Canon SL2 vs Nikon D6

The Canon EOS Rebel SL2 (called Canon 200D in some regions) and the Nikon D6 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in June 2017 and February 2020. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are based on an APS-C (SL2) and a full frame (D6) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 20.7 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Canon SL2		Nikon D6
Digital single lens reflex		Digital single lens reflex
Canon EF mount lenses		Nikon F mount lenses
24 MP, APS-C Sensor		20.7 MP, Full Frame Sensor
1080/60p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 100-25,600 (100 - 51,200)		ISO 100-102,400 (50 - 3,280,000)
Optical viewfinder		Optical viewfinder
3.0 LCD, 1040k dots		3.2 LCD, 2359k dots
Swivel touchscreen		Fixed touchscreen
5 shutter flaps per second		14 shutter flaps per second
not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
650 shots per battery charge		3580 shots per battery charge
122 x 93 x 70 mm, 453 g		160 x 163 x 92 mm, 1270 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS Rebel SL2 and the Nikon D6? 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

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon SL2 and the Nikon D6. 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.

The SL2 can be obtained in two different colors (black, white), while the D6 is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D6 is considerably larger (130 percent) than the Canon SL2. Moreover, the D6 is substantially heavier (180 percent) than the SL2. It is noteworthy in this context that the D6 is splash and dust-proof, while the SL2 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 will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Canon EF Lens Catalog (SL2) and the Nikon Lens Catalog (D6).

Concerning battery life, the SL2 gets 650 shots out of its LP-E17 battery, while the D6 can take 3580 images on a single charge of its EN-EL18c power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the D6 has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. In order to provide similar functionality for the SL2, there are third party battery grips available as optional accessories (see here on eBay).

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon SL2	122 mm	93 mm	70 mm	453 g	650	n	Jun 2017	549
2.		Nikon D6	160 mm	163 mm	92 mm	1270 g	3580	Y	Feb 2020	6,499
3.		Canon SL3	122 mm	93 mm	70 mm	449 g	1070	n	Apr 2019	599
4.		Canon T7	129 mm	101 mm	78 mm	475 g	500	n	Feb 2018	449
5.		Canon 77D	131 mm	100 mm	76 mm	540 g	600	n	Feb 2017	899
6.		Canon G9 X Mark II	98 mm	58 mm	31 mm	206 g	235	n	Jan 2017	529
7.		Canon M6	112 mm	68 mm	45 mm	390 g	295	n	Feb 2017	779
8.		Canon M100	108 mm	67 mm	35 mm	302 g	295	n	Aug 2017	499
9.		Canon T7i	131 mm	100 mm	76 mm	532 g	600	n	Feb 2017	749
10.		Canon M5	116 mm	89 mm	61 mm	427 g	295	n	Sep 2016	979
11.		Canon T6s	132 mm	101 mm	78 mm	565 g	440	n	Feb 2015	649
12.		Canon SL1	117 mm	91 mm	69 mm	407 g	380	n	Mar 2013	549
13.		Nikon D780	144 mm	116 mm	76 mm	840 g	2260	Y	Jan 2020	2,299
14.		Nikon D5	160 mm	159 mm	92 mm	1415 g	3780	Y	Jan 2016	6,499
15.		Nikon D4S	160 mm	157 mm	91 mm	1350 g	3020	Y	Feb 2014	6,499
16.		Nikon D4	160 mm	157 mm	91 mm	1340 g	2600	Y	Jan 2012	5,999
17.		Nikon D3X	160 mm	157 mm	88 mm	1260 g	4400	Y	Dec 2008	7,999
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The SL2 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 92 percent) than the D6, 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

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 SL2 features an APS-C sensor and the Nikon D6 a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the D6 is 158 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.6 and 1.0. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Despite having a smaller sensor, the Canon SL2 offers a higher resolution of 24 megapixels, compared with 20.7 MP of the Nikon D6. This megapixels 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 6.44μm for the D6). Moreover, it should be noted that the D6 is much more recent (by 2 years and 7 months) than the SL2, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The resolution advantage of the Canon SL2 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the SL2 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D6 are 27.8 x 18.6 inches or 70.7 x 47.1 cm for good quality, 22.3 x 14.8 inches or 56.6 x 37.7 cm for very good quality, and 18.6 x 12.4 inches or 47.1 x 31.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The SL2 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Canon EOS Rebel SL2 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 100-51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D6 are ISO 100 to ISO 102400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-3280000.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Canon SL2	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.6	13.4	1041	79
2.		Nikon D6	Full Frame	20.7	5568	3712	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
3.		Canon SL3	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/25p	..	..	..	..
4.		Canon T7	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/30p	..	..	..	..
5.		Canon 77D	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.6	13.3	971	78
6.		Canon G9 X Mark II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.9	12.5	522	65
7.		Canon M6	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
8.		Canon M100	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.5	12.9	1272	78
9.		Canon T7i	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
10.		Canon M5	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.4	12.4	1262	77
11.		Canon T6s	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/30p	22.6	12.0	915	70
12.		Canon SL1	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.8	11.3	843	63
13.		Nikon D780	Full Frame	24.3	6048	4024	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
14.		Nikon D5	Full Frame	20.7	5588	3712	4K/30p	25.1	12.3	2343	88
15.		Nikon D4S	Full Frame	16.2	4928	3280	1080/60p	24.4	13.3	3074	89
16.		Nikon D4	Full Frame	16.2	4928	3280	1080/30p	24.7	13.1	2965	89
17.		Nikon D3X	Full Frame	24.4	6048	4032	none	24.7	13.7	1992	88

