Battle for Cheap Full Frame DSLR – Who Wins?

Just a couple of days after the rumors that came true with the – maybe – game changer cheap Full Frame from Nikon Canon announced her player in this new category, the EOS 6D.

Just as the D600 did, this camera aims at the photographers that aspire to switch to the Full Frame world. If you ever considered or wanted to shoot without the crop factor and with all the quality than this discussion is for you. 

Regardless of brand, any of these Full Frame models have everything most photographers need and many more gimmicks most people will never use. But pay close attention, you shoud evaluate the specs and consider your needs or you’ll end up spending more or getting some not so cheap gear that does not suit your needs.

I will not enter too much into the details and rumors but instead will jump right to what is important: laying the beasts side by side so you can judge by yourself. 

	Canon 6D	Nikon D600	Nikon D800	Canon 5D3
Sensor size	CMOS: 35.8 x 23.9 mm	CMOS: 35.9 x 24 mm	CMOS: 35.9 x 24.0mm	CMOS: 36 x 24.0 mm
Max Resolution	20.2 MP 5472 x 3648	24.3MP 6016 x 4016	36.3 MP 7360 x 4912	22.3MP 5760 x 3840
Image processor	DIGIC 5+ image processor	EXPEED 3 Image-Processor	EXPEED 3 Image-Processor	DIGIC 5+ image processor
Bit Depth	14 bits	14 bits	14 bits	14 bits
Auto-focus system	11 points	39 points	51 points	61 points
Burst speed	4.5 fps	6,5 fps	6 fps	6 fps
Speed	1/4000-30s X180	1/4000-30s bulb, X200	1/8000-30s bulb, X250	1/8000-30s bulb, X200
ISO (native)	100-25600	100-6400	100-6400	100-25600
ISO (extended)	50-102400	50-25600	50-25600	50-102400
Max Flash Sync	1/180s	1/200s (1/250s*)	1/250s (1/320s*)	1/200s
Sync port	No	No	Yes	Yes
Video	29’59s @1080p	29’59s @1080p	29’59s @1080p	29’59s @1080p
Viewfinder coverage	97%	100%	100%	100%
LCD	3″	3.2″	3.2″	3.2″
Weigth (body, no batteries)	770 g	760 g	900 g	860g
Size (WxHxD)	5.7 x 4.4 x 2.8″ / 14.5 x 11.2 x 7.1 cm	5.6 x 4.4 x 3.2″ / 14.2 x 11.2 x 8.1 cm	5.7 x 4.8 x 3.2″ / 14.5 x 12.2 x 8.1 mm	6 x 4.6 x 3″ / 15.24 x 11.68 x 7.62 cm
Storage	1 x SD slot	2 x SD slots	SD + CF	SD + CF
Extras	Wifi, GPS, HDR	HDR, time lapse	uncompressed HDMI output, HDR, 3 Crop factors, time lapse	HDR
Price (body only)	US$ 2 099	US$ 2 099	US$ 2 995	US$ 3 459
Availability	12/2012	09/2012	Yes	Yes

Regardless of the results from the new and cheaper full frames into the market, the winners will most certainly be us, the photographers. With this new price level many other brands have already started to deliver new models much cheaper than before and still with very impressive results. The new Sony Alpha A99 is another very good contender that came within the new “price limit”. 

Unfortunatelly for some, there is no way anyone can say wich is the best camera for you. You have to think about your budget and needs and consider all the specs. Some questions I always recommend:

1. Do you really need to change what you have today?
2. If you answered yes to #1, have you already got the best glass (lens) you can? If not, invest on a better lens first;
3. If you have decent glass it is probably better to stick to that brand (unless you are really willing to start over and buy everything from scratch);
4. If your friends or club shoot mostly with a certain brand, consider doing the same. You will get a lot of tips and maybe lend or buy gear with ease;
5. Don’t get carried away with unlimited gear. A simple camera and lens can do wonders in the hands of a photographer but the best gear will do nothing on the hands of a person that does not know how to use it;
6. Would that money be better invested on photo-related training? People buy a lot of gear but many times go cheap on training. The result? Unused gear and untapped possibilities;
7. If you got to this point and still think of upgrading, list what your current gear does NOT do that leaves you short handed. Compare that to the cameras you consider and verify if they do it to your satisfaction;
8. One last tip – if you decide to buy a brand new gear such as the D600 or 6D consider waiting a couple of months. Not only will you be able to get some better prices and kits, but this might avoid getting gear that still have some issues. If you read this blog you know that almost all brands release gear that is not 100% tested and there are recalls, upgrades and some headache to the first buyers.
9. Another last tip 🙂 – depending on your needs a Canon 5D Mark II or Nikon D700 might be an awesome entrance into the full frame world. Check their prices, they are below the US$2k barrier!

All this cameras are available for sale (5D and D800) right now or for pre-sale (D600 and 6D) in many online or brick-and-mortar stores. If you are willing to buy one of them online please click the links below and help support the Blog.