Canon 6D Mark II vs 80D Camera

Last Updated: March 26, 2019

It is interesting to compare the Canon 6D Mark II vs. Canon 80D. The 6D MII has a larger 26.0MP full frame sensor compared to the 80D’s smaller 24.0MP APS-C sensor. It also costs more.

Still, sensor size and price doesn’t automatically mean it’s the best choice for YOU.

There’s more that unites these popular semi-pro DSLRs than divides them. They each have obvious benefits the other doesn’t. There are also similarities and latent differences between the models.

Keep reading to get a simple yet detailed breakdown of these much-loved Canons. There should be no doubt which one meets your expectations by the end of this page.

Here’s the format I use to reveal the full specs, the pros, and any cons for each model.

Side-by-side Comparison

	Canon 6D Mark II Digital-SLR	Canon 80D Digital-SLR

Best For	Advanced amateurs, enthusiasts, and semi-professionals	Beginners & enthusiasts, including vloggers
Price	See Price on Amazon	See Price on Amazon
Max Sensor Resolution	26-magapixels (8% more pixels)	24-megapixels
Sensor Pixel Area	33.19µm2 (136% larger sensor pixel area)	14.06µm2
Camera Weight	35.5 oz.	15.7 oz. (19.8 oz. lighter)
Built-in Flash	None	Yes
Viewfinder Coverage	98% coverage	100% coverage
Max Shutter Speed	1/4000s	1/8000s (faster shutter speed)
Battery Life	1200 shots (240 more frames per charge)	960 shots
Max ISO	4000% (150% higher)	1600%
Built-in Image Stabilization	Yes	None
Digital Video Stabilization	Yes	None
Headphone Port	None	Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity	Yes	None
Color Depth	24.4 (higher color depth)	23.6
Dynamic Range	11.900	13.2 (higher dynamic range)

Here’s what we cover in the review:

Canon 6D Mark II and Canon 80D Shared Features

Each camera has its selling points. First, let’s look at the shared strengths starting with viewfinders. They both have optical types that most photographers prefer for enhanced framing control.

There are several common features from a physical perspective. Both models boast environmental sealing. Weather sealed bodies are always worth a mention because not all DSLRs have it.

Not all weather-sealed bodies are equal, though, but Canon’s is pretty decent. Its protection helps to prolong the life of these cameras and shields them from splashes, dust, and dirt.

UHS (Ultra-High-Speed) memory cards slots are another shared and welcome feature. The cameras also have microphone ports—essential for videographers who insist on high-quality audio.

Both models have metal flash shoes for better flash photography but no flash sync ports. These popular DSLRs also sport articulating touchscreens at the rear.

Fully-articulating touchscreens are invaluable. They allow for otherwise impossible shooting angles for one. The touchscreens also provide fast, easy access to the camera’s main menus and functions.

The Canon 6D Mark II and the Canon EOS 80D have top-mounted LCD panels as well. These smaller LCDs are handy when shooting lower down. They’re also ideal for quick checks of the camera settings.

On the connection front, each Digital-SLR has WiFi and Near Field Communication (NFC) connection. Wireless support is reliable and convenient for all kinds of photographic situations.

Smartphone remote control is one more feature these models share, and it’s no gimmick either. Users can control the shutter release and various other functions with the Canon EOS Remote App.

Shared shooting features of these Canon DSLRs

RAW file support is available on both models as you’d expect for DSLRs in this price range. Shooting RAW caters to the needs of photographers who demand ultimate image control.

Finally, there are the cameras’ shared shooting features. Each of these models has Face Detection Focus which is ideal for portraiture. They also have Time-lapse Recording and AEB Bracketing.

That’s about it for the shared features. Keep reading to discover what sets each model apart.

Camera Body Comparison

These cameras have a similar look at a glance but are different on closer inspection. Let’s start with the front view. The Canon 80D is about 9% smaller than the 6D Mark II.

The 80D is a tad lighter, roughly by 5%, though the heft of these models is not extreme. Even so, they can feel noticeably distinct in different hands. Remember that lenses also contribute to carrying weight.

Canon’s 80D has an EF/EF-S mount with over 300 80D compatible lenses to choose from. The 6D Mark II has the Canon EF lens mount and has 256 available lenses at the time of writing. Sensor size also matters.

In this case, Canon’s 6D MII has a full frame sensor. That means heavier, less compact lenses of a similar focal length to the 80D. That’s because the Canon 80D uses a smaller APS-C type sensor.

Canon 6D Mark II	Width: 5.7”	Height: 4.9”	Depth: 3.1”	Weight: 35.5 oz.
Canon 80D	Width: 4.9”	Height: 3.9”	Depth: 3.0”	Weight: 15.7 oz.

Looking down at the top also shows likenesses in style and button layout. All the main controls and dials are in similar places. The top LCDs are different shapes but only alter the arrangement slightly.

The head of the Canon 80D protrudes further than the Canon 6D Mark II. The reason for that is the built-in flash that the 6D Mark II doesn’t have. At the rear are the camera’s fully-articulating screens.

