It seems that the next Canon mirrorless camera to be released will be much more specialized: the EOS Ra, a full frame astrophotography camera.
Nokishita broke the news, saying that the EOS Ra has been added to Canon's product line and will likely be the next camera to be announced. This would not be the first such camera from Canon, with both the 20Da and 60Da having been designed for astrophotography, but it has been seven years since the release of the 60Da, and neither camera was full frame. A newer generation full frame sensor would certainly provide welcome improvements for astrophotographers, and paired with Canon's excellent RF glass, it could make for a formidable combination.
Such a camera would be approximately four times more sensitive to hydrogen-alpha light (656 nm). This would make it difficult to shoot with for normal subjects, thereby rendering it a specialist tool, but for those who need it, it is likely a welcome addition to Canon's product line. No date has been given for an announcement just yet. Nonetheless, with the EOS Ra, 1D X Mark III, and likely, a professional-level EOS R camera in the works, it is an exciting time for Canon shooters!
I find it curious that the x-pro 3 is criticized for its funky design elements, but canon has literally released a very very niche camera. Possibly to sell more lenses than anything else?
I don't see how this would sell more lenses - or at least I don't see how it would be some kind of ploy to do so.
It's likely an EOS R with an IR cut filter and some other internal modifications, but that's it. It's a variant - not really comparable to the XPro3.
It's a niche camera, yeah, but it doesn't take anything away from anyone else. Whereas if you don't like the XPro3 design, you don't have another option in that line.
They're both niche products for unique markets. The XPro3 is obviously aimed at welll-heeled clients who want a cutesy hipster camera. After all, when was the last time you saw a titanium body on an off-the-shelf camera? It's not like this camera really needs it either.
Similarly this Canon body is for the well-heeled astrophotographer who has everything and wants a new astro toy he doesn't really need (the monies this camera will cost would be far better put to use buying a dedicated astro camera and accessories).
Considering most astrophotography is done with APS-C and smaller sensors, I'm surprised Canon (and Nikon) choose FF sensors for their astro mods.
I guess so they can call the picture "mine"? Astrophotography is difficult and there's almost an unlimited amount of space.. I mean the deep space photos like the pillars of creation not just milkyway ones
Astrophotography evolved from ASTRONOMERS shooting images in their scientific study. Amateur astronomers also would shoot the skies in their favorite hobby. The advent of digital camera opened up the floodgates for them to get images they never could before with film.
This caught the attention of regular photographers, who start to take up the practice as well. Eventually an entire cottage industry sprung up around amateur astronomers and photographers wanting to capture the heavens.
Why shoot what's already been shot? Because it's YOUR shot, for starters, and the techniques you've learned to do so open up your eyes to the universe, whether you're an astronomer or not. Something you're not realizing is the things you start learning about the heavens, and about our place in this universe. To just sit around staring at the night sky while your gear cranks away starts to make you realize how insignificant we really are and how much this entire planet and everything in it is at once just incredible, and yet would not be missed by Vulcans, Klingons, Romulans, and various other races in the universe having a good chuckle at the general stupidity, arrogance, and ignorance of Homo Sapiens...
Alex, you should be able use an EOS RA for daytime use with a custom white balance off a grey card. I’ll post an example with my 6Da