Is the Canon EOS 6D Mark II relevant in 2025? The short answer: yes
"When Canon announced the EOS 6D Mark II in mid-2017 it was framed as a full-frame camera for advanced amateurs and enthusiasts who wanted high image quality without the cost, weight, or complexity of Canon’s professional bodies. The 6D Mark II combined a 26.2-megapixel full-frame sensor, Canon’s then-modern Dual Pixel CMOS AF, a fully articulating touchscreen and a weather-resistant body in a compact, relatively affordable package. Eight years on (and as of 2024–2025, with the model effectively out of production), the 6D Mark II raises an important question for photographers: is this camera still relevant in 2025, and if so, for whom? This essay examines the 6D Mark II’s technical strengths and limitations, its place in Canon’s product lineup and the wider market transition to mirrorless, how it performs for common photographic genres, and practical considerations (price, repair/service, lens ecosystem) that influence whether buying, keeping, or selling a 6D Mark II makes sense today.
Bird Photography with the Canon EOS 6D Mark II
A Short Technical Overview (Why it Mattered On Release)
At launch the 6D Mark II updated the original 6D in almost every important way: a new 26.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor on a DIGIC 7 processor, Canon’s Dual Pixel AF for fast and accurate Live View/Video focusing, a 45-point all cross-type AF system (lifted from the 80D), a fully articulated touchscreen, built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/GPS, and respectable continuous shooting (up to 6.5 fps). It offered very good ISO performance for its class and plenty of metering sophistication (a 7,560-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor) while still using Canon’s EF lens mount and SD cards (UHS-I). These were exactly the feature upgrades enthusiasts wanted compared with the original 6D. (Canon UK, DPReview)
Image quality and low-light performance — strengths that endure
The heart of any camera’s long-term usefulness is its sensor performance. The 6D Mark II’s 26.2MP full-frame sensor delivered strong colour reproduction, wide tonal latitude and very usable high ISO capability when it arrived — DxOMark rated its sensor performance as “very good” within its competitive set at the time. For portrait, landscape and event photographers who prioritise dynamic range, colour and low-noise performance in JPEGs/RAW, the camera still produces images that rival many modern midrange mirrorless bodies — especially when paired with sharp EF primes or L lenses. In practical terms this means photographers who rely on clean high-ISO performance (weddings in low light, indoor event work, or candlelit scenes) can still get excellent results from the 6D Mark II. (DXOMARK)
AF and Focusing Ergonomics — When the DSLR Layout Helps and when it Hinders
Autofocus is the area where the 6D Mark II’s relevance is most context-dependent. The optical-viewfinder AF uses a 45-point system with cross-type sensors, which was a substantial upgrade over the first 6D and provides fast, decisive focus for many still-life, portrait and landscape situations. However, critics at release pointed out that the AF point spread is clustered near the centre of the viewfinder, meaning tracking subjects across the frame often requires focus-and-recompose or frequent point changes — an important limitation for sports, wildlife or any discipline requiring wide-area continuous AF coverage. In Live View and video, Dual Pixel CMOS AF remains excellent (smooth, accurate, and capable of subject detection in many situations), and video shooters who use Canon lenses benefit from the reliable servo-AF in Live View. For photographers who want the widest, fastest subject detection and advanced AI-based subject recognition (eye/body/animal tracking across the frame), today’s mirrorless Canon R bodies and competing mirrorless systems generally outclass the 6D Mark II. (DPReview)
Video and Hybrid Work — Adequate, but Not Current
Video shooters will notice two important limitations. First, the 6D Mark II’s video capabilities are modest by current hybrid standards: it offers up to 1080p/60 and 4K time-lapse but lacks full 4K video recording at native framerates and codecs expected by contemporary content creators. Second, video features like in-body stabilization, high-bit-rate codecs, clean HDMI output and advanced log profiles are absent. That said, for casual video, event snippets, interview work with external audio, and travel vlogging where cinematic 4K is not a strict requirement, the camera’s Dual Pixel AF and articulating screen still make it usable. If video is an increasingly large part of your workflow, a modern mirrorless body will provide more future-proof tools. (DPReview)
