Canon 1D Mark II N versus Canon T6s

The Canon EOS-1D Mark II N and the Canon EOS Rebel T6s (labelled Canon 760D in some countries) are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in August 2005 and February 2015. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are based on an APS-H (1D Mark II N) and an APS-C (T6s) sensor. The 1D Mark II N has a resolution of 8.2 megapixel, whereas the T6s provides 24 MP. Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their size, their sensors, their features, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison: Canon 1D Mark II N vs Canon T6s

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon 1D Mark II N and the Canon T6s. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter. You can also toggle the display to switch to a percentage comparison if you prefer that the measures are being expressed in relative terms (in this case, the camera on the left – the 1D Mark II N – represents the basis or 100 percent across all the size and weight measures).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon T6s is considerably smaller (46 percent) than the Canon 1D Mark II N. Moreover, the T6s is substantially lighter (64 percent) than the 1D Mark II N. It is worth mentioning in this context that the 1D Mark II N is splash and dust resistant, while the T6s does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor (as in the 1D Mark II N) will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, while more compact options are available for the smaller-sensor camera (T6s). You can find a comprehensive overview of suitable optics in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the 1D Mark II N gets 1200 shots out of its NP-E3 battery, while the T6s can take 440 images on a single charge of its LP-E17 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, just select a new right or left comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon 1D Mark II N»	156 mm	158 mm	80 mm	1565 g	1200	Y	Aug 2005	3,999	-		Canon 1D Mark II N
	Canon T6s«	132 mm	101 mm	78 mm	565 g	440	n	Feb 2015	849	-		Canon T6s
	Canon 77D« »	131 mm	100 mm	76 mm	540 g	600	n	Feb 2017	899			Canon 77D
	Canon T7i« »	131 mm	100 mm	76 mm	532 g	600	n	Feb 2017	749			Canon T7i
	Canon 5D Mark IV« »	151 mm	116 mm	76 mm	890 g	900	Y	Aug 2016	3,499			Canon 5D Mark IV
	Canon M5« »	116 mm	89 mm	61 mm	427 g	295	n	Sep 2016	979			Canon M5
	Canon 1D X Mark II« »	158 mm	168 mm	83 mm	1530 g	1210	Y	Feb 2016	5,999			Canon 1D X Mark II
	Canon 5DS R« »	152 mm	116 mm	76 mm	930 g	700	Y	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS R
	Canon 5DS« »	152 mm	116 mm	76 mm	930 g	700	Y	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS
	Canon T6i« »	132 mm	101 mm	78 mm	555 g	440	n	Feb 2015	749	-		Canon T6i
	Canon G1 X Mark II« »	116 mm	74 mm	66 mm	553 g	240	n	Feb 2014	799			Canon G1 X Mark II
	Canon 5D Mark II« »	152 mm	114 mm	75 mm	850 g	850	Y	Sep 2008	3,499	-		Canon 5D Mark II
	Canon 1Ds Mark III« »	150 mm	160 mm	80 mm	1385 g	1800	Y	Aug 2007	7,999	-		Canon 1Ds Mark III
	Canon 1D Mark III« »	156 mm	156.6 mm	80 mm	1155 g	2200	Y	Feb 2007	4,499	-		Canon 1D Mark III
	Canon 5D« »	152 mm	113 mm	75 mm	895 g	400	Y	Aug 2005	3,299	-		Canon 5D
	Canon 1Ds Mark II« »	156 mm	157.6 mm	80 mm	1215 g	1200	Y	Sep 2004	7,999	-		Canon 1Ds Mark II
	Canon 1D Mark II« »	156 mm	158 mm	80 mm	1535 g	1200	Y	Jan 2004	4,499	-		Canon 1D Mark II
Convert to Imperial

The camera’s price is obviously a critical decision-making factor. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The T6s was launched at a markedly lower price (by 79 percent) than the 1D Mark II N, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison: Canon 1D Mark II N vs Canon T6s