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the D6 provides a better video resolution than the SL2. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The SL2 and the D6 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 viewfinder in the D6 offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the SL2 (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the D6 has a higher magnification (0.72x vs 0.54x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon SL2 and Nikon D6 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Canon SL2	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
2.		Nikon D6	optical	Y	3.2	2359	fixed	Y	1/8000s	14.0	n	n
3.		Canon SL3	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
4.		Canon T7	optical	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
5.		Canon 77D	optical	Y	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n
6.		Canon G9 X Mark II	none	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	8.2	Y	Y
7.		Canon M6	optional	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	9.0	Y	n
8.		Canon M100	none	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	6.1	Y	n
9.		Canon T7i	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	6.0	Y	n
10.		Canon M5	2360	n	3.2	1620	tilting	Y	1/4000s	9.0	Y	n
11.		Canon T6s	optical	Y	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
12.		Canon SL1	optical	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/4000s	4.9	Y	n
13.		Nikon D780	optical	Y	3.2	2359	tilting	Y	1/8000s	12.0	n	n
14.		Nikon D5	optical	Y	3.2	2359	fixed	Y	1/8000s	14.0	n	n
15.		Nikon D4S	optical	Y	3.2	921	fixed	n	1/8000s	11.0	n	n
16.		Nikon D4	optical	Y	3.2	921	fixed	n	1/8000s	11.0	n	n
17.		Nikon D3X	optical	Y	3.0	922	fixed	n	1/8000s	5.0	n	n

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The SL2 has one, while the D6 does not. While the built-in flash of the SL2 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The Canon SL2 and the Nikon D6 both have 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 SL2 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the D6 uses CFexpress or XQD cards. The D6 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the SL2 only has one slot.

Connectivity comparison

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 Rebel SL2 and Nikon D6 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Canon SL2	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
2.		Nikon D6	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	3.1	Y	-	Y
3.		Canon SL3	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	Y
4.		Canon T7	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
5.		Canon 77D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
6.		Canon G9 X Mark II	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
7.		Canon M6	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
8.		Canon M100	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
9.		Canon T7i	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
10.		Canon M5	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
11.		Canon T6s	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
12.		Canon SL1	Y	mono	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Nikon D780	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	3.1	Y	-	Y
14.		Nikon D5	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	3.0	-	-	-
15.		Nikon D4S	Y	mono	mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Nikon D4	Y	mono	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	-	-	-
17.		Nikon D3X	Y	-	-	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-

It is notable that the D6 has a headphone jack, which makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process. The SL2 lacks such a headphone port.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D6 (unlike the SL2) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The D6 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the SL2 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the SL2 was succeeded by the Canon SL2. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and Nikon websites.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon SL2 and the Nikon D6? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS Rebel SL2:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (24 vs 20.7MP) with a 8% higher linear resolution.
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• More compact: Is smaller (122x93mm vs 160x163mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 817g or 64 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (92 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in June 2017).

Advantages of the Nikon D6:

• Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
• Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
• More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.72x vs 0.54x).
• Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2359k vs 1040k dots).
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (14 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (3580 versus 650) out of a single battery charge.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.1 vs 2.0).
• Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
• Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
• More modern: Reflects 2 years and 7 months of technical progress since the SL2 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the D6 is the clear winner of the contest (20 : 10 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports 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 SL2 and the Nikon D6 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing 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 SL2 and the D6 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

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). 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.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon SL2	4/5	+ +	78/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2017	549
2.		Nikon D6	..	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2020	6,499
3.		Canon SL3	..	o	79/100	4/5	4/5	Apr 2019	599
4.		Canon T7	..	o	..	3.5/5	3.5/5	Feb 2018	449
5.		Canon 77D	4.5/5	..	82/100	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2017	899
6.		Canon G9 X Mark II	4/5	..	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	529
7.		Canon M6	..	..	80/100	4/5	4/5	Feb 2017	779
8.		Canon M100	3/5	+	..	4/5	3.5/5	Aug 2017	499
9.		Canon T7i	4.5/5	..	80/100	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2017	749
10.		Canon M5	4/5	+	82/100	4/5	4/5	Sep 2016	979
11.		Canon T6s	5/5	+	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	649
12.		Canon SL1	4/5	+	78/100	4/5	4/5	Mar 2013	549
13.		Nikon D780	5/5	..	87/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2020	2,299
14.		Nikon D5	..	..	89/100	4.5/5	5/5	Jan 2016	6,499
15.		Nikon D4S	5/5	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	6,499
16.		Nikon D4	..	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2012	5,999
17.		Nikon D3X	..	..	86/100	4/5	5/5	Dec 2008	7,999
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date 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

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. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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Specifications: Canon SL2 vs Nikon D6

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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