Canon EOS 60Da DSLR: See how the sky stars! Pictured…

Canon has expanded its EOS range with the EOS 60Da, a high-resolution digital SLR camera designed for stargazing. Perfect for taking pictures of astronomical objects such as diffuse nebulae, a favorite of astrophotographers because of their red glow caused by the ionization of interstellar hydrogen by the surrounding stars.

EOS 60Da is the modification of the EOS 60D, and successor to the EOS 20Da. Modified low-pass filter increases EOS 60Da sensitivity to saturated red light at wavelength alpha hydrogen Hα , the brightest line in the spectrum of emission nebulae.

In conventional DSLR cameras, an infrared filter greatly reduces the amount of Hα wavelength light reaching the image sensor to prevent unwanted color.

The EOS 60Da’s infrared filter filter allows three times as much Hα wavelength light to pass through as the EOS 60D, which, combined with its 18-megapixel CMOS sensor, DIGIC 4 processor and wide ISO range, produces sharp, saturated red emission nebulae.

High resolution, high sensitivity, low noise

The EOS 60Da delivers high performance and the flexibility to meet astrophotographer’s creative needs. The camera’s 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor captures the star clusters in great detail.

High ISO sensitivity of 6,400 expandable to 12,800 and low noise avoiding long shutter speeds and complicated sky tracking. 14-bit DIGIC 4 ADC and image sensor with high S/N ratio gives you rich, natural colors and smooth gradation – for example, you can easily capture the subtle color nuances inherent in interstellar gases.

Easy operation

EOS 60Da inherits excellent ergonomics from the EOS 60D. Smooth body curves provide easy access to controls, and the most frequently used ones are grouped for quick access.

Controls are easy to set up and reassign functions to suit individual preferences and the illuminated, overhead LCD display offers extra control and allows parameters to be changed on-the-fly while you take pictures. A dedicated Quick Control button provides quick and easy access to all camera settings during shooting.

The EOS 60Da features a 7.7cm 3.0in LCD with a vari-angle display and Live View capability, making it easy to shoot on a tripod.

A tilt-up display mechanism offers flexibility and Live View mode offers easy, precise operation enabling you to easily compose your shots and adjust camera settings. Display with 1,040,000 pixels guarantees superb image clarity during and after shooting, so you can confidently control composition and preview your shots.

The EOS 60Da is compatible with the optional TC-80N3[i] Timer remote controller, a programmable, remote shutter release device that lets you control the camera without moving it. TC-80N3 allows remote snapshots to be taken at set intervals and slow shutter speeds. The TC-80N3 is ideal for interval shooting of the night sky.

The supplied AC adapter ACK-E6 lets you take pictures over long periods of time, which is important when using slow shutter speeds. EOS Utility software lets you manage camera settings and view framed images from a PC or Mac connected via USB while you shoot.

Part of the EOS system, the EOS 60Da offers the widest selection of interchangeable lenses from 8mm to 800mm focal length, giving astrophotographers maximum flexibility and creative freedom.

EOS 60Da Key Features

• Higher sensitivity in infrared

• 18-megapixel CMOS image sensor, APS-C size

• 7.7 cm 3.0″ Vari-angle Clear View LCD with 3:2 aspect ratio

• ISO sensitivity range of 100-6,400 expandable to 12,800

• Interval shooting with EOS Utility or optional remote controller with TC-80N3 timer function

[i] Connects via included RA-E3 remote controller adapter