
The Canon EOS 6D is a 20.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS digital single-lens reflex camera released in late November 2012. It is widely used for landscape astrophotography and is known for its low-light performance. While the Canon 6D is made with a metal alloy housing, it features some plastic components, such as the top cover, which is made of high-grade plastic. Canon is known for using quality rigid plastics like polycarbonate in their camera bodies, which offer advantages in terms of impact resistance and temperature maintenance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Camera Type | 20.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS digital single-lens reflex camera |
| Release Date | November 2012 |
| Versions | EOS 6D (N) and EOS 6D (WG) |
| Body Material | Metal alloy housing with a high-grade plastic top |
| Durability | Rigidity and reliability, with some users noting a solid feel |
| User Profile | "Pro-sumer" model used by professionals and enthusiasts |
| Autofocus | 11-point autofocus system with good low-light performance |
| Display | Clear View TFT LCD screen with dual anti-glare coating |
| Connectivity | Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS capabilities |
| Battery | BG-E13 battery grip supporting AA cells or LP-E6 batteries |
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What You'll Learn

Canon 6D's polycarbonate plastic body
The Canon 6D is a 20.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS digital single-lens reflex camera. It was released in late November 2012 and was priced at US$2,099 for the body only. The Canon 6D is known as a ""pro-sumer" model and is widely used by professional photographers for landscape astrophotography. It is the smallest and lightest full-frame DSLR in the world.
The Canon 6D has a polycarbonate plastic body. Polycarbonate is a rigid plastic that is hard to scratch and hard to dent. It is used in the manufacture of eyeglass lenses and bulletproof glass. It is also more durable than metal if dropped and has better impact resistance. Canon is known for making very good polycarbonate exterior shells for its cameras.
While polycarbonate is a high-quality material, some users have expressed that the Canon 6D feels cheap and plasticky. One user compared the feel of the Canon 6D to that of the R6 Mark II, which has a magnesium frame with polycarbonate outer panels. The user noted that the R6 Mark II felt cheaper than the Canon 6D, despite costing $1000 more.
Another user compared the Canon 6D to the Canon 60D, which is made of plastic. They noted that the Canon 6D felt stronger and that the plastic of the Canon 60D was getting looser over time.
The Canon 6D has a simple and familiar Canon layout, with all the buttons located on the right side of the rear LCD screen, allowing easy control of the menu with the right hand. The camera also has a good autofocus feature, especially in low light when using the center focal point.
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Plastic vs magnesium alloy debate
The Canon EOS 6D is a 20.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS digital single-lens reflex camera made by Canon. While I cannot confirm if the body of the Canon 6D is made of plastic, I can provide a general overview of the "Plastic vs Magnesium Alloy" debate.
Magnesium alloy is often favoured for its strength and durability compared to plastic. It is resistant to dents and scratches and performs well in terms of impact resistance. Additionally, magnesium alloy can provide a smoother and cooler finish, which some users prefer. However, one drawback of magnesium alloy is that it can be more expensive and may not offer the same level of temperature maintenance as plastic.
On the other hand, plastic is known for its lightweight properties, making it a popular choice for cameras and laptops. Plastic is also cost-effective and offers good impact resistance, which can be advantageous in certain situations. However, plastic is often criticised for being less rigid and durable than magnesium alloy, and it may require significant reinforcing to achieve similar performance.
The choice between plastic and magnesium alloy ultimately depends on the specific use case and the user's preferences. Some users may prioritise durability and a premium feel, while others may focus on cost and weight considerations.
In the context of the Canon 6D, it is worth noting that Canon has a reputation for producing reliable polycarbonate exterior shells for its cameras, as mentioned in the sources. While the Canon 6D may not have a fully metal body, Canon's polycarbonate construction is known to be robust and reliable.
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Plastic's durability and impact resistance
The durability and impact resistance of plastics are influenced by various factors, including chemical makeup, temperature, UV light exposure, and design.
The chemical composition of plastics, such as HDPE, ABS, and polycarbonate, contributes to their impact resistance by creating strong chemical bonds and tightly packed molecules. Temperature plays a significant role, as some plastics become more resilient under warm temperatures, while others turn brittle in cooler conditions. UV light exposure can weaken certain plastics, reducing their impact resistance over time. Sharp internal corners in the design of plastic parts can also decrease their ability to withstand impact.
When it comes to specific types of plastics, polycarbonate stands out for its exceptional impact resistance, capable of withstanding impacts up to 70 kJ/m². This makes it ideal for applications such as eyewear lenses, safety helmets, and automotive components. Polycarbonate is also lightweight, optically clear, and maintains its properties over a wide temperature range. ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is another widely used plastic due to its excellent impact resistance, ease of processing, and compatibility with coatings, paints, and adhesives. It is commonly found in instrument panels, luggage, automobile components, and children's toys.
