DLNA network and view images on other devices also wired to that network, such as your telly. Once these short pains are out of the way the door of practicality opens.
Each of the different connectivity types requires a full individual set up, rather than a one pass suits all logic. Punch being the operative word, as it will most likely make you feel like punching something on account of how user-friendliness has been thrown out of the window. Fortunately it's quick and easy to turn Wi-Fi off from within the quick menu as required.Īs with previous Canon Wi-Fi implementation, such as in the PowerShot S110 compact camera, the set up process is rather long-winded, but, and certainly for the sake of security, that's an issue that's overcome once all passwords are punched into the camera. Switch on these techy features, however, and kiss that figure goodbye.
The 6D happens to share the same LP-E6 rechargeable li-ion version as found in the 5D Mark III so it has the juice to keep the camera shooting for up to around about 900 shots per charge. Playback and delete keys also move to the right side of the rear, rather than the usual left-lying position. Not really sure why, as it would hardly be a cost implication to keep the usual dual-function set up. With the 6D that means a little more menu digging using the quick menu.
The top panel also has single-access buttons to AF, drive, ISO and metering, whereas the 5D Mark III and other Canon DSLRs have dual-use buttons to include exposure compensation and white balance. Not a serious bother when there aren't that many AF points to select from. For example, the omission of the rear joystick-like thumb control that features on the 5D Mark III makes adjusting focus point on the 6D a little bit fiddlier, although a combination of both front thumbwheel and rear rotational d-pad can be used to shift horizontal and vertical selection. The 6D's layout is generally a success too, and not a million miles away from similar Canon cameras, albeit with a handful of subtle differences. When the EOS 6D was announced just four days after Nikon unveiled its D600, it was bitter sweet: while the Canon scored points for its smaller size and weight, higher resolution screen, built-in tech such as GPS and Wi-Fi and the lower-than-Nikon anticipated retail price it had to offset its positives against some more entry-level features that its Nikon rival magnified thanks to its upgraded spec. But what of the core user experience - with an entry-level-sounding 11-point autofocus system and cut-back 97 per cent field-of-view optical viewfinder has Canon got the balance right or is the EOS 6D pushing away its audience potential before eyes have even left the spec sheet? Big Guns Battle: Canon 6D vs Nikon D600 From the outset the 6D is clear to show off its technological hand: it's all built-in GPS and Wi-Fi. But, to be realistic, its £1600 body-only asking price is still more the cash equivalent of a dive than a doggy-paddle.Ĭanon's playing a different game with this DSLR. It's the first time that Canon's dipped its toe into the "budget" full-frame pond. (Pocket-lint) - The Canon EOS 6D might sound like the dream ticket for full-frame DSLR aspirers.