Nikon D810A for astrophotography

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Nikon D810A for astrophotography

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From the Nikon website:
Digital SLR Camera D810A

February 10, 2015
Nikon's first ultra high-definition model designed exclusively for astrophotography for capture of vivid reds in photos of nebulae that emit H-alpha light

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the D810A, a Nikon FX-format digital SLR camera designed exclusively for full-scale astrophotography*.

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The D810A is an ultra high-definition model that boasts the best image quality in the history of Nikon digital SLR cameras with an effective pixel count of 36.3-million pixels, a Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter, and the latest image-processing engine, EXPEED 4. It makes the most of the incredible rendering capabilities of the D810, while utilizing an optical filter adopted to enable beautiful reproduction of vivid reds in images of nebulae that emit H-alpha light , something very difficult with run-of-the-mill digital SLR cameras. The optical filter on the front surface of the image sensor is capable of four times greater transmission of H-alpha light than is that used with the D810. This enables clear and vivid reproduction of the strong red H-alpha light emitted by nebulae and galaxies.

D810A specifications have also been modified from those of the D810 to make astrophotography easier and more enjoyable. Modifications include the addition of a long-exposure manual (M*) mode that supports exposure times up to 900 s, and a live view preview function that makes focusing and composing images easier with display of a preview at a shutter speed of 30 s when an exposure time longer than 30 s is specified.
In addition, the D810A has inherited a number of functions from the D810 that are convenient for astrophotography, including the ability to enlarge the view through the lens displayed in the camera monitor during live view up to approximately 23x to facilitate accurate focusing, an electronic front-curtain shutter that thoroughly suppresses mechanical shake, and a continuous shooting function with no limit on the number of shots possible for creating beautiful star trails (apparent motion of stars around the Earth).

What's more, the use of genuine NIKKOR lenses with the D810A maximizes the camera's resolving power made possible with the high effective pixel count of 36.3-million pixels for enjoyable shooting that even lovers of astronomical photos will find more satisfying.

*The D810A is a digital SLR camera designed exclusively for astrophotography. When shooting under light sources with a significant amount of near-infrared wavelengths, or capturing common subjects exhibiting high reflectance at near-infrared wavelengths, resulting images may exhibit an unusually red cast. Because an appropriate color reproduction cannot be obtained, this model is not recommended for general photography.
.D810A Primary Features
1.Equipped with an optical filter designed for astrophotography for capture of the vivid reds of nebulae that emit H-alpha light
As common digital SLR cameras are designed with consideration of portrait and landscape photography, the transmission of light nearing the red range of visible light is suppressed for optimal reproduction of colors in those types of scenes. Therefore, images of nebulae and galaxies that emit H-alpha light often appear pale when captured with these cameras. In response to this issue, the optical filter (IR-cut filter), positioned on the front surface of the image sensor, adopted for the D810A has been modified with revision of transmission characteristics for four times greater transmission of H-alpha light than that used with the D810. This enables astrophotography with clear reproduction of the vivid reds emitted by nebulae and galaxies.

2.Offers smooth and enjoyable shooting with new functions specialized for astrophotography
Long-exposure manual (M*) mode that supports shutter speeds as slow as 900 s
In addition to the usual P, S, A, and M exposure modes, the D810A is equipped with a new long-exposure manual (M*) mode. The shutter speeds available in long-exposure manual mode differ from those available in normal M mode in that the 100-shot limit with continuous shooting is eliminated with exposure times of 4 s or longer. Users can select a shutter speed of 4, 5 ,8, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, 600, 900 s, or Bulb or Time, all of which support an unlimited number of shots with continuous shooting. Because the selected shutter speed represents the actual exposure time, calculation of total exposure time is simple, making this mode especially convenient for creating composite images using a lighten blending mode.

Viewfinder display that considers nighttime photography
Information necessary with shooting is displayed in the viewfinder so that images can be framed without taking your eye off the subject. In addition to shutter speed and aperture settings, a virtual horizon, which is always illuminated in red when enabled, can be displayed to help keep the camera level. Features like this allow the user to focus on shooting.

A live view preview function that makes focusing and composing images easier with display of a preview at a shutter speed of 30 s when exposure time is longer than 30 s
When exposure times longer than 30 s common with astrophotography are specified, a preview at a shutter speed of 30 s is shown in the live view display (preview exposure is not the same as that of the actual image). What's more, just as with the D810, the live view display can be enlarged up to 23x, making precise focusing easier.

