Canon today introduced its latest digital SLR camera aimed at astrophotographers. The EOS 60Da uses a modified low-pass filter that makes it more sensitive to hydrogen-alpha (Há) wavelengths of light, designed to capture rich red colours produced by emission nebulae.

It is modified from the existing 60D camera, and succeeds the EOS 20Da, Canon’s first DSLR designed specifically for astrophotography.

“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,” says Canon.

“In a standard DSLR, an infrared 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.”

The camera has a three-inch 7.7cm vari-angle wide LCD screen and live view support, along with an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, and it captures ISO sensitivities ranging up to 6400 in standard mode, expandable up to 12,800. “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,” claims Canon.

The 60Da with Canon's optional Timer Remote Controller.

The EOS 60Da is compatible with the optional Timer Remote Controller TC-80N3 (pictured above, 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, says Canon, making it ideal for shooting time-lapse movies of the night skies. A supplied ACK-E6 AC Adapter allows continued shooting using mains power – again, 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.

 The EOS 60Da camera will go on show in June, priced £1175.