Canon 6D vs XC10

The Canon EOS 6D and the Canon XC10 are two enthusiast cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2012 and April 2015. The 6D is a DSLR, while the XC10 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on a full frame (6D) and an one-inch (XC10) sensor. The 6D has a resolution of 20 megapixels, whereas the XC10 provides 12 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Canon 6D		Canon XC10
Digital single lens reflex		Fixed lens compact camera
Canon EF mount lenses		24-240mm f/2.8-5.6
20 MP, Full Frame Sensor		12 MP, 1" Sensor
1080/30p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 100-25600 (50-102400)		ISO 160-20000
Optical viewfinder		No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD, 1040k dots		3.0" LCD, 1030k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Tilting touchscreen
4.5 shutter flaps per second		3.8 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed body		Not weather sealed
145 x 111 x 71 mm, 770 g		125 x 102 x 122 mm, 1040 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 6D and the Canon XC10? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison: Canon 6D vs XC10

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon 6D and the Canon XC10. 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.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon XC10 is notably smaller (21 percent) than the Canon 6D. It is worth mentioning in this context that the 6D is splash and dust resistant, while the XC10 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the XC10 has a lens built in, whereas the 6D is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the 6D and their specifications in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.

The power pack in the XC10 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, just use the right or left arrows in the table to switch to the respective camera. Alternatively, you can also navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from the full list of cameras 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 6D»	5.7 in	4.4 in	2.8 in	27.2 oz	1090	Y	Sep 2012	2,099	-		Canon 6D
	Canon XC10«	4.9 in	4.0 in	4.8 in	36.7 oz	..	n	Apr 2015	2,499	-		Canon XC10
	Canon 6D Mark II« »	5.7 in	4.4 in	3.0 in	27.0 oz	1200	Y	Jun 2017	1,999			Canon 6D Mark II
	Canon 1D X Mark II« »	6.2 in	6.6 in	3.3 in	54.0 oz	1210	Y	Feb 2016	5,999			Canon 1D X Mark II
	Canon G7 X Mark II« »	4.2 in	2.4 in	1.7 in	11.3 oz	265	n	Feb 2016	699			Canon G7 X Mark II
	Canon 5DS« »	6.0 in	4.6 in	3.0 in	32.8 oz	700	Y	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS
	Canon G5 X« »	4.4 in	3.0 in	1.7 in	12.5 oz	210	n	Oct 2015	799			Canon G5 X
	Canon 7D II« »	5.9 in	4.4 in	3.1 in	32.1 oz	670	Y	Sep 2014	1,799			Canon 7D II
	Canon G1 X Mark II« »	4.6 in	2.9 in	2.6 in	19.5 oz	240	n	Feb 2014	799			Canon G1 X Mark II
	Canon G7 X« »	4.1 in	2.4 in	1.6 in	10.7 oz	210	n	Sep 2014	699	-		Canon G7 X
	Canon SX60« »	5.0 in	3.7 in	4.5 in	22.9 oz	340	n	Sep 2014	549	-		Canon SX60
	Canon 70D« »	5.5 in	4.1 in	3.1 in	26.6 oz	920	Y	Jul 2013	1,199	-		Canon 70D
	Canon 5D Mark III« »	6.0 in	4.6 in	3.0 in	33.5 oz	950	Y	Mar 2012	3,499	-		Canon 5D Mark III
	Canon 1D X« »	6.2 in	6.6 in	3.3 in	54.7 oz	1120	Y	Oct 2011	6,799	-		Canon 1D X
	Canon 5D Mark II« »	6.0 in	4.5 in	3.0 in	30.0 oz	850	Y	Sep 2008	3,499	-		Canon 5D Mark II
	Nikon D610« »	5.6 in	4.4 in	3.2 in	30.0 oz	900	Y	Oct 2013	1,999			Nikon D610
	Nikon D600« »	5.6 in	4.4 in	3.2 in	30.0 oz	900	Y	Sep 2012	2,099	-		Nikon D600
Convert to Metric
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. 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 6D vs XC10

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 6D features a full frame sensor and the Canon XC10 an one-inch sensor. The sensor area in the XC10 is 86 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 2.75. The sensor in the 6D has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the XC10 offers a 4:3 aspect.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors.

