Nikon D5 DSLR used by Artemis II crew

The amazing photographs of the Earth in the distance and the dark moon in the foreground were taken with a Nikon D5 DSLR and perhaps the Nikon Z9 (mirrorless).

The  D5 was first introduced 10 years ago but was selected for its ruggedness and  proven radiation resistance and reliability in space.

The Z9 was a last minute addition on the insistence of  Commander Reid Wiseman. It is being tested for possible use in future missions.

Now you know! Afterthought: the D5 takes a bit of controlling. You need to know a bit about photography and operating this pro camera to get the best out of it. The astronauts must have been specifically trained to use it.

Here is some info about the D5:

The Nikon D5 is one of those rare machines that earns its reputation the hard way: through absolute reliability in punishing conditions. Introduced in January 2016, it was built as Nikon’s flagship DSLR for professionals who needed a camera that would never quit, whether on a battlefield, a frozen tundra, or—remarkably—a deep‑space mission a decade later. Its 20.8‑megapixel full‑frame sensor may seem modest by modern standards, but that’s part of its strength. The pixel pitch is large, the circuitry is robust, and the sensor architecture is far less fragile than the ultra‑dense designs found in newer mirrorless bodies. That durability, combined with a magnesium‑alloy chassis and legendary weather sealing, makes the D5 a photographic tank.

Its EXPEED 5 processor delivers fast, predictable performance, and the 153‑point autofocus system remains one of the most dependable ever made. The camera’s ergonomics—deep grip, tactile buttons, and intuitive layout—were refined for professionals who shoot instinctively, often without looking away from the viewfinder. In low light, the D5 is a monster, producing clean files at ISO levels that would cripple lesser cameras.

What ultimately defines the D5 is trust. Photographers know it will fire, focus, and survive. NASA choosing it for Artemis II simply confirms what professionals have known for years: the D5 is built for environments where failure is not an option.

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