Nikon D600 vs. Canon 6D in Low Light?

Started 3 months ago | Discussion thread
GregF
Senior MemberPosts: 1,911
Like?
From a D600 owner
In reply to DPReview007, 3 months ago

DPReview007 wrote:

Which one is better in low light please? Yes, I can go on DxO Mark and see that the Nikon is rated higher. Yes, I can go to the Conclusion page of the each review here on dpreview, and see that dpreview also thinks the Nikon is better a bit.

The problem is, when I go look at most other reviews and the sample images there. People say the 6D is maybe two full stops (!) better when you crank the ISO up above 3,200.

Could somebody please explain the discrepancy?

I bought the D600 plus the Nikkor 24-70 f2.8 lens. Now, after about 4,000 shots, I have all the smudges on the sensor. Considering returning it and buying the 6D instead (and keeping it until the 5D Mark IV comes out in a couple years) with the Canon 24-70 f2.8 Mark II (which is said to be superbly sharp across all focal lengths.)

Thank you!

Buyer's remorse is understandable, especially factoring in the dust/debris on the sensor issue.  I like my D600 and I'm going to take a measured approach to sensor cleanings.  If I was a working pro shooting landscapes at smaller apertures, I might be a bit more annoyed.

Personally from the samples I've seen the 6D is very good at high ISO, and produces better high ISO JPGs.  Also, the 6D should do better at center point AF in very low light with its -3EV rating.  But I think there are a few caveats to this:

If you want/need to pull shadows, you might find the 6D doesn't do it as well (especially JPGs).  If you learn the camera's quirks for metering or are good at using manual settings, this may not apply.

If you shoot Raw, the difference between the two becomes much less.

If you feel strongly enough about this, rent the camera first.  I've learned I can look at samples all day, but to know what the files look like for things that I shoot....I need to shoot with it!  Also, you may find out aspects that aren't typically seen in carefully shot studio settings.  Things such as shooting under different color temp lighting, etc.  Or maybe just a particular handling issue or aspect you find great/annoying.

Finally, the more I read forums, the more things I find to "hand-wring" about.  Conversely, the more I go out and shoot, the more I like and understand the D600!

Reply   Reply with quote   Complain
Post (hide subjects)Posted by
Keyboard shortcuts:
FForum PPrevious NNext WNext unread UUpvote SSubscribe RReply QQuote BBookmark post MMy threads
Color scheme? Blue / Yellow