Nikon announces variant of D810 for astrophotography

Nikon has announced the D810A, the first astro camera with a full-frame sensor. The camera is based on the 36.3 megapixel D810, but includes a special infrared filter that allows more red light to pass through, making it possible to better capture the colors of nebulae and gas clouds.

Cameras with full-frame sensors have been used for astrophotography for some time, but optical filters then limit the transmission of long-wavelength red light to prevent a red color cast. This makes them less suitable for taking pictures of nebulae and gas clouds radiating at the H-alpha wavelength. Avid astrophotographers who mount their cameras on telescopes often have their cameras modified to remove the infrared and lowpass filters in front of the sensor. The D810A is equipped with an optical filter that transmits four times as much red light from the hydrogen-alpha spectral line, a wavelength of approximately 656 nm, compared to the D810.

Furthermore, the D810A is equipped with a number of special functions that should make the life of astrophotography easier. In addition to the bulb and time modes, there is the new long exposure mode that allows exposures of up to 900 seconds. The camera also includes an electronic front-curtain shutter to reduce minor vibrations. The virtual horizon is now red instead of yellow, which is more pleasant when working in dark conditions. In live view, the image can be magnified 23x for precise manual focus. The D810A can handle light sensitivities from 200 to 12,800 iso and is expandable to 51,200 iso. Like the D810, it has two card slots for SD and CompactFlash memory.

According to Nikon, the supplied EN-EL15 battery is good for 3680 photos per battery charge, and there is also an MB-D12 battery pack available that is good for 10,660 photos on a single charge. Finally, the camera can be connected to the mains with an adapter.

Canon has also released special astro cameras in the past, such as the EOS 20Da and 60Da. But it is now the first time that a full-frame camera appears for this target group. The Nikon D810A will be available from the end of May for a suggested retail price of 3799 euros.