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Closer to the stars – with Canon’s new full-frame camera for astrophotography

Canon, the world leader in imaging solutions, is expanding its flagship EOS R system with a new model, the EOS Ra. This is the company’s first full-frame camera designed for astronomy photography.

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The EOS Ra is unique in the market: unlike other full-frame astrophotography cameras, it is portable and requires no external power or computer connection. With it, you can create high-quality images of both visible and deep space using a variety of optical devices.

The new camera has the same functions and features as the EOS R, released in September 2018. The EOS Ra inherits the world’s fastest autofocus systemii, support for focusing at light levels as low as -6EVii, a full-frame 35 mm CMOS sensor with approximately 30.3 million effective pixelsiii and a DIGIC 8 image processor. EOS Ra is a modified EOS, built with the best optical technology and the special requirements of astrophotographers seeking to capture the unique colors of deep space and the many constellations.

A new infrared IR filter allows more H-alpha radiation to pass to the sensor: the EOS Ra captures four times as much light in this range as the EOS R. This makes it easy for photographers to capture in clear, high-quality images the red color of nebulae – interstellar dust clouds composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, which cannot be photographed with a conventional camera because their UV and IR filters cut off the infrared light that gives such nebulae their distinctive hue.

Astronomical optical performance

With its mirrorless design and full-frame sensor, the EOS Ra is the perfect tool in the pursuit of impressive deep-space shots. The absence of a mechanical mirror system minimizes vibrations during shooting, resulting in sharper images. What’s more, the Canon-developed high-performance sensor offers high ISO support, fast sensing and wide dynamic range, helping to deliver phenomenal quality when shooting space objects. The EOS Ra uses all of the company’s experience in optical technology, which sets it apart from other sensor cameras: all 30.3 million pixels are deployed in the image creation, so no star is lost in the frame. If the attached telescope eyepiece does not cover the entire image sensor’s effective area, the EOS Ra can be cropped to APS C size, approx. 11.6 Mpix 4176 x 2784 – or a range of other formats.

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Exorbitant shooting potential

Equipped with Dual Pixel CMOS AF, the EOS Ra offers a range of manual and autofocus functions to help you achieve outstanding quality even in low-light conditions. Like the EOS R, the camera supports autofocus at light levels as low as -6EV, allowing you to shoot effectively with RF- and EF-series lenses in near darkness. Focus Assist features are available when using the camera with a telescope, including AF-area illumination and 30x magnification three times that of the EOS R , making it quick and easy to adjust focus when shooting through any optical device. What’s more, the EOS Ra is the first astrocamera on the market to support 4K video recording and interval shooting.

Lenses for all ideas

Same mount as the EOS R, the new camera offers the widest range of lens options. The usa mount lets you use an entirely new lens design: with a flange-to-ground distance of 20mm and a diameter of 54mm, Canon engineers can create lenses that would never have been possible before. Lenses are and remain a vital part of the EOS system, which is why the new camera is compatible – via adapters – with other mounts, providing a wide range of lenses and telescopes for shooting with the EOS Ra. In addition to the EOS R system optics, you can use more than 70 EF and EF-Sv lenses without sacrificing the superb performance and functionality EOSvi SLR users are accustomed to. Custom settings retained on EOS R lenses regardless of lens mount – RF, EF or EF S.

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Easy constellation photography

The EOS Ra’s compact and lightweight design makes it easier to attach to a telescope, making it ideal for long-term shooters. Combining familiar EOS ergonomics with new controls for maximum control. Angle adjustable touch screen lets you shoot with any camera position and check focus easily with 30x zoom. Electronic viewfinder gives photographers a clear view of the future, even when shooting in the dark.

Like the EOS R, the new camera supports connectivity to smart devices via EOS Utility and Canon Camera Connect, which can be downloaded for free from Canon’s support site. This lets you control your camera remotely in stills and movies – via USB cable or wirelessly – so photographers can shoot remotely, such as staying indoors on a chilly evening, or create interval video.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support makes it easy to connect to a smartphone to transfer photos and video, and the camera can be controlled remotely from a smartphone or tablet. GPS data can also be added to photos from your smartphone, so you always know exactly where the shot was taken.

Key features of EOS Ra

– Infrared cut filter IR cut filter , which lets more H-alpha Hα line radiation into the image sensor, allows four times as much light to be registered in this range as the EOS R

– Images are of the highest quality thanks to a full-frame 35 mm CMOS sensor with approx. 30.3 million effective pixels, the latest DIGIC 8 image processor and compatibility with high-performance usa lenses

– Enhanced communications and power transfer between the lens and the camera body

– Lightweight, mirrorless design that reduces camera shake when shooting through a telescope

– Low light shooting

– Variable angle display

– 4K video recording with 10-bit HDMI output

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John Techno

Greetings, everyone! I am John Techno, and my expedition in the realm of household appliances has been a thrilling adventure spanning over 30 years. What began as a curiosity about the mechanics of these everyday marvels transformed into a fulfilling career journey.

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Comments: 3
  1. Benjamin Knight

    I’m really intrigued by Canon’s new full-frame camera for astrophotography! Can someone tell me if this camera has any specific features tailored for capturing stunning shots of stars? How does it compare to other cameras in terms of low-light performance and image quality? And most importantly, is it suitable for beginners or mainly targeted at professional astrophotographers? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply
    1. Rowan

      Canon’s new full-frame camera for astrophotography, the EOS Ra, offers several specific features tailored for capturing stunning shots of stars. It has a specialized infrared filter that enhances the camera’s sensitivity to the H-alpha spectral line, commonly emitted by nebulae, resulting in better astrophotography performance. Additionally, it has a built-in intervalometer and long-exposure timers, making it easier to capture time-lapses and long-exposure shots commonly used in astrophotography.

      In terms of low-light performance and image quality, the EOS Ra excels. With a high-resolution full-frame sensor and excellent ISO performance, it can capture detailed images in extremely low-light conditions, minimizing noise and maintaining image quality. Its high dynamic range capabilities allow for greater detail retention in both shadows and highlights.

      While the EOS Ra is a powerful camera suitable for professional astrophotographers, it is also beginner-friendly. Canon has ensured that the camera’s interface is user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for beginners to navigate through the various settings and features. Moreover, Canon’s extensive lens lineup and availability of astrophotography accessories make it easier for beginners to experiment and expand their astrophotography skills.

      In conclusion, Canon’s EOS Ra is a feature-rich camera with specific capabilities for astrophotography. Its low-light performance, image quality, and beginner-friendly interface make it suitable for both professionals and beginners interested in capturing stunning shots of stars.

      Reply
      1. Ember

        Canon’s EOS Ra is a versatile camera designed specifically for astrophotography, offering features that enhance the overall performance and image quality when capturing shots of stars and celestial objects. Its specialized infrared filter boosts sensitivity to the H-alpha spectral line, making it ideal for capturing nebulae and other astronomical phenomena. The camera’s built-in intervalometer and long-exposure timers simplify the process of capturing time-lapse and long-exposure shots commonly used in astrophotography. Additionally, the high-resolution full-frame sensor and excellent ISO performance ensure detailed images with minimal noise in low-light conditions. Whether you’re a professional astrophotographer or a beginner exploring the world of astrophotography, Canon’s EOS Ra provides an excellent platform for creating stunning images of the night sky.

        Reply
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