Other notable impact-resistant plastics include pDCPD, which is used in automotive body panels and military equipment, and PAI (polyamide-imide), known for its durability, strength, and stiffness. PAI exhibits minimal thermal expansion and superior chemical resistance, making it versatile for various applications.
The choice of impact-resistant plastic depends on specific requirements, environmental conditions, and budget constraints. By selecting the appropriate plastic and designing parts to maximise impact resistance, manufacturers can create durable products that withstand physical stress and the test of time.
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Plastic's scratch resistance
The Canon EOS 6D is a 20.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS digital single-lens reflex camera. While I cannot find explicit information on whether the Canon EOS 6D body is made of plastic, polycarbonate plastics are commonly used in camera bodies and lenses. Polycarbonate is a type of plastic material known for its clarity and versatility.
Scratch resistance in plastics refers to the material's ability to withstand or prevent scratches and other damage caused by external forces or friction. While no material is entirely scratch-proof, scratch-resistant materials are designed to withstand scratches better than standard materials, thereby extending the life of the product. This is achieved through strengthening the molecular bonds between polymer chains, resulting in a more resilient surface that prevents or reduces the visibility of any damage.
Coating technology also plays a significant role in scratch resistance. Clear protective coatings composed of silica or other hard materials are applied to the plastic, creating a long-lasting protective shield. Nanoparticles are also used in these coatings, creating a microscopically rough surface that makes it harder for larger, more noticeable scratches to form.
Scratch-resistant plastics are widely used in various applications, including eyeglasses, electronic screens, construction materials, display cases, windows, and more. They offer enhanced durability, impact strength, and cost savings compared to traditional glass. Additionally, scratch-resistant properties improve the user experience by maintaining the clarity and aesthetics of the product over time.
Overall, while I cannot confirm the specific material of the Canon EOS 6D body, polycarbonate plastics are commonly used in camera construction and can provide excellent scratch resistance and durability.
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Plastic's use in high-end cameras
The use of plastics in high-end cameras is a well-established practice, with many manufacturers utilising various types of plastics to create durable and functional camera bodies and lenses. Let's delve into the specifics of this topic, focusing on the renowned Canon 6D as a prime example.
The Canon EOS 6D, unveiled in 2012, is a 20.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS digital single-lens reflex camera that boasts a robust construction. While the camera body incorporates metal alloy housing, it also features strategic use of high-grade plastic components. This combination ensures a sturdy yet lightweight design, enhancing the camera's portability and ease of use.
Polycarbonate plastics are a popular choice for camera bodies and lenses. They offer excellent impact resistance, making them less prone to dents and dings compared to metal alternatives. Additionally, polycarbonate maintains temperature better, contributing to overall durability. Canon, for instance, is known for crafting very good polycarbonate exterior shells for their cameras, including the Canon 6DII.
Glass-filled polycarbonate is another notable material used in high-end camera bodies. This type of plastic has a more premium feel compared to standard plastics, resembling the sensation of glass-filled nylon often found in knife handles. Canon's current camera bodies showcase this material's versatility, ranging from glass-filled polycarbonate constructions to engineering-grade plastics similar to those used in light boxes of DSLR cameras.
The use of plastics in high-end cameras extends beyond just the body. Plastic lenses have their own unique history and advantages. Plastic lenses were first introduced in early digital cameras, utilising mini CD-R discs to store photos. While these lenses faced challenges in meeting certain optical requirements, they offered high transparency, low selective absorption, and were free from bubbles. Legendary photographer David Burnett even captured an award-winning image of Al Gore using a plastic lens with the Holga camera, showcasing the artistic potential of plastic optics.
In conclusion, plastics play a significant role in the construction of high-end cameras, particularly in renowned models like the Canon 6D. The strategic use of polycarbonate, glass-filled polycarbonate, and other engineering-grade plastics ensures durability, temperature regulation, and impact resistance. Additionally, the evolution of plastic lenses has contributed to the artistic exploration of photography, demonstrating the dynamic capabilities of plastics in the realm of high-end camera design and functionality.
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Frequently asked questions
The Canon 6D body is made of metal alloy housing with some parts made of high-grade plastic.
The Canon 6D is a popular choice among professional photographers, especially for landscape astrophotography. It is known for its strong performance in low light settings and its simple Canon layout.
The Canon 6D is an entry-level full-frame DSLR, offering better dynamic range, low-light performance, greater detail, and more megapixels than the Canon 60D. It is smaller and lighter than other Canon DSLR models.
The Canon 6D features a 20.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, a DIGIC 5+ image processor, a maximum burst frame rate of 4.5 frames per second, an 11-point autofocus system, and a shutter speed range of 30s - 1/4,000s. It does not have a built-in flash but offers Wi-Fi functionality and built-in GPS.





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