3.The best image quality in the history of Nikon digital SLR cameras for incredibly sharp astrophotography
The D810A offers the same effective pixel count of 36.3-million pixels and Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter as the D810. The best image quality in Nikon digital SLR camera history combined with the latest image-processing engine, EXPEED 4, achieves sharp and vivid colors, as well as rich tones that render the nuances of delicate and smooth shading in three dimensions. The D810A also supports a broad range of standard sensitivities, from ISO 200 to ISO 12800, with additional reduction as low as the equivalent of ISO 100 (Lo 1) and expansion to the equivalent of ISO 51200 (Hi 2). A broad dynamic range is preserved at each sensitivity setting, and noise is effectively suppressed and the detail possible with the effective pixel count of 36.3-million pixels is demonstrated even when high sensitivities or long exposures are applied for shooting subjects exhibiting little contrast.

4.Features convenient for astrophotography inherited from the D810
•An electronic front-curtain shutter that effectively suppresses internal mechanical shake that can be troublesome with astrophotography, especially when photographing the surface of the moon
•When a shutter speed of 4 s or longer is specified, the number of shots possible with continuous shooting is limited only by memory card capacity and battery charge. As images can be captured in rapid succession, photos that can be used to create composite images of smooth star trails can be taken.
•The superior performance of the Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL15 reliably supports astrophotography with shooting of many photos over an extended period of time. A power-saving design has been adopted, enabling capture of up to 3,860 still images with a fully charged battery.*
*When the built-in flash is not used, and images are not viewed immediately after capture.
•Nikon Integrated Dust Reduction System that includes the Clean Image Sensor function, which vibrates the optical filter at various frequencies to remove dust and foreign matter that may have adhered to it
5.A rich variety of accessories that support creative astrophotography
•The Remote Cord MC-36A (sold separately) can be used to apply interval timer and long time-exposure settings, and is especially effective with continuous shooting with exposure times of 4 s or longer.
•The Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D12 (sold separately) enables capture of up to approximately 10,660 still images*
*When one EN-EL15 is inserted in the D810A, and one EN-EL18a is inserted in the MB-D12. When the built-in flash is not used, and images are not viewed immediately after capture.
•The GPS Unit GP-1A (sold separately) records the latitude, longitude, and altitude at which photos were taken, as well as the Coordinated Universal Time (UTC; the primary standard by which the world regulates clocks and time) at which they were taken, as Exif data embedded in images
•The new Picture Control system is supported, and the Capture NX-D software application (free download) can be used to process and adjust RAW images for full-scale photofinishing with simple operation
.Specifications, design, product name and supplied accessories may differ by country or area. Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacture.
Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacture.

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Nikon D810A specifications

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Nikon D810A specifications
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Nikon D810A for astrophotography- more info

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From the Nikon Australia website:
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Nikon D810A: Lets Photographers Capture Wonders of the Galaxy
A class-leading, high-definition DSLR built with a suite of outstanding features designed for astrophotography
SINGAPORE - Capturing the mysterious beauty of celestial bodies is now within grasp with the launch of the new D810A, a Nikon DSLR*1 designed with an array of features built specifically for the most dedicated astrophotography hobbyists. Often requiring custom equipment and hours of persistence, stunning images of the night sky are within reach with the D810A, a pinnacle of bespoke imaging technology.

Chief among the D810A’s strength is its ability to capture astronomical subjects that emit the H-alpha wavelengths of light such as nebulae and other distant galaxies in red, allowing astrophotographers to see them just as imagined. Helping even the most skilled photographers, are features such as longer exposures in low-light conditions with minimal noise, and a live view preview function which assists with planning the best shots. In addition, 36.3 megapixels ensure superior image quality in ultra-high definition.

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1. Stellar core for exceptional image quality
Class-leading performance: The D810A is equipped with an array of top-notch features, designed to deliver superior image quality. At the core of full FX performance, images with rich tonality and high resolution are guaranteed with the 36.3-megapixel Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor built without an optical low-pass filter. With the power of super-high resolution, the possibilities are endless as photographers can capture rich detail, crop with confidence or even turn photos into wallscapes. Taking things up a notch, the image sensor which has been specially-developed for the art of astrophotography, is particularly sensitive to emissions of the H-alpha wavelength, allowing astrophotography enthusiasts to shoot stunning images of nebulae and constellations.

• Surpassing details and precise tonality: Also ensuring unrivalled image quality is the EXPEED 4 image-processing engine, which improves noise reduction performance at high sensitivities, as well as upgraded depth and clarity in gradation rendering. Made for capturing the night sky, the ISO sensitivity ranges from ISO 200 to 12800 and can be decreased to Lo 1 (ISO 100 equivalent), or increased up to Hi 2 (ISO 51200 equivalent) to suit a variety of environments.

