Nikon Canada announced the D810A, a DSLR built specifically for stargazing and scientific applications.
The D810A is designed for deep sky photography of stars and constellations:
- 36.3-megapixel CMOS sensor and EXPEED 4 image processing engine capture images with low noise and stellar dynamic range.
- Building upon the D810’s excellent low-light capabilities, the ISO range has been optimized from 200 to 12,800 (Hi-2 51,200).
- Maximum sharpness is achieved with the vibration-reducing Electronic Front Curtain Shutter Mode, which lets the front electronic curtain act as a shutter when in live view or composing through the optical viewfinder in mirror-up mode.
- Capture the brilliant hues of diffuse nebulae and constellations with an infrared (IR) cut filter optimized to allow transmission of the hydrogen alpha spectral line, resulting in four times greater sensitivity to the 656nm wavelength.
PRESS RELEASE
Stellar resolution: The Nikon D810A captures the cosmos in epic detail
The D810A provides new features specifically for astrophotography
Mississauga, ON, February 9, 2015 – Today, Nikon Canada announced the new D810A, a DSLR optimized for astrophotography and other scientific applications.
By modifying the infrared cut filter for the hydrogen alpha wavelength, the D810A gives photographers the ability to capture the diffuse nebulae in the night sky and to create colourful, breathtaking celestial images. It shares its architecture with the powerful and professional high-resolution Nikon D810 HD-SLR and includes other new features designed uniquely to help capture the cosmos, letting users achieve sharp and vibrant images of the universe.
“The Nikon D810A is engineered exclusively to meet the unique demands of professional and hobbyist astrophotographers,” said Amanda Mohammed, Communications and Nikon Professional Services Manager at Nikon Canada. “The camera’s distinctive feature set and powerful imaging capabilities make it an appealing option for those who are ready to discover the fantastic cosmic features that are hidden among the stars.”
I AM Star Struck: DSLR Optimized for Astrophotography
The Nikon D810A provides hobbyists as well as professional stargazers with a powerful combination of impressive resolution and features specifically created for astrophotography and scientific applications. The infrared (IR) cut filter has been optimized to allow transmission of the hydrogen alpha spectral line, resulting in four times greater sensitivity of the 656nm wavelength. The resulting images capture the brilliant red hues of diffuse nebulae and constellations with striking detail and fidelity. While not recommended for general photography, the D810A is an excellent option for photographing the universe with either NIKKOR lenses or third-party adaptors for telescopes.
In addition to the optimized IR cut filter, the D810A adds other features that are useful for astrophotography applications. A new Long Exposure Manual Mode is implemented, giving users the ability to set shutter speeds from 4, 5, 8, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, 600 or 900 seconds (15 minutes), as well as Bulb and Time settings. Building upon the D810’s excellent low-light capabilities, the ISO range has been optimized from 200 to 12,800 (Hi-2 51,200), for maximum sensitivity with the optimal signal to noise ratio.
The D810A also adds a new Virtual Exposure Preview Mode, which displays an estimated preview image, and is available when shooting at shutter speeds longer than 30 seconds when in Live View. The brightened preview image represents a 30-second exposure, simplifying focus and composition.
The Best of Both Worlds
The Nikon D810A is based on the Nikon D810 architecture, and retains all of the features that make it a powerful tool for creating images. Users will be able to produce photos in super high resolution thanks to the 36.3-megapixel CMOS sensor. The image sensor works in tandem with Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED 4 image processing engine to deliver images with low noise and a dynamic range that is nothing short of stellar. The D810A also features an Electronic Front Curtain Shutter Mode, letting the electronic front curtain act as a shutter when in live view or first composing through the optical viewfinder in mirror-up mode. This feature minimizes vibrations to attain maximum sharpness when shooting subjects at very slow shutter speeds. The camera also features a durable magnesium alloy body that is sealed against dirt and moisture, giving users peace of mind when adventuring off of the beaten path.
The Nikon D810A is compatible with a wide range of high quality NIKKOR lenses and accessories, including wireless infrared remotes, cable releases and the new WR-1 wireless remote system. Additionally, Nikon’s Capture NX-D software is available as a free download, featuring a new option for Astro Noise Reduction for use with D810A image files.
Price and Availability
The Nikon D810A will be available at Nikon Canada Authorized Dealers in late May 2015 for a Manufacturer’s Suggested Price (MSRP) of $4,449.95. For more information about the Nikon D810A and other Nikon cameras and products, please visit www.nikon.ca.
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™, is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Canada distributes consumer and professional digital SLR and HD-SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the Nikon 1 advanced cameras with interchangeable lens system. In 2013, Nikon Corporation celebrated the 80th anniversary of the launch of its NIKKOR brand of photographic lenses, and announced the production of more than 90 million NIKKOR lenses in 2014, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED, EXPEED 2, EXPEED 3, EXPEED 4 or EXPEED 4A advanced digital image processing system technologies. All Nikon Canada products are sold through a network of Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers. For more information on Nikon Canada and its products and services or to find an Authorized Nikon Canada Dealer, visit www.nikon.ca.
Photos are available upon request and can be accessed in the Nikon Canada press room: http://en.nikon.ca/About-Nikon/Press-Room/index.page.
Specifications, equipment and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
*MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
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