Canon debuts full-frame mirrorless camera, EOS Ra, for astrophotography

Canon EOS RA with 50mm lens

Google may be touting the night-sky photography capability of its new Google Pixel 4 smartphone, but Canon is making the case for a mirrorless camera option with the new EOS Ra. The company claims the new $2,499 camera was built off the EOS R system combining new features, such as four times greater transmittance of hydrogen-alpha (Hα) light of 656.3 nm, compared to the original EOS R. 

Targeting astrophotographers, the Canon EOS Ra incorporates features of the original EOS R, such as RF mount design, a 30.3MP CMOS sensor, electronic viewfinder, high-sensitivity, low-noise performance and 4K time-lapse shooting. Optional accessories include an AC adapter kit, which allows the camera to be powered through an AC wall outlet or a battery-powered inverter, a BG-E22 battery grip and three EF-EOS R mount adapters to accommodate the entire range of more than 70 EF & EF-S lenses.

“Since the introduction of the EOS R full-frame mirrorless camera system last fall, Canon has remained committed to launching a line of impressive and innovative EOS R models and a strong variety of RF lenses and accessories to meet the needs of every skill level of photographer,” says Kazuto Ogawa, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “As a group of photographers who are passionate about capturing what we can’t see with our naked eyes, the new EOS Ra is designed for astrophotographers looking to capture vivid imagery of the night sky.”