Upgrade Guide

Canon EOS 6D→Canon EOS 550D

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

You own

Canon

EOS 6D

£80 used

2012

→

Upgrade to

Canon

EOS 550D

£26 used (-£53)

2010

❌

Skip it

The EOS 550D offers little measurable spec improvement over the EOS 6D. Spend the money on glass instead.

Unchanged or similar

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 6D	EOS 550D
Price	£80 used	£26 used
Released	2012	2010	↓
Sensor	20.2MP full-frame CMOS	18MP APS-C CMOS
Resolution	20MP	18MP	↓
Video	Full HD 1080p/30, 720p/60	Full HD 1080p/30, 720p/60
Autofocus	11-point phase-detect (centre cross-type, EV -3) via viewfinder; contrast AF with face detection in live view	9-point phase-detect 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	4.5fps	3.7fps	↓
Battery Life	~1090 shots (CIPA)	~440 shots (CIPA)	↓
Weight	755g (with battery)	530g (with battery)	↑
Weather Sealed	Yes	Not weather sealed	↓
Viewfinder	Optical pentaprism, 97% coverage, 0.71x	Optical pentamirror, 0.87x
Screen	3.0" fixed LCD, 1.04M dots	3.0" fixed LCD, 1.04M dots
Mount	Canon EF	Canon EF / EF-S
Memory Cards	Single SD slot	Single SD slot

Compare side-by-side

See EOS 6D and EOS 550D next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

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