NASA to use Nikon D5 DSLRs in International Space Station

NASA has placed an order for 53 Nikon D5 cameras. Some of the DSLRs will be flown to the International Space Station ISS and will be used there both indoors and outdoors.

These are the same devices as the cameras that are available here for consumers. No adjustments are made. When used during spacewalks, the cameras are placed in a protective housing.

NASA has been using Nikon cameras in space for a long time. Currently, Nikon D4 DSLRs are present on the International Space Station, among others. Astronauts can use the cameras to take photos or timelapses of, for example, the northern lights, but the devices are also used to check solar panels.

Nikon presented its D5-dslr at the beginning of 2016. Under terrestrial conditions, the device is especially suitable for sports photography due to its speed. It has a relatively low 20.7-megapixel resolution for a full-frame camera and therefore large pixels, which benefits the light sensitivity. This comes in handy when shooting from space, but the sturdiness of the housing, including seals against dust and moisture, is a property that NASA values.

American astronaut Don Pettit surrounded by Nikon cameras on the ISS. Photo: NASA, 2012