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Artemis II Mission Used Mix of Older and Newer Cameras for Lunar Photography

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NASA's Artemis II Mission Captured Lunar Flyby with Retired Nikon DSLR

NASA's Artemis II mission, which conducted a lunar flyby on April 6, 2026, utilized a variety of photographic equipment, including a retired Nikon D5 DSLR camera alongside newer models. Images captured with the equipment are publicly available, and a camera expert provided context on the older model and general photography advice.

Mission and Equipment Overview

The Artemis II mission employed multiple cameras to document its journey. The equipment list included two Nikon cameras, an iPhone, and several compact action cameras.

One of the Nikon cameras used was a D5 model, a DSLR first introduced in 2016 that is no longer in production. The crew also had access to a Nikon Z9, a current mirrorless camera model.

Camera Specifications and Expert Context

Jack Peralta of District Camera in Burke, Virginia, provided details on the Nikon D5:

  • The camera has a 20-megapixel sensor.
  • Peralta described it as having been a popular and professional-grade model when available, noting it is "a little bit on the heavier side" and was considered "very easy to use, but very much a professional camera."
  • He stated that when his store receives a Nikon D5 as a trade-in, "it will definitely go very quickly."

For comparison, the iPhone 17 Pro used by the Artemis crew has a 48-megapixel camera.

Photographic Output and Broader Discussion

Images taken with the older Nikon D5 model during the mission are included in a publicly accessible photo gallery on NASA's website.

Peralta addressed a common question from customers about investing in a dedicated camera versus using a mobile phone. He reported that he sometimes shows comparison photos taken with both devices to demonstrate differences.

His advice for those new to photography is to prioritize investing in lens quality over the camera body, stating that the lens "adds a lot more to the quality of your pictures."

This commentary touches on a broader discussion regarding the necessity of dedicated cameras given the advanced imaging technology in modern mobile phones.