CanonEOS 60Da astrophotography camera announced

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Posted on 3 Apr 2012 at 09:39, by Gareth Halfacree

Canon has announced a new EOS digital SLR camera, specifically designed for astronomy enthusiasts: the EOS 60Da.

Designed to replace the company's existing EOS 20Da, the EOS 60Da boasts a range of features designed to make the camera more appealing to astrophotographers including a modified infrared filter and a low-noise sensor with heightened hydrogen-alpha sensitivity for improved capture of red hydrogen emission nebulae.

"The EOS 60Da is a testament to the constant desire to meet the needs of every customer, including those in specialised fields", claimed Canon's Yuichi Ishizuka at the launch. "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."

Compared to its predecessor, the EOS 60Da is a serious upgrade: the 8.2 megapixel sensor has been replaced with an APS-C sized 18 megapixel CMOS sensor, while the improved infrared filter boasts a hydrogen-alpha light sensitivity some three times higher than a normal Canon DSLR for a 20 per cent higher transmission of the hydrogen alpha wavelength seen in reddish diffuse nebulae.

The rear of the camera includes a 3.0in Clear View LCD Vari-angle flip-out display and a live view mode with support for TV output. A silent shooting feature is also included, to remove shutter-induced vibration which can knock a telescope out of alignment. A remote controller adapter is included in the package, allowing the camera to work with optional external controls such as the Canon TC-80N3 Timer Remote Control for long exposures.

The EOS 60Da doesn't come cheap, however. As a specialist product aimed at a particular demographic, the device will only be available from specialist retailers. UK pricing has yet to be confirmed, but Canon has announced plans to put the device on sale later this month in the US at $1,499 (around £935).