Handling, ergonomics and battery life — DSLR advantages that still count
One reason users remain fond of the 6D Mark II is its comfortable DSLR ergonomics: large optical viewfinder, long battery life (rated for many hundreds of shots on a single battery), full physical controls and proven durability in many shooting conditions. For wedding photographers, landscape shooters who prefer optical viewfinders for composition in bright weather, and travel shooters who value battery longevity and the physical feel of a DSLR, those advantages remain relevant. Mirrorless cameras have closed the gap on battery life and in some cases surpassed DSLRs, but DSLRs still offer a tangible tactile workflow that many photographers prefer. (B&H Photo Video)
Lens ecosystem and system implications — EF lenses are an asset, not a liability
A significant practical consideration is Canon’s EF lens ecosystem. The 6D Mark II uses Canon EF mount lenses — a huge, mature catalogue that includes affordable options, excellent third-party glass, and many high-quality L lenses. Buying a 6D Mark II often means immediate access to dozens of lenses at lower used prices than RF equivalents. For photographers who already own EF glass, a 6D Mark II remains a cost-effective way to get full-frame results without re-investing in RF lenses and adapters. Conversely, Canon’s strategic shift toward RF mirrorless bodies means new development dollars go to RF lenses; long-term, EF users must consider whether and when they’ll migrate to RF. If your workflow relies heavily on EF primes and you don’t need the latest AF-tracking or video features, EF’s breadth makes the 6D Mark II a practical tool. (Canon Central and North Africa)
Market Status, Price and Availability (2024–2025) — Economic Relevance
By early 2024 Canon and multiple retailers signalled that production of many DSLRs was winding down; the 6D Mark II was reported as effectively discontinued in several markets, and Canon began to push refurbished and remaining new stock while directing buyers to mirrorless alternatives. Discontinuation does not mean the camera is suddenly useless — rather, it affects supply, support expectations and used prices. In the used market the 6D Mark II often sells for several hundred US dollars as of 2024–2025 (depending on condition and kit configuration), which positions it as an attractive used full-frame entry for price-conscious buyers. For buyers on tight budgets who want full-frame image quality without paying mirrorless premiums, a used 6D Mark II represents a strong value. For professionals who require guaranteed new-product availability, or who rely on the latest service agreements and firmware, the discontinued status nudges them toward current mirrorless models. (Digital Camera World, eBay)
Who should buy a 6D Mark II in 2025? — Use-Case Analysis
Hobbyists and enthusiasts on a budget — Highly relevant. If you want full-frame image quality for portraits, travel, landscape and low-light shooting and you already own (or can buy cheaply) EF lenses, the 6D Mark II delivers excellent results for much less money than newer mirrorless bodies. The used market price makes it an attainable upgrade from crop-sensor cameras.
- Portrait and wedding photographers who prioritise color and low-noise stills — Conditionally relevant. For photographers who shoot primarily stills (portraits, studio work, posed weddings) the 6D Mark II remains a capable body: it produces pleasing skin tones, the 26MP sensor resolves modern prints comfortably, and battery life plus weather-sealing help in demanding shoots. However, modern wedding workflows increasingly incorporate hybrid delivery (video, 4K highlight reels, fast AF in continuous action) — if those are requirements, the 6D Mark II is less ideal. (DXOMARK, DPReview)
- Sports and wildlife photographers — Less relevant. The more limited AF point spread, modest continuous shooting buffer and the lack of the very latest tracking algorithms make the 6D Mark II suboptimal for high-action photography compared with current high-frame-rate mirrorless bodies. If your work frequently demands high burst rates and reliable wide-area AF, a modern mirrorless sports body is recommended. (DPReview)
- Hybrid shooters and videographers — Less relevant. If you need 4K, high-frame-rate recording, advanced codecs and built-in stabilization, modern mirrorless models are better choices. The 6D Mark II’s Dual Pixel AF is a strength for run-and-gun video, but the camcorder-grade features and future software upgrades available on mirrorless bodies are absent. (DPReview)
- Photographers who prefer optical viewfinders and long battery life — Relevant. If you shoot long days without charging options, prefer OVFs for composition, or value the DSLR handling experience, the 6D Mark II remains attractive.
