The successor to the EOS 20Da finally appears
‘The Canon EOS 60Da’s sensitivity to
this wavelength of light is about one and half times better than the previous
model’
The
new Canon EOS 60Da features an articulated three-inch LCD screen
Canon has announced the EOS 60Da – a
version of the popular 18-megapixel EOS 60D, specially adapted for
astrophotography. The Canon EOS 60Da is designed to capture the rich red
colours produced by emission nebulae and features a low-pass filter that makes
it more sensitive to hydrogen-alpha wavelengths of light. Canon has stated that
the camera’s sensitivity to this wavelength of light is about one and half
times better than the previous model.
The Canon EOS 60Da is the successor to the
20Da launched back in 2005. The seven-year wait is perhaps understandable in
light of the fact that Canon has no competition in this specialist area of the
market, leaving those with an interest in astrophotography with little option.
Like the main 20D model, Canon’s EOS 20Da featured an eight-megapixel sensor so
the 60Da represents quite a leap in resolution and there’s also an improvement
in the maximum ISO on offer. ISO 3200 was the previous upper limit on the 20Da
whereas the new 60Da boasts a maximum ISO of 12800.
The new camera also features Canon’s 14-bit
DIGIC 4 processing and facilitates time-lapse shooting with EOS Utility or thee
optional Timer Remote Controller TC-80N3. The Canon EOS 20Da was a leader in
the introduction of live view in SLRs and the 60Da has built on this by
including and articulated 3.0” LCD screen.
The camera is expected to retail for
£1,175/$1,499.
Quick specs
The new model at a glance:
·
Model: Canon EOS 60Da
·
Price: £1,175/$1,499
·
Web: www.canon.com
·
Megapixels (effective): 18.0
·
Max resolution 5,200 x 3,462
·
Sensor information: 22.3 x 14.9mm (APS-C size)
·
Shutter speed: 1/8,000 to 30sec, bulb
·
ISO sensitivity: ISO 100-6400 (expandable to
12800)
·
Exposure modes: P, A, S, M, Bulb, Full Auto,
Flash Off, Creative Auto, Programmed Image Control modes
What we think of Canon’s new model
Rosie Tanner: Although ta perfectly decent DSLR, I felt there was always something
lacking in the 60D. Now this new version with the modified filter helps set it
apart and provides users with a really interesting and usable feature. I hope
the results are as clear as promised.
Hayley Paterek: Interest in astrophotography has grown considerably in recent years
so it’s no surprise that Canon has released the EOS 60Da as an upgrade to the
EOS 20Da. Still a fairly niche genre, it will be interesting to see how well
the camera fares in the market. We’re looking forward to shooting the sky with
one soon!
Ultra-slim Lumix offers DSLR image quality
The GF5, the latest model in the Lumix
range features a new sensor and a total of 14 digital filter effects.
The
super-compact new Lumix GF5 promises excellent photo performance
Panasonic is promoting the new Lumix GF5
with the claim that it offers ‘outstanding performance in an ultra-compact
body.’ According to the manufacturer, the new compact system camera is intended
to produce DSLR-standard image quality and HD video in a highly portable body.
The brand-new model boasts a
12.1-megapixels Live MOS image sensor. Describing the body as ‘stylish, sleek
and lightweight’. Panasonic also claims that the sensor reduces noise in your
images.
Superficially, this new model closely
resembles its predecessor, the Lumix DMC-GF3, but the new metal body and
improved grip are designed to ensure that the camera has a much more solid and
convincing feel ergonomically.
The camera is expected to be available in
the UK from June and will be priced at £579/$TBA with the 14-42mm X lens and
£449/$TBA with the standard 14-42mm lens. Head to www.panasonic.com for more
info.
