What To Know
- The larger sensor enables you to achieve a shallow depth of field, which can be useful for isolating celestial objects against a dark background.
- The Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens provides a versatile zoom range, covering wide-field views and allowing you to zoom in on specific objects.
- Both cameras offer autofocus capabilities, with the Canon EOS 60Da relying on a 9-point autofocus system, while the **Nikon Coolpix P950** utilizes a contrast-detection autofocus system with 333 focus points.
Choosing the right camera for astrophotography can be a daunting task, especially when faced with the diverse range of options available. Two popular contenders often come up in discussions: the Canon EOS 60Da with the Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens and the Nikon Coolpix P950. Both cameras offer unique features and capabilities, making it challenging to determine which one truly reigns supreme for capturing the celestial wonders. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison, exploring their strengths and weaknesses, to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.
Understanding the Competitors
The Canon EOS 60Da is a modified version of the Canon EOS 60D, specifically designed for astrophotography. It features a modified infrared filter that allows more hydrogen-alpha light to pass through, resulting in enhanced detail and color in nebulae. Paired with the **Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens**, it offers a versatile zoom range suitable for capturing both wide-field and close-up shots of celestial objects.
The Nikon Coolpix P950 is a superzoom bridge camera known for its impressive 83x optical zoom, equivalent to 24-2000mm in 35mm format. This makes it ideal for capturing distant objects like the moon and planets, providing exceptional detail and magnification. While not specifically designed for astrophotography, its high sensitivity and dedicated astro mode make it a viable option for capturing the night sky.
Sensor Size and Resolution
The Canon EOS 60Da boasts an APS-C sized sensor with 18 megapixels, while the **Nikon Coolpix P950** features a smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor with 16 megapixels. The larger sensor in the Canon EOS 60Da offers several advantages:
- Better low-light performance: Due to its larger surface area, the sensor can gather more light, resulting in less noise and better image quality in low-light conditions.
- Greater dynamic range: The larger sensor can capture a wider range of tones, allowing you to recover detail in highlights and shadows.
- Shallow depth of field: The larger sensor enables you to achieve a shallow depth of field, which can be useful for isolating celestial objects against a dark background.
The smaller sensor in the Nikon Coolpix P950, while offering a compact design, suffers from limitations in low-light performance and dynamic range. However, its smaller size contributes to its portability and ease of use.
Lens and Zoom Capabilities
The Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens provides a versatile zoom range, covering wide-field views and allowing you to zoom in on specific objects. However, its maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6 limits its light-gathering capabilities, especially at the telephoto end.
The Nikon Coolpix P950 shines in this department with its remarkable 83x optical zoom, equivalent to 24-2000mm in 35mm format. This incredible zoom capability allows you to capture distant objects with astonishing detail, making it a powerful tool for lunar and planetary photography.
Autofocus and Tracking
Both cameras offer autofocus capabilities, with the Canon EOS 60Da relying on a 9-point autofocus system, while the **Nikon Coolpix P950** utilizes a contrast-detection autofocus system with 333 focus points. The Canon EOS 60Da’s autofocus system is generally faster and more accurate, particularly in low-light conditions.
However, the Nikon Coolpix P950’s autofocus system is more versatile, offering features like face detection and subject tracking, which can be beneficial for capturing moving objects or subjects within a frame.
Features and Functionality
The Canon EOS 60Da provides a comprehensive set of features, including:
- Manual controls: Full manual controls allow you to fine-tune settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO for precise control over exposure and depth of field.
- Live view: Live view mode enables you to compose and focus shots on the LCD screen, convenient for astrophotography where framing can be challenging.
- Bulb mode: Bulb mode allows for long exposures, essential for capturing faint celestial objects.
The Nikon Coolpix P950 also offers a range of features:
- Dedicated astro mode: This mode automatically adjusts settings to optimize for astrophotography, simplifying the process for beginners.
- Built-in GPS: GPS functionality allows you to record location data for your images, useful for keeping track of your astrophotography locations.
- Electronic viewfinder: The electronic viewfinder provides a clear and magnified view, making it easier to compose shots in low-light conditions.
Portability and Ease of Use
The Nikon Coolpix P950 is significantly more compact and lightweight than the **Canon EOS 60Da** with its lens attached. This makes it considerably easier to transport and carry around, especially for travel astrophotography.
The Canon EOS 60Da requires a separate tripod for astrophotography, adding to its overall size and weight. However, its full manual controls and advanced features provide greater flexibility and creative control for experienced photographers.
Price and Availability
The Canon EOS 60Da is generally more expensive than the **Nikon Coolpix P950**. However, its price reflects its advanced features and capabilities, making it a worthwhile investment for serious astrophotographers.
The Nikon Coolpix P950 offers a more affordable option, particularly for beginners or those looking for a more portable solution.
Summary: The Verdict is Yours
Choosing between the Canon EOS 60Da Canon EF-S 18-135mm and the **Nikon Coolpix P950** ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
The Canon EOS 60Da excels in low-light performance, dynamic range, and image quality, making it ideal for capturing faint nebulae and other celestial objects. Its full manual controls and advanced features provide greater flexibility and creative control for experienced astrophotographers.
The Nikon Coolpix P950 shines in its portability, zoom capabilities, and ease of use, making it an attractive option for beginners or those looking for a more compact solution. Its dedicated astro mode and built-in GPS functionality simplify the process of capturing the night sky.
Ultimately, the best camera for you is the one that aligns with your skill level, budget, and photographic goals.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which camera is better for capturing the Milky Way?
A: The Canon EOS 60Da with its larger sensor and greater low-light performance is better suited for capturing the Milky Way, offering more detail and less noise in the final image.
Q: Can I use the Nikon Coolpix P950 for astrophotography without a tripod?
A: While the Nikon Coolpix P950 offers image stabilization, it’s highly recommended to use a tripod for astrophotography, especially for long exposures, to minimize camera shake and achieve sharper images.
Q: What are the limitations of the Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens for astrophotography?
A: The Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens’s maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6 limits its light-gathering capabilities, particularly at the telephoto end, which can be challenging for capturing faint objects.
Q: Which camera is better for capturing the moon and planets?
A: The Nikon Coolpix P950 with its 83x optical zoom is the superior choice for capturing the moon and planets, offering exceptional detail and magnification.
Q: Can I upgrade the lens on the Nikon Coolpix P950?
A: No, the Nikon Coolpix P950 has a fixed lens, meaning it cannot be upgraded or swapped out for a different lens.