With 20MP, the 6D offers a higher resolution than the XC10 (12MP), but the 6D nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.57μm versus 3.20μm for the XC10) due to its larger sensor. However, the XC10 is a much more recent model (by 2 years and 6 months) than the 6D, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

The resolution advantage of the Canon 6D implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the 6D for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 27.4 x 18.2 inch or 69.5 x 46.3 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 21.9 x 14.6 inch or 55.6 x 37.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 18.2 x 12.2 inch or 46.3 x 30.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon XC10 are 20 x 15 inch or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inch or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inch or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS 6D has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 50-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon XC10 are ISO 160 to ISO 20000 (no boost).

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"). 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 are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the XC10 provides a better video resolution than the 6D. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the 6D is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison: Canon 6D vs XC10

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the 6D has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the XC10 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon 6D and Canon XC10 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

One feature that is present on the 6D, but is missing on the XC10 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The Canon XC10 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The 6D writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the XC10 uses CFast or SDXC cards. The XC10 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the 6D only has one slot. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

Connectivity comparison: Canon 6D vs XC10

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS 6D and Canon XC10 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Both the 6D and the XC10 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on eBay. The 6D was replaced by the Canon 6D Mark II, while the XC10 was followed by the Canon XC20. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon website.

Review summary: Canon 6D vs XC10

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Canon 6D or the Canon XC10 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Advantages of the Canon EOS 6D:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (20 vs 12MP) with a 32% higher linear resolution.
• Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
• Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
• Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image framing and settings control.
• Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (4.5 vs 3.8 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
• Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in September 2012).

Reasons to prefer the Canon XC10:

• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/30p).
• Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
• More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the 6D requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (125x102mm vs 145x111mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
• More modern: Reflects 2 years and 6 months of technical progress since the 6D launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the 6D comes out slightly ahead of the XC10 (12 : 11 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 6D and the Canon XC10 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Superzoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the 6D and the XC10 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews: Canon 6D vs XC10

This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Canon 6D»	+ +	83/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	2,099	-		Canon 6D
	Canon XC10«	-	80/100	-	-	-	Apr 2015	2,499	-		Canon XC10
	Canon 6D Mark II« »	+	80/100	4.5/5	4/5	4/5	Jun 2017	1,999			Canon 6D Mark II
	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 G7 X Mark II« »	+ +	81/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	699			Canon G7 X Mark II
	Canon 5DS« »	+	83/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS
	Canon G5 X« »	+ +	78/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	799			Canon G5 X
	Canon 7D II« »	+	84/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	1,799			Canon 7D II
	Canon G1 X Mark II« »	+	77/100	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	799			Canon G1 X Mark II
	Canon G7 X« »	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	699	-		Canon G7 X
	Canon SX60« »	+ +	75/100	4/5	-	4.5/5	Sep 2014	549	-		Canon SX60
	Canon 70D« »	+ +	83/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Jul 2013	1,199	-		Canon 70D
	Canon 5D Mark III« »	+ +	82/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2012	3,499	-		Canon 5D Mark III
	Canon 1D X« »	-	-	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2011	6,799	-		Canon 1D X
	Canon 5D Mark II« »	91/100	79/100	4/5	5/5	-	Sep 2008	3,499	-		Canon 5D Mark II
	Nikon D610« »	+ +	87/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	1,999			Nikon D610
	Nikon D600« »	+ +	87/100	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	2,099	-		Nikon D600
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. 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. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

Other camera comparisons

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Specifications: Canon 6D vs Canon XC10

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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