Nikon D810A Digital SLR Camera Body

The Nikon D810A is the first full-frame FX format digital SLR designed for astrophotography and other scientific applications. Sitting proudly in a class of its own, the D810A brings a 36.3-megapixel CMOS sensor and a redesigned infrared (IR) cut filter that's four times more sensitive to the H-alpha spectral line to allow breathtaking celestial images of nebulae to be captured in all its natural ...

Nikon D810A: Key Features

• 36.3-MP FX-format sensor
• Modified infrared (IR) cut filter
• Long exposure M mode (up to 900s)
• Electronic front-curtain shutter
• Spectacular ISO 200-12800 (ext. 51200)
• Unlimited continuous shooting
• Red-lit virtual horizon
• EXPEED 4 Processor
• Picture Control 2.0
• Multi-CAM 3500FX 51-point AF system
• 3.2" Colour-tune LCD monitor
• Full HD 1080p movie recording in FX/DX
• Two card slots CF and SD
• Durable magnesium alloy body

View the Nikon D810A and D810 Comparison Sheet

Nikon Video: The World of Astrophotography

High-definition astrophotography
As a modified version of the camera that boasts the most outstanding resolving power of any Nikon D-SLR, the D810A is a very special beast. Designed to deliver the ultimate in image detail, the FX-format sensor enables high-contrast 36.3-megapixel images with minimised false colour. The standard ISO range of 200-12800 can be extended up to 51200 ISO (equivalent) and 3D noise reduction enables clean, well-defined images at high ISOs. Nikon’s fast and powerful EXPEED 4 image processor boosts the camera’s overall performance and minimises colour fringing.

Modified infrared (IR) cut filter
A truly exceptional camera, the D810A delivers results that are impossible to achieve with a regular D-SLR. The D810 is a popular camera with astrophotographers: it has the power to photograph the night sky, but a standard camera sensor is not the best way to capture images of nebulae that emit on the H-alpha wavelength. In order to prevent red colour cast, the optical filters in general D-SLRs restrict transmission of reddish light in the visible light range. In contrast, the characteristics of the D810A’s optical filter have been modified to increase the transmission of reddish light from the hydrogen-alpha spectral line by approximately four times (compared to the D810). As a result, photographers can now capture the beautiful, “true-red” colour of nebulae that emit along the H-alpha wavelength without modifying the camera. The benefits of the D810A’s modifications are apparent, even when photographing starfields and star landscapes.

Specialised features
Equipped with a number of specialised functions, the D810A effectively counters some of the challenges astrophotographers face. Alongside Bulb and Time settings, a new Long Exposure Manual mode allows exposures of up to 900 seconds. To minimise internal vibrations during exposure, photographers can activate the camera’s electronic front-curtain shutter and reduce the risk of micro-blur in even subtle details. When shooting in Live view, a virtual exposure preview for Bulb and Time settings aids focus and framing. And, as with the D810, the Live view image can be magnified up to 23x, allowing critical focus checks to be made with absolute precision. When shooting through the viewfinder, a new red-lit virtual horizon display lets you confirm leveling.

Electronic front-curtain shutter
Activate the electronic front-curtain shutter to minimise internal vibrations during exposure and reduce the risk of micro-blur in even subtle details.

Spectacular ISO
The D810A’s standard ISO range of 200-12800 can be extended up to 51200 ISO (equivalent). Nikon’s 3D noise reduction enables clean, well-defined images at high ISOs.

Unlimited continuous shooting
Produce seamless star-trail photography. Shoot in continuous release mode with a shutter speed of 4 seconds or slower, and you can record as many high-quality JPEGs as your media cards and battery life allow.

Extended shooting
Reliably capture thousands of images with long exposures. The D810A’s energy efficient design and high-capacity battery will keep you shooting for long periods. Optional Nikon battery packs and power adapters can extend shooting time immensely.

Live view
Increase the Live view image up to 23x and make critical focus checks with absolute precision. A virtual exposure preview for bulb and time settings also aids focus and framing.

Red-lit virtual horizon
A red-lit virtual horizon display lets you confirm leveling when shooting through the viewfinder.

EXPEED 4
Boosts the camera’s overall performance. Vastly improves image rendering and ISO performance, and minimises colour fringing.

Picture Control 2.0
Take complete control over sharpening, contrast, brightness, hue, and saturation when shooting stills and video. Shoot with the Flat setting for the ultimate freedom in postproduction: retain all the details and preserve rich tonal information in both highlights and shadows. Use the Clarity setting to precisely adjust contrast and differentiate fine structures.

Colour-tune monitor
Push the colour balance and brightness in any direction to suit your personal workflow preference. The anti-reflective 8.0-cm (3.2-in.), 1229k-dot RGBW LCD monitor also offers auto brightness control.

Multi-CAM 3500FX 51-point AF system
Fine-tuned for ultra-high resolution images. Configurable in 9-point, 21-point, and 51-point coverage settings and sensitive down to -2 EV (ISO 100, 20 °C/68 °F). System benefits include Group-area AF, expanded “store by orientation”, and options for AF mode restrictions. Fifteen cross-type sensors in the centre are compatible with AF NIKKOR lenses with open aperture of f/5.6 or faster, and 11 central focus points work with an open aperture of f/8.

Multi-area D-Movie
For high definition video footage of the cosmos. The D810A records Full HD (1080p) movies in FX and DX formats at 50p/60p frame rates with markedly reduced moiré and false colour. Nikon’s 3D noise reduction reduces random noise, distortion, and flicker when filming at high sensitivities. The camera offers clean HDMI out, plus simultaneous capture of full-resolution footage in-camera and on an external recorder.

Fast, durable, responsive
The D810A starts up in approximately 0.12 seconds and boasts a shutter release lag of just 52 ms. The Kevlar/carbon fiber–composite shutter unit is tested to 200,000 releases and offers shutter speed of 1/8000 to 900 s.

NIKKOR lenses
Draw out the full potential of the D810A’s 36.3-MP sensor with the wide range of NIKKOR lenses. With their exceptionally high resolving power, NIKKOR lenses are acclaimed by astrophotography enthusiasts worldwide.

High-capacity EN-EL15 battery
Ultra-compact and lightweight lithium-ion rechargeable battery with a capacity of 1900 mAh (7.0 V). Capture up to 3,860 still images¹ on a single charge.

Additional power sources
Optional Nikon accessories keep you shooting for longer. The MB-D12 Multi-Power Battery Pack works seamlessly with the camera and can capture up to 10,660 still images on a single charge.² The sequence of battery use can be selected and set via the camera. To extend shooting time further, use the optional EH-5b AC Adapter with the EP-5B Power Connector.

Storage media
Two card slots for a smooth shooting experience. One CF card slot for high-speed UDMA 7 cards, and one SD card slot for high-speed, high-capacity SDXC and UHS-I cards.

Durable magnesium alloy body
Extensive weather and dust sealing ensure the D810A is moisture and dust resistant.

Wired and wireless connection
The D810A supports Ethernet and wireless LAN. To connect, use the optional UT-1 Data Transmitter together with the WT-5 Wireless Transmitter.

Nikon D810A Sample Images