For those interested in Astrophotography, Canon Japan has introduced a new variation of the 20D specifically for Astrophotography, the 20Da. It uses a fixed, semi-silvered pellicle mirror that does not move up and down like a traditional SLR mirror, apparently allowing for real-time focusing using the LCD monitor. Also, improvements can be found in the areas of Infrared sensitivity and high ISO performance.
I am actually surprised by this, Canon departed from fixed mirror cameras in 2000 when the EOS-1n RS (introduced 1994) was discontinued. The main advantage used to be speed, but the current flagship film body can achieve the same shooting speed as the RS, 10 fps. The only advantage of using this technology in the 20D (although I’m not sure it’s really an advantage) is the ability to use the LCD screen to focus.
Apparently its only available through special order and with an open price (set by the dealer), it will be interesting to see if it makes it into the mainstream market in the near (or distant) future.
I am actually surprised by this, Canon departed from fixed mirror cameras in 2000 when the EOS-1n RS (introduced 1994) was discontinued. The main advantage used to be speed, but the current flagship film body can achieve the same shooting speed as the RS, 10 fps. The only advantage of using this technology in the 20D (although I’m not sure it’s really an advantage) is the ability to use the LCD screen to focus.
Here’s the link to the Japanese site: 20Da
Apparently its only available through special order and with an open price (set by the dealer), it will be interesting to see if it makes it into the mainstream market in the near (or distant) future.