Special Nikon D810 astrophotography version coming soon?

Nikon is rumored to announce an astrophotography version of the D810 full frame DSLR camera, which will come packed with a higher hydrogen-alpha sensitivity that is perfect for astronomy lovers.

It has been a while since digital camera makers launched a product aimed at astrophotographers. It seems like this is the perfect time to launch such device, as Nikon will allegedly introduce a special version of the D810 aimed at astronomy fans sometime this week. The new DSLR is said to employ a special sensor with a higher hydrogen-alpha sensitivity.

A special version of the Nikon D810 is said to come packed with a higher hydrogen-alpha sensitivity, in order to become the perfect tool for deep-sky astrophotography.

Special Nikon D810 astrophotography version rumored to be announced soon

The Nikon D810 is a camera with the highest megapixel count when it comes to full frame DSLRs. Although this may change soon, as Canon is preparing to launch the 50.6-megapixel 5Ds and 5Ds R, the D810 is still a powerful tool that captures high-resolution, sharp photos.

As a result, it seems like Nikon is considering to launch an astrophotography version. The rumor mill is claiming that the device is almost ready and that it will be announced as soon as this week.

The special version would be aimed at deep-sky astrophotographers and it would offer an increased hydrogen-alfa sensitivity, sources say.

Nevertheless, take the rumors about the Nikon D810 astrophotography version with a grain of salt and stay around to find out how this story unfolds.

What is hydrogen-alfa sensitivity?

Hydrogen-alfa is a spectral line within the Balmer series that corresponds to a visible deep-red color. Hydrogen helps creating it at the moment when a hydrogen electron “falls from its third to second lowest energy level”.

When a sensor is sensible to hydrogen-alpha, it will properly capture the red hydrogen emission nebulae from the night sky.

Usually, such sensors come packed with an infrared filter as well as a special low-noise sensor. Such is the case of the Canon EOS 60Da, which was launched in early 2012. The 60Da is the astrophotography version of the 60D and it is three times more sensitive to hydrogen-alpha light than the regular version.

What else to expect from Nikon in the near future?

Nikon has registered the D7200 and 1 J5 cameras on the website of a Russian agency. The DSLR will replace the D7100, while the mirrorless camera will succeed the 1 J4.

Both are supposed to come at CP+ 2015 this February. They could be joined by a slew of Coolpix compact cameras, such as the P900, P610, L840, and S7000 among others.