It’s no secret that the D3s is an excellent camera. But I would have thought NASA would choose something a little more specialized for, you know, space. But it looks like the D3s is going to do just fine, since they just bought eleven. Obviously there’s the vacuum and infinite cold of space to think of, so these cameras will have special enclosures and other equipment; it’s not like they’re just stopping by Best Buy on the way to the shuttle.

But beyond the space accessories, the D3ses they’re sending up there are unmodified. Even the lens is a standard (though excellent) AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8. Makes me want to save up and get one of these things, just so I can say I’m using the same camera astronauts use.

[via Nikon Rumors]