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2. Seeing red in high definition

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• Spectacular captures of H-alpha wavelength nebulae: Behind the most powerful, readily available camera for astrophotography, is its unique ability to capture nebulae that emit the H-alpha wavelength in red, which cannot be achieved with ordinary DSLRs. The D810A*1 employs an optical filter (IR cut filter) with reassessed transmission characteristics in which the transmission of H-alpha spectral line has been increased by approximately four times from a typical DSLR. This allows remarkably-detailed shots of nebulae, constellations and other celestial objects in rich tones and vibrant colours that are true to the eye with a high signal-to-noise ratio.
With more accurate and detailed colour reproduction, users can better understand the images that they take, and reduce the need for long hours of post-processing.

3. A galaxy of features optimised for astrophotography
• Optimal settings with minimal configuration: With the special long exposure Manual (M*) mode, shutter speed can be set up to 900 seconds, making the D810A a light capturing powerhouse, able to shoot in the darkest of conditions. Be it the Milky Way or a meteor shower, users will find it a breeze to shoot in low-light conditions.

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• Vivid clarity for a masterpiece: One of the challenges astrophotographers face when they point their cameras to the sky, is the difficulty in observing the live view image which is often too dark, especially when photographing in the wilderness away from light pollution. The D810A offers an intelligent solution to this with the live view preview function which displays a brighter, clearer preview image when the shutter speed is set at 30 seconds or longer*2, enabling easier focusing and framing adjustment, while minimizing misaligned focus on the desired subject.

• Framed for perfection: Take a closer look at the stars and frame the perfect shot with the ability to enlarge live view images up to approximately 23 times. This helps astrophotographers achieve perfect framing and precise focusing, while retaining high definition in the LCD display.

4. Front-row seats to the greatest show on earth
• Striking details with minimised distortion: The D810A is especially adept at capturing crisp, clear images of the moon’s surface or landscape photos with minimal blur, when using telephoto lenses. An electronic front-curtain shutter can be enabled to reduce internal mechanical vibration, by eliminating the movement of the conventional front curtain of a mechanical shutter. Vibration from mirror movement is also reduced with mirror-up shooting, increasing image clarity.

• Uninterrupted inspiration: Smooth continuous shooting has never been easier, with the ability to take an unlimited number of high-quality JPEG images, a feature that is particularly handy when capturing beautiful light trails across the night sky. When using the CH or CL release mode with a shutter speed 4 seconds or longer, the duration of continuous shooting can be extended indefinitely, as long as memory card capacity and battery status permit. Astrophotographers can also capture astronomical phenomena in action with cinematic quality, time-lapse video.

5. A Capable Companion
• Built for journeys: Venturing out to photograph the unknown, the premium design and build of the D810A ensures that astrophotographers have reliable equipment that helps them capture their best shot, even in less than favourable weather conditions. Inheriting the robust, weather-resistant design from the Nikon D810, this FX-format DSLR offers a comprehensive seal against dust and water droplets, with a grip that sits comfortably in the hand for steady shooting.

For improved product endurance, various components have been repeatedly tested, such as a newly-designed, highly accurate and durable shutter, tested for 200,000 cycles with the unit actually loaded on the camera. This in turn provides photographers with reliability and years of trouble-free image capture.

• Creative support: A variety of accessories to support the enthusiasm for the craft is also available, making astrophotography easier and more enjoyable. From a remote cord for remote shutter release, battery pack for longer battery life and uninterrupted captures, to a GPS unit which enables the recording of latitude, longitude, altitude, and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) where photos were taken, these equipment are ready to assist an astrophotographer’s exploration of the galaxy. The new Picture Control system is also supported by the D810A and users can utilize the free Capture NX-D software application to process and adjust RAW images for full-scale photofinishing.


1 The D810A is a digital SLR camera designed exclusively for astrophotography. When shooting under light sources with a significant amount of near-infrared wavelengths, or capturing common subjects exhibiting high reflectance at near-infrared wavelengths, resulting images may exhibit an unusually red cast. Because an appropriate colour reproduction cannot be obtained, this model is not recommended for general photography.

2 When Bulb or Time is set at M mode or M* mode, or when the shutter speed is set at 60, 120, 180, 240, 300, 600 or 900 seconds at M* mode

Availability
The Nikon D810A will be available in late May 2015. For more information on the new D810A and other Nikon products, please visit http://www.nikon-asia.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.
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