NASA buys 53 Nikon DSLRs for use on International Space Station

NASA has bought 53 Nikon DSLRs for about half-a-million dollars.

The cameras will be used on the International Space Station, for taking images and for recording footage.

The D5, which is equipped with a 36 x 44mm, 21-megapixel sensor, is preferred by NASA for its "incredible reliability" and "ability to withstand ... the harshest of environments".

According to Nikon's press release the units are "the same models available to consumers".

Meanwhile, Nikon said in its press release, "Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has placed an order for 53 Nikon D5 digital SLR cameras. NASA plans to use the cameras both at astronaut training facilities on earth, and for recording intra- and extravehicular activities at the International Space Station (ISS).

"NASA has ordered 53 standard Nikon D5 cameras with no special hardware modifications. Just as with the D3S digital SLR cameras delivered to NASA in 2009, these D5 cameras will be the same models available to consumers, confirming the incredible reliability of Nikon products, as well as their ability to withstand even the harshest of environments.

"This year, Nikon celebrates its 100th anniversary. Throughout this 100-year history, Nikon has supported the research and observation of extreme environments such as space and the Antarctic with strong and durable cameras and NIKKOR interchangeable lenses developed based on its optical and precision technologies.

"Nikon has focused on making its products better able to respond more completely to the demands made by photographers, their work and the environments that challenge them. Nikon is excited to continue to contribute to the observation and research of such regions by developing extremely reliable products that are able to stand up to even the most challenging of situations.