Aurora Australis - © Ron Garan

Astronaut Ron Garan has posted the last shots taken aboard the International Space Station before returning to Earth. Photos taken with a Nikon D3s.

View more pictures at: Ron Garan.

via geekosystem

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Nikon and NASA have worked closely together through the years to bring us dramatic images of space. Nikon is now exhibiting selected images captured with the Nikon D3S digital SLR cameras equipped with NIKKOR lenses, Speedlights and other accessories. To date, NASA has captured more than 700,000 images with Nikon equipment. The images captured under the extremely low-light conditions of space demonstrate the superior image quality of the D3S noise suppression features.

PRESS RELEASE

Nikon To Introduce The Latest Images From Space Captured With Nikon D3S Digital-SLR Cameras And NIKKOR Interchangeable Lenses Ordered By NASA

July 8, 2010

MELVILLE, NY (July 7, 2010) – The images exhibited were captured with equipment, including Nikon D3S digital-SLR cameras, NIKKOR lenses, Speedlights and other accessories, kept aboard the ISS. To date, NASA has captured more than 700,000 images with Nikon equipment carried into space. Among these many images, those rare and precious photos that can only be captured from space, as well as those captured under the extremely low-light conditions of space that exhibit the superior image quality of D3S noise suppression features are introduced.

Nikon has spent many years contributing to NASA’s study of space through the development and manufacture of advanced and extremely durable cameras and NIKKOR lenses. Production of NIKKOR lenses, which make the most of Nikon’s optical technologies, reached fifty million units last September. Nikon’s history with NASA began with the Nikon Photomic FTN?, a modified Nikon F camera that was used aboard the Apollo 15 in 1971. Nikon’s relationship with NASA continued even with the transition to digital when NASA placed orders for Nikon D2XS digital-SLR cameras in 2008. These cameras are still being used in space today. In 2009, NASA ordered eleven D3S cameras and seven AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lenses for use in recording activities aboard the Space Shuttle and International Space Station. The D3S cameras were the same products available to consumers with no special modifications, and they were delivered to the ISS via the Space Shuttle Discovery launched on April 5, 2010.

Nikon products kept aboard the ISS

• 1 Nikon D3S digital-SLR camera: Delivered to the ISS via the Discovery with Space Shuttle mission STS-131, which returned on April 20, 2010. Images are primarily those of the surface of the earth and nighttime scenes. Standard consumer product (no modifications).
• 8 Nikon D2XS digital-SLR cameras: Modified according to NASA specifications for recording extravehicular activities (EVA)
• 36 NIKKOR lenses (including three teleconverters)
• 7 SB-800 Speedlights
• 4 D2XS eyepieces: Eyepieces made exclusively for NASA Special eyepiece viewfinders that enable image framing and verification through a space helmet with extravehicular activities.
• Miscellaneous (filters, cables, etc.)

Primary images captured by Nikon products
Image of extravehicular activities on the STS-131 mission. View of astronauts, as they work to tie down an Ammonia Tank Assembly on the International Space Station during STS-131 spacewalk.

Image of the ISS, Space Shuttle and Earth captured from the ISS

Photos: NASA

Nikon’s history with NASA

• 1971: Nikon Photomic FTN* (NASA specifications) was used on Apollo 15
• 1980: The “Small Camera”, based on the Nikon F3 and equipped with a motor drive, and the F3 “Big Camera”, which utilized long film, were delivered to NASA. The “Small Camera” was used aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia launched the following year.
• 1991: The Nikon F4 and F4S were delivered to NASA
• 1999: The Nikon F5 and AI AF Nikkor lens were carried aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery to photograph extravehicular activities (EVA)
• 2008: D2XS digital-SLR cameras were delivered to NASA. Eight D2XS cameras are still used in space to document activities such as inspections and maintenance operations.
• In addition, approximately 15 types of lenses, more than 35 all together, are kept aboard the International Space Station for intra- and extravehicular photography that supports NASA’s space activities.

*Nikon F equipped with Photomic FTN viewfinder that supports TTL center-weighted metering.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-UX or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

Nikon D3s

“The Nikon D3S is currently the best camera for shooting runway shows. High ISOs are clean, the camera is fast, accurate and flexible.”

DigitalCameraReview has taken the Nikon D3S [QuickPrice Check] on assignment at the New York Fashion Week.