The size and shapes of the LCDs are the same, and both have a single hinge on the left side. The rest of the rear arrangement is similar with only a slight variation in design and layout.

Why Consider the Canon 6D Mark II over the Canon 80D?

One standout advantage the Canon 6D Mark II has over the 80D is image stabilization. Or to be more precise, built-in digital stabilization. That means stabilization for all lenses mounted on the 6D Mark II.

It also has digital video stabilization to steady in-camera videos. These things matter because not all cameras provide in-body stabilization technology, including the Canon 80D.

Battery life is another reason to consider the 6D MK2 over the 80D. You can expect around 240 extra frames on a single charge. The numbers are 1200 shots to 960 shots respectively.

Sensor resolution also differs between these models. The max sensor resolution for the Canon 6D Mark II is 26MP to the 80D’s 24MP. That’s a pixel difference of 8%. It also has a larger pixel area by 136%.

Canon’s 6D Mark II has Bluetooth connectivity as well—a desirable feature for modern photographers. On the quality front, the 6D MK2 enjoys higher color depth with 24.4 bits to the 80D’s 23.6.

OK, the final reason to consider Canon’s 6D MK2 over the Canon 80D relates to ISO. It beats the 80D with ISO sensitivity and performance. It’s max ISO setting is 150% higher at 40.000 vs. 16.000.

Its high ISO capability and performance score is also better at 2862 compared to the 80D’s 1135. That number translates to lower noise when shooting unprocessed RAW files.

Why Consider the Canon 80D over the Canon 6D Mark II?

There is an equal number of reasons to choose the Canon EOS 80D over the Canon 6D Mark II. However, its advantages are not the same. Keep reading to see if the extras on the 80D can sway you.

Cost is often a deciding factor when people weigh up the pros and cons of cameras. The price savings here is around $600 at the time of writing this guide, and that’s substantial.

The 80D weights 35 grams less than the 6D Mark II, but the difference is not overly influential. Another slight advantage is the 0.5 fps faster continuous shooting with 7.0fps to the 6D MK2’s 6.5fps.

Faster shutter speeds will always check the boxes of some photographers. Our 80D here has a 1/8000s max shutter speed to the Canon 6D Mark II’s 1/4000s.

Viewfinder coverage is also more accurate for the 80D at 100% to the 98% of the 6D Mark II. On the external benefits, there’s the 80D’s handy built-in flash and a headphone port.

That brings me to the final advantage which is the 80Ds higher dynamic range. That means more details in shadows and highlights. The numbers are 13.2 vs. 11.96 for the Canon 6D Mark II.

What the Reviewers Say

Some Canon DSLRs fair better than others when it comes to real user feedback. On the whole, almost all modern Canon’s enjoy favorable user reviews. These two are pretty much neck and neck.

The target market for the Canon 6D Mark II and Canon 80D is similar. We’ve seen heavy discounts with the EOS 6D Mark II in recent times that have brought its price closer to that of the 80D.

Most agree that the 6D Mark II is a superb choice for those getting into full-frame photography. Reviewers pay tribute to the camera for its quality images that they say match or outdo its rivals.

Some users are familiar with the original 6D. These folks appreciate the plethora of upgrades and extra features of the 6D Mark II. Faster autofocus and the articulating touchscreen get plenty of praise.

Those who’ve used the 5D series welcome the lighter weight and compact body of the 6D Mark II. A few others think the design is a tad on the cramped side, but still love the camera enough to own it.

There are very few shared gripes—only personal criticisms, but no major upsets or surprises. Most of these are video-related, like no headphone port or 4K support.

Reviewers take on the Canon 80D

Canon’s 80D gets stacks of feedback from camera owners. Its versatility pleases photographers from enthusiastic amateurs to semi-professionals. The build, layout, and ergonomics all get a thumbs-up.

There are no complaints when it comes to image quality, shooting in low light, and the fast 7fps. Most reviewers are grateful for the articulating LCD touchscreen and easy-to-navigate menus.

Vloggers and videographers would have liked 4K but overall, they’re happy too. They certainly welcome the flexible LCD, microphone port, and headphone jack.

I lost count how many times the word “love” comes up in online feedback for Canon’s 80D. Many users write lengthy reviews and upload images to support them. That tells us plenty about this Canon DSLR.

Most agree that the price of this popular model offers lots of value. And like the Canon 6D Mark II, the 80D has few shared gripes. It does receive a handful of personal complaints from individuals, though.

A couple of these include fiddly WiFi setup and poor quality sound from the internal mic. All other cons are minor observations or wishes rather than problems with the camera.

The Verdict

Both the Canon 6D Mark II and the Canon 80D are decent cameras. Which is better of the two models is subjective. After all, budget, needs, and photographic priorities differ between photographers.

Consider the Canon 80D with its APS-C sensor if cost is a concern. Also look to it if you want more dynamic range and better quality audio. And don’t forget its pop-up flash and faster shutter speed.

Perhaps the Canon 6D Mark II with its full frame sensor checks more boxes. It has better overall image quality and low-light sensitivity. It also supports Wi-Fi and gives hundreds of extra shots per single charge.