Canon has launched the EOS 60Da, a variant of its 60D DSLR tuned for
astrophotography. The camera features a re-worked infra-red filter
leaving the camera more sensitive to a specific emission frequency
(656nm) of hydrogen, key to capturing images of features such as nebulae
(gas clouds) in space. The 18MP camera continues where 2005's 8MP EOS 20Da left off. It will be available from a limited number of authorized dealers at a price of around $1499.00/£1174.99.
Press Release:
NEW CANON EOS 60Da DSLR CAMERA FOR ASTRONOMY ENTHUSIASTS CAPTURES THE TRUE COLORS OF THE COSMOS
 |
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., April 3, 2012
– Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today
introduced the EOS 60Da Digital SLR Camera, a long-awaited successor to
the EOS 20Da that is optimized for astrophotography. This DSLR caters to
astronomers and hobbyists who enjoy capturing the beauty of the night
sky by offering a modified infrared filter and a low-noise sensor with
heightened hydrogen-alpha sensitivity. These modifications allow the
camera to capture magnificent photographs of “red hydrogen emission”
nebulae and other cosmic phenomena.
“The EOS 60Da is a testament to the constant desire to meet the needs
of every customer, including those in specialized fields,” said Yuichi
Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Imaging
Technologies & Communications Group, Canon U.S.A., “This new camera
enables an accurate depiction of a part of our solar system which is
hard to achieve with conventional cameras but should be enjoyed and
celebrated.”
The Canon EOS 60Da camera packs a powerful 18-megapixel CMOS sensor
(APS-C) that produces sharp and high-contrast images of astronomical
objects, a major enhancement over the EOS 20Da model’s 8.2-megapixel
sensor. The improved infrared-blocking filter is a modification suited
specifically toward astronomy enthusiasts to achieve a hydrogen-alpha
light sensitivity that is approximately three times higher than that of a
normal Canon DSLR camera. This produces a 20-percent higher
transmittance of Hydrogen Alpha line, or Hα wavelength, allowing
astronomers to capture crisp, clear images of reddish, diffuse nebulae.
Enhanced Features
Crisp images of the stars and planets can be viewed on the EOS 60Da’s
improved 3.0-inch Clear View LCD screen with 1,040,000 dots for
detailed focusing. The flip-out Vari-angle screen allows photographers
to adjust the screen for easy viewing without straining even while the
camera is mounted to a telescope via a third-party T-ring adapter.
Optimized for stargazing with friends or in an educational setting,
astronomy enthusiasts can connect the camera to a TV with the provided
AVC-DC400ST Stereo AV Video Cable and display the night sky on a TV
monitor using the camera’s Live View mode. Moreover, the EOS 60Da’s Live
View mode is equipped with a Silent Shooting feature that eliminates
shutter-induced vibration for maximum camera stability when the camera
is mounted to a telescope or super-telephoto EF lens.
Enhanced noise reduction on the EOS 60Da sensor offers photographers
the ability to experiment with the wide array of ISO settings and
increased ISO speeds up to 6400 expandable to 12800. Other features
include an intelligent nine-point autofocus system, full manual
controls, and RAW, JPEG, and RAW+JPEG image recording capabilities.
Accessories
The EOS 60Da helps capture the wonders of the night sky with its use
of Canon’s award-winning EF and EF-S lenses along with other EOS
accessories. Additionally, the EOS 60Da is packaged with Canon’s RA-E3
Remote Controller Adapter, providing the ability to connect a Canon
Timer Remote Control such as the TC-80N3 (optional accessory). The
TC-80N3 is ideal for controlling time exposures longer than 30 seconds
as well as capturing a series of consecutive time exposures that can be
composited during post-processing for improved image quality. This is
especially useful when the camera body is connected to a telescope[i] or an EF super telephoto lens.
Canon has also included an AC adapter kit with the EOS 60Da, allowing
the camera to be powered through an AC wall outlet or a battery-powered
inverter, ideal for long exposure image or video capture at home or in
the field.
Availability
As a specialized product, the EOS 60Da is only available to order
from select authorized dealers. The estimated retail price is $1,499.00
and it is expected to be available this month.
source: dpreview