You can read the Nikon D3s Report at: DigitalCameraReview.

Nikon D3s

“The Nikon D3S is probably among the most capable pro DSLRs on the market today.”

We’ve added another Nikon D3s [Specs] review to our Reviews Matrix. Is the Nikon D3S the world’s best digital SLR camera?

DigitalCameraReview has published their review of the Nikon D3s, a professional full-frame DSLR camera. “The Nikon D3S is an amazingly capable professional digital SLR, retaining most of what was great about the Nikon D3, and adding astonishing improvements in low-light capability and a larger image buffer size.”

You can read the full Nikon D3s Review at: DigitalCameraReview.

I find it very interesting that Bernard Papon simply sets his Nikon D3s to 1/1000 sec. at f/5.6 and ISO AUTO. He lets the camera selects the appropriate ISO because of the incredible low noise the Nikon gives even up to ISO 12800.

Michel Birot and Julien Poupart both regret the Canon’s Continuous Shooting limitiation when using RAW and dislike the smoothed out background at high ISOs (max ISO 6400).

As expected, none is willing to exchange cameras due to the investment in lenses and other equipments, as well as being comfortable with one particular workflow that works for them.

Read the article at: Focus Numérique.

Nikon D3s

“The sensor of the D3S is simply unmatched in terms of its ability to convert light to useable signal.”

We’ve added another Nikon D3s [Specs] review to our Reviews Matrix. Is the Nikon D3S the world’s best digital SLR camera?

DPReview has published their review of the Nikon D3s. As expected, the D3s rates a “Gold Award” from DPReview.

You can read the full Nikon D3s Review at: DPReview.

Rob Galbraith compares the Canon EOS 1D Mark IV [Specs] against the Nikon D3s [Specs] in the realm of professional sports photography, and the winner is…

Read the answer at: Rob Galbraith.

Nikon D3s

“Hand-held photography anytime, anywhere, without flash.”

We’ve added another Nikon D3s [Specs] review to our Reviews Matrix. Is the Nikon D3S the world’s best digital camera?

PhotographyBLOG has published his review of the Nikon D3s. As expected, the D3s rates an “Essential”, PhotographyBLOG’s highest rating score.

You can read the full Nikon D3s Review at: PhotographyBLOG.

Nikon D3s

“The D3s offers the ultimate in performance, build and image quality. Score: 4/5”

We’ve added another Nikon D3s [Specs] review to our Reviews Matrix. Is the Nikon D3s the best DSLR camera ever?

TechRadar has published his review of the Nikon D3s. As expected, the D3s stands out for its superb low light capability up to ISO 3200.

You can read the full Nikon D3s Review (with samples of high ISO images) at: TechRadar.

Nikon D3s

“Yes, the Nikon D3s is the current LOW LIGHT/NO LIGHT champion.”

We’ve added another Nikon D3s [Specs] review to our Reviews Matrix. Is the Nikon D3s the best DSLR camera ever?

SteveHuff Photo has published his review of the Nikon D3s. He loves the low noise at high ISO capability of this DSLR camera: “BRAVO to Nikon on the D3s. Amazing high ISO capabilities push this one over the top!” But, in the final analysis, Steve decides that the size of the D3s just does not make it an everyday camera for him: “there is just no way in hell I would take this camera with me everywhere like I do my M9.”

You can read the full Nikon D3s Review (with samples of high ISO images) at: SteveHuff Photo.

Nikon D3s

LetsGoDigital has published high ISO image samples taken with the Nikon D3s [Specs], a pro-level digital SLR camera with a standard ISO performance of 12,800, expandable to an amazing ISO 102,400, which is also applicable to its HD Movie capability (1280 x 720 @ 24fps). The Nikon D3s features 12.1MP resolution on a brand new full-frame CMOS image sensor, 51 AF points (with 15 cross type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors), Image Sensor Cleaning Function, PASM, Scene Recognition System, Active D-Lighting, Picture Control System, 3.0-in. LCD (920K dots), built-in monoaural microphone (augmented by a stereo microphone input), HDMI port, Continuous Shooting 9fps, RAW file format, moisture, dust and shock resistance, UDMA compatible CompactFlash™ card slots, dedicated Live View button, Electronic Virtual Horizon, Quiet Shutter Mode, and optional GPS Unit GP-1.

[ View the Nikon D3s high ISO image samples at: LetsGoDigital ]