Canon EOS 60Da Astrophotography DSLR

Canon have launched the EOS 60Da – a high resolution DSLR designed for astrophotography. Based on the specifications of the EOS 60D and succeeding the EOS 20Da, the EOS 60Da is designed to capture rich red colours produced by emission nebulae, with a modified low pass filter that makes it more sensitive to hydrogen-alpha (Há) wavelengths of light.

Key features:

• Enhanced sensitivity to IR light
• 18 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
• Vari-angle 3.0 inch 3:2 Clear View LCD screen
• ISO 100-6400 (expandable to ISO 12800)
• Time-lapse shooting with EOS Utility or optional Timer Remote Controller TC-80N3

The EOS 60Da is ideal for shooting astronomical phenomena such as diffuse nebulae – a favourite among astrophotographers due to the distinct red colour caused by the ionisation of hydrogen. In a standard DSLR, an infrared (IR) filter limits the amount of Há light that passes through to the camera sensor, reducing the transmission of red signals to prevent unwanted colour artefacts in the final image. However the EOS 60Da features a new modified filter that offers three times more transparency for Há light than the EOS 60D, combined with an 18 megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 processing and a high ISO range to capture crisp, clear images of red-coloured emission nebulae.

High resolution, high sensitivity and low noise

The EOS 60Da provides astrophotographers with high performance and creative flexibility. Its 18 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor is ideal for capturing rich detail in star clusters and advanced performance at high ISO speeds up to ISO 6400 (expandable to ISO 12800) ensures images are low in noise, reducing the need for longer exposures and star tracker mounts. Working alongside powerful 14-bit DIGIC 4 processing, the sensor also provides excellent signal-to-noise ratio in final output data, producing pictures that are rich in natural colour with smooth tonal gradations – ideal for capturing the subtle colour transitions of interstellar gas clouds, for example.

Easy control

Utilising the advanced ergonomics of the EOS 60D, the EOS 60Da has been designed to be comfortable to hold and highly customisable. A curved shape features an easy-to-reach button layout, with frequent controls grouped together for easy access. Controls can be easily adjusted and reassigned to suit each user’s individual requirements, and a top LCD screen with backlight illumination provides additional flexibility to monitor and adjust image parameters mid-shoot. A dedicated Quick Control button also provides instant and convenient access to the full range of camera settings during shooting.

The EOS 60Da also features a 3.0 inch vari-angle wide LCD screen and Live View support – ideal for composing shots using a tripod. The screen’s Vari-angle hinge provides flexibility, while Live View mode provides convenient, precision control, allowing photographers to finely adjust composition and camera settings. The LCD’s fine 1,040k-dot resolution also provides exceptional levels of on-screen detail during and after shooting, allowing astrophotographers to compose and review their shots with confidence.

For more flexible shooting, the EOS 60Da is compatible with the optional Timer Remote Controller TC-80N3 (Connected via the supplied Remote Controller Adapter RA-E3) – a programmable remote shutter control that allows the adjustment of settings without disturbing the camera’s position. The TC-80N3 provides the flexibility to remotely capture images at custom-selected intervals or shoot exposures over long periods, making it ideal for shooting time lapse movies of the night skies. A supplied ACK-E6 AC Adaptor allows continued shooting using mains power – ideal for long exposures – and EOS Utility software allows users to control settings, or view the framed image from a PC or Mac connected via USB mid-shoot.

As part of the EOS System the EOS 60Da is also compatible with the world’s most comprehensive selection of interchangeable lenses, ranging from the 8mm to 800mm – providing both power and exceptional creative choice for astrophotographers.

The EOS 60Da will be available from June 2012, priced at £1,174.99 RRP incl. VAT. For more information please visit the Canon website.

Canon EOS 60Da Specifications

Manufacturer	Canon
Lens
	Effective Magnification	1.6x
Image Sensor
	CCD pixels	18Mp (Megapixels)
	Pixels (W)	5184
	Pixels (H)	3456
	Sensor Type	CMOS
	Sensor Size	No Data
	Sensor Size (width)	No Data
	Sensor Size (height)	No Data
	Aspect Ratio	4:3 3:2 16:9 1:1
LCD Monitor
	LCD Monitor	3in
	Screen resolution	1,040,000
	Touch Screen	No
Focusing
	Focusing modes	Autofocus Manual
Exposure Control
	Shutter speeds shortest	1/8000sec
	Shutter speeds longest	30sec
	Exp modes	Program Aperture-Priority Shutter-Priority Manual Scene modes
	Metering	Multi Pattern Partial Spot Centre-weighted - Average
	ISO sensitivity	100 - 12800
	White balance	Auto Manual Bracket
	Exposure Comp	+/-3
Shooting Options
	Continuous shooting	5.3fps
Video
	Movie mode	Yes
	Video Resolution	1920x1080 1280x720 720p 640x480 VGA
	Video FPS	30 fps
	Stereo Sound	No Data
	Optical Zoom with Video	No Data
Other Features
	Image Stabilisation	Yes
Interface
	HDMI	Yes
	USB	USB 2
Storage
	Card Type	SD SDHC
	File Type	RAW JPG RAW + JPG
Power Source
	Battery Type	LP-E6
	CIPA Rating	110
Box Contents
	Box Contents	No Data
Dimensions
	Weight	755g
	Width	144.5mm
	Height	105.8mm
	Depth	78.6mm

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