Canon EOS 20Da

[Chris Gohlke]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.dpreview.com/news/0502/05021405canoneos20da.asp' target='_blank'>http://www.dpreview.com/news/0502/05021405canoneos20da.asp</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Canon Japan has this morning sprung a surprise on everyone with the announcement (in Japan only so far) of the EOS-20Da. This specialized version of the EOS-20D appears to be identical except for the removal of the 'hot mirror', the filter in most digital camera's which removes the InfraRed part of the spectrum. This camera would be especialy suited to astrophotography as well as InfraRed photography, in use as a 'normal camera' it would probably require an external IR cut filter on the lens. In addition the camera has a partially transmissive mirror which enables live focusing on the LCD monitor."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/photo_p2_d.jpg" /> <br /><br />Looks very nice for those who want to hook up a camera to a telescope for some great shots or for use by itself for some great night-sky shots.

[Neil Enns]

Ooooooh. If the IR part works out well for daytime IR photography, and it eventually gets its way to the US through grey market importers, I just might have to jump and upgrade from my 10D!

Neil

[Jason Kravitz]

The only thing I was unclear on is whether this works as a general pupose 20D plus the infared capability or if it is only suited towards IR astrophotography?

I've tried to do some astro photography and it looks ok although I have not used it with a telescope or anything like that. I'd love to play around with IR. Too bad we can't "mod" the current 20D !

[TheWolfen]

Canon's DSLR cameras are great for astrophotography. If I correctly understand this models IR feature compared to the way it works on current models, this should just add capability, not restrict it to just IR work. It opens up a whole new realm for astronomy work, as well as daytime IR. Very nice!! Great.. I can see one of these might be in my future...

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

You will need a hot mirror filter if you want to use it as a normal camera.

[Jason Kravitz]

You will need a hot mirror filter if you want to use it as a normal camera.

Lee - that is what I was wondering... what exactly is a hot mirror filter? Does it go inside or outside the camera body?

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

It's a normal filter you attach to the lens of the camera.