Upgrade Guide

Canon EOS 5D→Canon EOS 6D

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Canon

EOS 5D

£60 used

2005

→

Upgrade to

Canon

EOS 6D

£80 used (+£19)

2012

✅

Strong upgrade

The EOS 6D improves across 5 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most EOS 5D owners will notice the difference.

What's new in the EOS 6D

Suitability by genre

Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.

Full spec comparison

Spec	EOS 5D	EOS 6D
Price	£60 used	£80 used
Released	2005	2012	↑
Sensor	12.8MP full-frame CMOS	20.2MP full-frame CMOS
Resolution	13MP	20MP	↑
Video	No video	Full HD 1080p/30, 720p/60
Autofocus	9-point phase-detect (+6 assist points) via viewfinder	11-point phase-detect (centre cross-type, EV -3) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face detection in live view
Stabilisation	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)	No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only)
Burst Rate	3fps	4.5fps	↑
Battery Life	~800 shots (CIPA)	~1090 shots (CIPA)	↑
Weight	810g (body only)	755g (with battery)	↑
Weather Sealed	Not weather sealed	Yes	↑
Viewfinder	Optical pentaprism, 0.71x	Optical pentaprism, 97% coverage, 0.71x
Screen	2.5" fixed LCD, 230k dots	3.0" fixed LCD, 1.04M dots
Mount	Canon EF	Canon EF
Memory Cards	Single CompactFlash slot	Single SD slot

Compare side-by-side

See EOS 5D and EOS 6D next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the EOS 6D against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the EOS 5D

Related buying guides

Camera family history