Full-frame DSLRs used to be priced for and targeted at professional photographers. However, such guidelines no longer strictly apply. Like Nikon's D600, the Canon EOS 6D is an ‘affordable' full-frame DSLR aimed squarely at the enthusiast, but which may also find popularity with professionals who...

Canon's EOS 6D is the company's first 'affordable' full frame DSLR. It's positioned above the EOS 60D (and in some respects the EOS 7D), providing a stepping stone into full-frame photography for owners of Canon's mid-range and semi-pro APS-C models.

Tough; moisture and dust resistant body; Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS; Great image quality with low noise levels; AF effective in very low light; 4.5fps continuous shooting limited by memory for JPEGs

Single SD card slot; Lacks built-in flash; 97 percent viewfinder coverage; Relatively few AF points and only one cross-type; Lacks on-demand viewfnder overlays

The EOS 6D is Canon's attempt to entice DSLR owners who are looking for the benefits of full frame shooting - including shallower depth of field and wider-angle lens coverage, but can't afford the EOS 5D Mark III .

Excellent detail in raw file output across ISO range; Class-leading low light focus sensitivity (from central AF point; Very effective JPEG noise reduction at highest ISO sensitivities; Impressively quiet 'silent' shutter drive mode; Quick Control menu provides easy access to shooting settings,...

JPEG engine struggles with low-contrast fine detail at low ISO sensitivities; Low density 11 point autofocus array with only one cross-type AF point; Single card slot (SD; Slow burst rate compared to its full frame peers; Cannot configure common live view and movie mode options independently; Video...

Outstanding image quality and sophisticated Wi-Fi functions, but the autofocus system limits its appeal

The Eos 6D finally offers enthusiast photographers a chance to buy a full-fame DSLR without breaking the bank. Already the most compact and lightest of its class, the 6D is full of features that have APS-C DSLR owners green with envy.

Great low light performance; built-in WiFi and GPS; good battery life; full ­manual control during video recording

Limited 11-autofocus points; single SD card slot; slower ­continuous shooting speed

In many ways the Canon EOS 6D is the Canon's first true enthusiast level full-frame digital camera. While the Canon EOS 5D Mark III and Canon EOS 1DX also have a full frame sensor, the Canon EOS 6D's design and handling is far closer to that of the APS-C format Canon EOS 60D

Canon has pitched the 20.2 effective megapixel EOS 6D as offering an entry point into its full frame professional DSLR line-up for those looking to trade up from an APS-C sensor DSLR.

Full-frame chip; Proper photographic control; Wi-Fi picture transfer

Pricey if you're not a pro

The pitch for the EOS 6D is that it's a cheaper way for keen amateurs to enjoy a digital SLR that offers a sensor the same size as professional models costing £5K. Whilst not inexpensive at £1799.99 body-only, the Canon 6D is comparable price-wise and feature-wise with the simultaneously announced...

Canon's cheapest full frame sensor DSLR for those amateurs after optimum results from the 35mm format; solid feel build yet manageable handling; on-board wireless transfer of images and the ability to control the camera remotely via iPad; built-in GPS image tagging

Size and bulk will still mark you out as a professional so not the best option for candid street photography; expensive if you won't feel the benefit of that full frame sensor

All things considered, the Canon EOS 6D is an excellent choice for the enthusiast and club photographer looking for a full-frame DSLR. These users will find that they have just about everything they need, and a bit more besides.

The Canon EOS 6D might sound like the dream ticket for full-frame DSLR aspirers. It's the first time that Canon's dipped its toe into the "budget" full-frame pond. But, to be realistic, its ￡1600 body-only asking price is still more the cash equivalent of a dive than a doggy-paddle.

Full-frame image quality; EOS Utility wireless shooting via computer has potential; view images from camera using smartphone device on location; smallest and lightest full-frame DSLR

Limited autofocus points; central-arrangement of autofocus points; just one SD card slot; no rear joystick-like control; no clean HDMI output; Wi-Fi just isn't user friendly; being forced to use Canon Image Gateway is irritating