Service, Firmware Updates and Long-Term Support — Realistic Expectations
A practical buyer or owner in 2025 must accept that Canon’s product focus is mirrorless and that firmware updates, new features and active marketing investments will primarily target the EOS R line. That said, Canon has historically supported legacy lines with service and firmware for years after discontinuation, and refurbished stock and third-party service options remain available for some time. If you need guaranteed long-term manufacturer firmware enhancements or immediate parts replacement for professional service contracts, plan to migrate to an actively produced model eventually. For many enthusiast users, the existing body of firmware, wide third-party accessory support and the resilient EF lens market make this a manageable trade-off. (Canon U.S.A.)
Practical Buying and Selling Advice (If you’re Considering Acquisition or Disposal)
If you’re buying a 6D Mark II used: check shutter count, sensor cleanliness, AF point responsiveness and the articulating screen function. Buy from reputable sellers that offer return windows. Expect used price variability — bodies in good condition with batteries, charger and original boxes command higher prices. If you already own EF glass and want full-frame output without spending for RF glass or an RF body + adapter, buying a 6D Mark II is often the cheapest route to full-frame.
If you’re selling: emphasize sensor condition, service history, included accessories (batteries, charger, straps, original box), and the advantages of EF lens compatibility. Buyers will compare the 6D Mark II to used mirrorless bodies and newer Canon R series options; price competitively and disclose known limitations (no native 4K, AF point layout) to avoid returns.
The emotional and ecosystem case — why many photographers remain fond of the 6D Mark II
Beyond hard specs, relevance is partly emotional. The 6D Mark II appealed to many because it lowered the barrier to full-frame photography without forcing a move to mirrorless. It retained the familiar DSLR workflow — optical viewfinder, direct physical controls and long battery life — while adding modern touches like Dual Pixel AF and a vari-angle touchscreen. For photographers who learned on DSLRs and already invested in EF glass, the 6D Mark II felt like a practical, sensible step up. That emotional attachment keeps the camera relevant for a subset of users who value continuity of system, handling and lens investments. (Canon Central and North Africa)
Conclusion — A Balanced Verdict
Is the Canon EOS 6D Mark II relevant in 2025? The short answer: yes — for the right buyer and right use cases. Its full-frame sensor, Dual Pixel AF in Live View, comfortable ergonomics and access to Canon’s mature EF lens catalogue make it a compelling value on the used market for portrait, landscape, travel and low-light still photography. It is less relevant for photographers whose priorities are the absolute cutting edge of autofocus tracking, 4K/8K video, very high frame rates, or the latest computational features offered in mirrorless systems. Canon’s product direction toward RF mirrorless cameras and the 6D Mark II’s discontinued manufacturing status change the calculus for professionals who need guaranteed new-product availability and long-term manufacturer support, but they do not erase the camera’s technical strengths or the real photographic value many users can still extract from it.
If you own one: keep using it until it no longer meets your needs — it still takes outstanding photographs. If you’re thinking of buying used: evaluate the price, test the body’s operational condition, and match the camera honestly to your workflow needs (stills-centric vs hybrid, action work vs portraiture). If you require future-proof video and subject-detection AF, a modern mirrorless body is the safer long-term investment.
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Selected sources consulted (key references for technical claims and market context): Canon product pages and specs; Digital Photography Review 6D Mark II review (technical analysis, autofocus and Live View commentary); DxOMark sensor review (sensor and ISO performance); DigitalCameraWorld and Petapixel reporting on discontinuation and market status; B&H/Adorama/eBay listings for typical used/new pricing and availability. (Canon UK, DPReview, DXOMARK, Digital Camera World, eBay)" (Source: Chat GPT 2025)
Image: Canon USA