Canon 6D - first dSLR?

[Moose.]

Ok, time is getting close that I'll be escaping the jungle and heading back to civilisation and thus will be able to purchase a dSLR. For many reasons I've been eyeing up the new ultra compact Canon 100D mainly because I spend my life living out of a suitcase, so was thinking the size/weight saving would be a real bonus.

However, when I look more closely at a full dSLR setup with a lens or two, the body size starts to become less relevant. The lens I'm planning on starting with is the 24-105mm f4L IS USM. My dad's got this lens and for his 7D and although it's an excellent lens, he's ended up getting a 15-85mm (I think) too as he was finding the 24mm not wide enough in many circumstances thanks to the 1.6 focal length of the 7D. Which makes me think that lens would be much more useful with a full frame sensor, like the 6D.

Before the Nikon fans start shouting get s D600, I would rather jump on the Canon boat, as a number of friends have them, as does my father and being able to borrow lenses and chat to them about using it would be of great benefit I think.

Anyway, I'll reserve full judgement on which body until I've had a play but curious of fellow PHer's opinions

Edited by Moose. on Wednesday 8th May 05:19

[DibblyDobbler]

I've got a 6D and also a 24-105 - killer combination IMHO. Great camera, great lens.

What kind of thing are you intending to shoot ?

[Killwilly]

I have a 7D and 15-85 combo, which work very well together. However, do remember, the 15-85 will not work on the 6D (full frame).

[RobDickinson]

6D and 24-105 is a fantastic combo.

Its a lot of camera but still easy to use and produces fantastic jpgs too,

It does NOT have many auto modes. It has green square and P but no sports/portrait etc modes, it also lacks a pop-up flash if thats of interest.

[Moose.]

Certainly a lot of love for the 6D here The reviews I'm read seem to criticise a few things namely the lack of auto-focus points. That doesn't bother me especially as I always shoot with centre point focusing anyway on my GF1 and re-frame if the subject is off centre.

I'm not worried about auto modes. I normally shoot in shutter priority and occasionally aperture/manual depending on the subject. Talking of which I'm a bush pilot out in Papua so take lots of photos from small aircraft at things on the ground, as well as local villagers and their surrounding (big, jungle covered mountains).

Certainly leaning more towards the 6D atm but will have a good play with various bodies when back in the UK next week. Can't wait

[RobDickinson]

6d centre point is great.

Be careful with focus and recompose on the 6d as it has a much shallower dof than the gf1.