Canon EOS 6D Sensor Less Noisy Than EOS 5D Mark III

Interesting test made by Don Marcotte, a photographer with interests in astrophotography. He wanted to know which camera sensor among the [shoplink 7139]EOS 6D[/shoplink] and the [shoplink 2431]EOS 5D Mark III[/shoplink] produces less noise. The test was made with a rather simple setting: long exposures wit the cap on the lens (no light). Before looking at the results it is best to read Marcotte's disclaimer:

Please remember that this test was designed to determine the best camera for a very specific night photography project. I would expect that no one could detect a noise difference between the 6D and 5D3 for the vast majority of daylight photography. Only in low light conditions would a 6D deliver observably better results.

Ok, the EOS 6D produces less noise than the EOS 5D Mark III. Check the following images:

Image credits: Don Marcotte

Above, 15 seconds exposure: Shot using camera store demo units at room temperature. RAW images converted to 16 bit TIFFs by Canon Digital Photo Professional. Created 400px X 400px crops and applied Gamma=3.0 in CS5.

Below, the 30 seconds exposure results:

Image credit: Don Marcotte

It is amazing that Canon's entry level full-frame DSLR produces less noise than the much more pricey EOS 5D Mark III!

On planet5D you can find Marcotte's full description of the test along with more informations and a comparison with the [shoplink 254]EOS 5D Mark II[/shoplink].

Canon EOS 6D price check: [shopcountry 7139]

Canon EOS 5D Mark III price check:[shopcountry 2431] [planet5D via PetaPixel]

 

Canon EOS 6D Firmware Update Released

Just some weeks after having released the [shoplink 7139]EOS 6D[/shoplink], Canon made a firmware update available for its entry level full frame camera. Click here to download. The update addresses the issue concerning movie playbacks on YouTube.

Thank you for using Canon products.

Phenomenon

We have identified a phenomenon which prevents movie files shot using Canon EOS 6D Digital SLR cameras from being played back on YouTube.

Affected Product

EOS 6D Digital SLR Camera

Support

Firmware Version 1.1.2 includes the countermeasures addressing the phenomenon. The new Firmware Version 1.1.2 can be downloaded by clicking here.

Movies shot when the camera was running firmware version 1.0.9 cannot be played back on YouTube, even after the firmware has been updated to 1.1.2. In order to playback these movies on YouTube (movies captured when the camera was running firmware version 1.0.9) please follow the instructions below.

1. Download the movie file(s) from the EOS 6D camera to your computer.

2. Start ImageBrowser EX, an application bundled with the EOS 6D.

3. After selecting the movie file(s) to be uploaded, select [Edit Movies] in the [Edit] tab from the menu bar of ImageBrowser EX.

4. “MovieEdit Task” will start. Save the movie using the [Save] menu on the screen.

5. Upload the saved movie to YouTube.

6. The movie can be played back on YouTube.

This information is for residents of the United States and Puerto Rico only. If you do not reside in the USA or Puerto Rico, please contact the Canon Customer Support Center in your region.

Please register the EOS 6D. By registering, we will be able to notify you via email when service updates are available.

Thank you,

Customer Support Operations

Canon U.S.A., Inc

Contact Information for Inquiries

Canon Customer Support Center

Phone: 1-800-OK-CANON

1-800-652-2666

TDD: 1-866-251-3752

Email: [email protected]

For additional support options: www.usa.canon.com/support

Lens Deal Boost At B&H (Sigma, Rokinon, Bower)

Various interesting lens deals at B&H. All reported prices show up when the itms are addded to the cart.

Let’s start with the Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM APO Lens (pictured above) which has a price of $1299 (click here), compared to the usual $1659. The specs of the lens:

  • Focal Length 50 – 500 mm
  • Aperture Maximum: f/4.5 – 6.3
  • Minimum: f/22
  • Camera Mount Type Canon EF
  • Format Compatibility 35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor
  • Canon (APS-C)
  • Angle of View 46.8° – 5.0°
  • Minimum Focus Distance 1.64′ (49.99 cm)
  • Magnification 0.32x
  • Maximum Reproduction Ratio 1:3.1
  • Groups/Elements 6/22
  • Diaphragm Blades 9

Next, the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM, which goes over the counter for $694 (click here), compared to $899.

Lens specs:

  • Focal Length 24 – 70 mm
  • Aperture Maximum: f/2.8
  • Minimum: f/22
  • Camera Mount Type Canon EF
  • Format Compatibility 35mm Film / Full-Frame Digital Sensor
  • Canon (APS-C)
  • Angle of View 84.1° – 34.3°
  • Minimum Focus Distance 1.25′ (38.10 cm)
  • Magnification 0.18x
  • Maximum Reproduction Ratio 1:5.3
  • Groups/Elements 12/14
  • Diaphragm Blades 9

 

The Bower SLY 835C 8mm f/3.5 Ultra-Wide Fisheye Lensis yours for $229 (click here) after a $60 instant rebate.

180° diagonal angle of view on APS-C image format

Creates outstanding, sharply defined images by using a hybrid aspherical lens

Reduces flare and ghosting with super multi-layer coating

Minimum focusing distance of 12-inches (304.8mm)

Fixed petal-type lens hood

Finally, the Rokinon 85mm T1.5 Cine Lens is in stock. This no AF lens is yours for $349 (click here). Specs:

Covers Full-Frame Format Sensors

  • Very Fast T1.5 Maximum Aperture
  • 8 Blade Iris for Attractive Bokeh
  • Geared Focus and Aperture Control Rings
  • “Declicked” Aperture Control Ring
  • Minimum Focus Distance of 3.28′
  • Internal Focusing
  • Aspheric Lens Element Limits Distortion
  • Lens Multi-Coating Improves Transmission

 

Adobe Lightroom 4.3 Update Just Released (support for EOS 6D)

Adobe released the update 4.3 for Lightroom 4 (click here).

The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4.3 update includes these enhancements:

  • HiDPI support within the Library and Develop Modules. HiDPI provides support for Retina-enabled Macs.
  • Additional raw file support for 20 cameras including the [shoplink 7139]Canon EOS 6D[/shoplink]
  • Corrections and bug fixes for issues introduced in previous versions of Lightroom.

Adobe Lightroom 4.x price check : [shopcountry 2813]