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 1D Mark II N features an APS-H sensor and the Canon T6s an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the T6s is 39 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.3 and 1.6. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Despite having a smaller sensor, the T6s offers a higher resolution of 24 megapixel, compared with 8.2 MP of the 1D Mark II N. This megapixel advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 3.72μm versus 8.17μm for the 1D Mark II N). However, it should be noted that the T6s is much more recent (by 9 years and 5 months) than the 1D Mark II N, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that make it possible to gather light more efficiently.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the T6s has a markedly higher DXO score than the 1D Mark II N (overall score 4 points higher), which will translate into better image quality. The advantage is based on 0.3 bits higher color depth, 0.8 EV in additional dynamic range, 0.1 stops of reduced low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The T6s indeed provides for movie recording, while the 1D Mark II N does not. The highest resolution format that the T6s can use is 1080/30p.

Feature comparison: Canon 1D Mark II N vs Canon T6s

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The 1D Mark II N and the T6s are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon 1D Mark II N and Canon T6s along with similar information for a selection of comparators. If needed, the dpreview camera hub, for example, contains further detail on the cameras' specs.

Both the 1D Mark II N and the T6s have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on eBay. The 1D Mark II N was replaced by the Canon 1D Mark III, while the T6s was followed by the Canon 77D.

Review summary: Canon 1D Mark II N vs Canon T6s

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Canon 1D Mark II N or the Canon T6s – has the upper hand? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N:

• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (8000/sec vs 4000/sec) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (8.5 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (1200 versus 440) on a single battery charge.
• Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in August 2005).

Advantages of the Canon EOS Rebel T6s:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 8.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 71%.
• Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (4 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
• More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (0.8 EV of extra DR).
• Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 1080/30p video.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.5") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 230k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• More compact: Is smaller (132x101mm vs 156x158mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 1000g or 64 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (79 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Reflects 9 years and 5 months of technical progress since the 1D Mark II N launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the T6s is the clear winner of the contest (13 : 5 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras is instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the 1D Mark II N and the T6s in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased. This is why expert reviews are important. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog). The detailed reviews can be accessed by clicking on the site logo in the table header.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon 1D Mark II N»	-	-	-	-	-	Aug 2005	3,999	-		Canon 1D Mark II N
	Canon T6s«	Rec	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	849	-		Canon T6s
	Canon 77D« »	-	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2017	899			Canon 77D
	Canon T7i« »	-	80/100	4.5/5	4/5	4/5	Feb 2017	749			Canon T7i
	Canon 5D Mark IV« »	HiRec	87/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2016	3,499			Canon 5D Mark IV
	Canon M5« »	Rec	82/100	4/5	4.5/5	4/5	Sep 2016	979			Canon M5
	Canon 1D X Mark II« »	-	89/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	5,999			Canon 1D X Mark II
	Canon 5DS R« »	Rec	83/100	5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS R
	Canon 5DS« »	Rec	83/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS
	Canon T6i« »	-	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	749	-		Canon T6i
	Canon G1 X Mark II« »	Rec	77/100	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	799			Canon G1 X Mark II
	Canon 5D Mark II« »	91/100	79/100	4/5	5/5	-	Sep 2008	3,499	-		Canon 5D Mark II
	Canon 1Ds Mark III« »	-	HiRec	4.5/5	-	-	Aug 2007	7,999	-		Canon 1Ds Mark III
	Canon 1D Mark III« »	-	-	-	rev	-	Feb 2007	4,499	-		Canon 1D Mark III
	Canon 5D« »	88/100	HiRec	rev	rev	-	Aug 2005	3,299	-		Canon 5D
	Canon 1Ds Mark II« »	-	HiRec	-	-	-	Sep 2004	7,999	-		Canon 1Ds Mark II
	Canon 1D Mark II« »	-	HiRec	-	rev	-	Jan 2004	4,499	-		Canon 1D Mark II

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool. If you cannot find the camera you are interested in, please contact me, and I will try to locate and add the respective data to the application.

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