Nikon makes a lot of high precision scientific optics, like high end microscopes etc. I would assume that as a result they are the first to come to mind for scientific applications. Also, many other camera manufacturers that get used for scientific applications (like Photron and others) use the Nikon F mount, so if you buy one of those cameras you're stuck with Nikon lenses. One notable exception is the Canon 200mm f/1.8, which gets used in some astronomy applications.
Posted by David Bostedo on January 30, 2010 at 3:37 PM
Perhaps NASA only buys Nikon cameras for human use, but they do buy other photographic pieces from other companies. Dalsa semiconductor, for one, makes a lot of photo sensors for NASA. They include this 111 megapixel sensor that's about 4" across. And that was made in 2006.
And of course, Hassleblad was what was used on the moon.
It IS curious that NASA seems stuck on Nikon, but I'd think it's simply due to having a good relationship with Nikon, and not any particular preference technology-wise.
Posted by Steve Neff on January 30, 2010 at 8:01 PM
Floris' comment is most likely on par with why NASA uses Nikon. I myself have always used Nikon and will never switch [accept my point & shoot for work; Canon owns it there]. Long after I bought Nikon gear, I talked to my camera repair guy [Southern Photo in Orlando] who now sports a D700 and loves it. I asked him which was better, Canon or Nikon. He said that Canon optics can't be beat, but as far as cameras go, he never gets a Nikon in for repair; while at the same time he gets Canons in while still under warranty.
So I was happy with my decision. At the same time, you've got to look at those who've been in the business for years who shoot Canon and never venture away from it; that speaks volumes for those devoted to Canon. You really can't go wrong with either one if, at the end of the day, the equipment conveys what you wanted the image to say.
Posted by Milton Berko on January 31, 2010 at 1:01 AM
The Space Program also utilizes Olympus cameras and lenses.
The task of space exploration and visually documenting any and all activities is not one to be taken lightly.
That's why members of the Aerospace Imaging Group at the Kennedy Space Center have chosen Olympus digital cameras to help them achieve success in this endeavor and prove once again that Nothing's impossible.
For more than a year members of this group have been recording images from various rocket and shuttle missions using some of Olympus's cutting-edge equipment and come away with amazing photographic results. Whether it's a Space Shuttle launch or landing, the roll-out of the shuttle to the launchpad, or even the day-to-day operations occurring at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, FL, the Olympus E-series digital cameras have been along for the ride.
The company’s flagship E-3 digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera and ZUIKO digital lenses will journey to the International Space Station (ISS) on the next Space Shuttle Discovery mission.
Dr. Koichi Wakata, a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut, will take images of the earth with the Olympus E-3 throughout his three-month mission on the ISS. Specifically, he will stay in the “Kibo,” which is the Japanese Experiment Module. It is located in the ISS and is Japan’s first manned facility where astronauts can conduct experiments for long periods of time. ‘Hope’ is the English translation for Kibo, and Dr. Wakata will be the first astronaut to inhabit the new experiment module.
Posted by Milton Berko on January 31, 2010 at 1:12 AM
The Space Program also utilizes Olympus cameras and lenses.
The task of space exploration and visually documenting any and all activities is not one to be taken lightly.
That's why members of the Aerospace Imaging Group at the Kennedy Space Center have chosen Olympus digital cameras to help them achieve success in this endeavor and prove once again that Nothing's impossible.
For more than a year members of this group have been recording images from various rocket and shuttle missions using some of Olympus's cutting-edge equipment and come away with amazing photographic results. Whether it's a Space Shuttle launch or landing, the roll-out of the shuttle to the launchpad, or even the day-to-day operations occurring at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, FL, the Olympus E-series digital cameras have been along for the ride.
The company’s flagship E-3 digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera and ZUIKO digital lenses will journey to the International Space Station (ISS) on the next Space Shuttle Discovery mission.
Dr. Koichi Wakata, a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut, will take images of the earth with the Olympus E-3 throughout his three-month mission on the ISS. Specifically, he will stay in the “Kibo,” which is the Japanese Experiment Module. It is located in the ISS and is Japan’s first manned facility where astronauts can conduct experiments for long periods of time. ‘Hope’ is the English translation for Kibo, and Dr. Wakata will be the first astronaut to inhabit the new experiment module.
Posted by David Bostedo on January 31, 2010 at 10:41 AM
Being an Olympus shooter myseld, that's pretty cool Milton. Although, doing some more reading, again it seems like it's more due to a good marketing relationship than any particular technological reason.
Discussion
6 repliesAnd of course, Hassleblad was what was used on the moon.
It IS curious that NASA seems stuck on Nikon, but I'd think it's simply due to having a good relationship with Nikon, and not any particular preference technology-wise.
So I was happy with my decision. At the same time, you've got to look at those who've been in the business for years who shoot Canon and never venture away from it; that speaks volumes for those devoted to Canon. You really can't go wrong with either one if, at the end of the day, the equipment conveys what you wanted the image to say.
The Space Program also utilizes Olympus cameras and lenses.
The task of space exploration and visually documenting any and all activities is not one to be taken lightly.
That's why members of the Aerospace Imaging Group at the Kennedy Space Center have chosen Olympus digital cameras to help them achieve success in this endeavor and prove once again that Nothing's impossible.
For more than a year members of this group have been recording images from various rocket and shuttle missions using some of Olympus's cutting-edge equipment and come away with amazing photographic results. Whether it's a Space Shuttle launch or landing, the roll-out of the shuttle to the launchpad, or even the day-to-day operations occurring at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, FL, the Olympus E-series digital cameras have been along for the ride.
The company’s flagship E-3 digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera and ZUIKO digital lenses will journey to the International Space Station (ISS) on the next Space Shuttle Discovery mission.
Dr. Koichi Wakata, a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut, will take images of the earth with the Olympus E-3 throughout his three-month mission on the ISS. Specifically, he will stay in the “Kibo,” which is the Japanese Experiment Module. It is located in the ISS and is Japan’s first manned facility where astronauts can conduct experiments for long periods of time. ‘Hope’ is the English translation for Kibo, and Dr. Wakata will be the first astronaut to inhabit the new experiment module.
The Space Program also utilizes Olympus cameras and lenses.
The task of space exploration and visually documenting any and all activities is not one to be taken lightly.
That's why members of the Aerospace Imaging Group at the Kennedy Space Center have chosen Olympus digital cameras to help them achieve success in this endeavor and prove once again that Nothing's impossible.
For more than a year members of this group have been recording images from various rocket and shuttle missions using some of Olympus's cutting-edge equipment and come away with amazing photographic results. Whether it's a Space Shuttle launch or landing, the roll-out of the shuttle to the launchpad, or even the day-to-day operations occurring at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, FL, the Olympus E-series digital cameras have been along for the ride.
The company’s flagship E-3 digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera and ZUIKO digital lenses will journey to the International Space Station (ISS) on the next Space Shuttle Discovery mission.
Dr. Koichi Wakata, a Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut, will take images of the earth with the Olympus E-3 throughout his three-month mission on the ISS. Specifically, he will stay in the “Kibo,” which is the Japanese Experiment Module. It is located in the ISS and is Japan’s first manned facility where astronauts can conduct experiments for long periods of time. ‘Hope’ is the English translation for Kibo, and Dr. Wakata will be the first astronaut to inhabit the new experiment module.