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Nikon D5 is Primary Artemis II Camera

EXIF data from recently released Artemis II Hello, World photograph (amongst many other stunning shots) confirms that the Nikon D5 was used during the mission, with multiple reports identifying it as the main stills camera onboard.

Artemis II was NASA’s first crewed mission in the Artemis programme, which ran from 1st to 11th April 2026 and saw astronauts travel around the Moon before returning safely to Earth.

One of the most widely shared images from the mission was captured by Reid Wiseman, which shows Earth from orbit and provides clear metadata confirming the camera, lens and exposure settings used. While NASA does not typically list camera models in official captions, this EXIF data offers an insight into the equipment chosen by NASA for use in space.

So why was a 10-year-old DSLR used for a NASA mission? Here’s a closer look.

Artemis II Prelaunch

What is the Nikon D5 camera?

The flagship D5 is a professional Nikon DSLR announced back in January 2016. It features a 20.8MP full-frame sensor that delivers excellent low-light performance. At launch, it had a UK price of £5,700 for the body only, placing it firmly at the top end of the market for press and sports photographers.

Fast forward to now, and the same camera is available on the used market for a fraction of the original cost. For example, we currently have a single used Nikon D5 XQD version at £779.00, which is quite a bargain considering its newfound Space status.

It’s the low light performance, which signals why this was taken into space, which we explore next.

 Image credit: NASA. Artemis II Captures Dark Side of the Earth. NIKON D5

Why does NASA still use the Nikon D5?

The Nikon D5 delivers exceptional low light performance from the full frame sensor, allowing it to be used in near darkness with very little noise. According to Mike Corrado, who’s trained astronauts over four decades, certification is one of the biggest factors in selecting equipment for space missions.

Every component of a camera has to be approved for the extreme conditions found in space, including camera batteries, which can take years to qualify. Once a camera system has passed checks, replacing it is becomes laborious, even when newer models like the flagship mirrorless Z9 are available.

This is why the D5 is still being used by NASA since release 10 years ago, its essentially a serious case of “if it ain’t broke…”

Explore more of Mike Corrado’s work on Nikon USA.

 Image credit: NASA. Hello, World photograph

Hello World Artemis II image

The specific Hello, World image captured by Reid Wiseman is probably the one most people have seen by now. It was taken on the Nikon D5 with a NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8 at 22mm.

The settings f/4, a quarter of a second, ISO 51,200 showcase how dark it was when the shot was taken, confirmed by the city lights visible in the shot. There are stars visible, aurora, and still plenty of detail on the earth itself, which is testament to the sensor in the D5.

However, this wasn’t the only camera on the mission, as the Z9 was also aboard.

 Image credit: NASA. Artemis II in Eclipse. EXIF data shows the Nikon Z9 with a 35mm f/2 lens

Was the Nikon Z9 taken on Artemis II?

Yes. A Nikon Z9 is said to have accompanied astronauts on the mission in 2026. Nikon Z9 EXIF data is confirmed for the Artemis II in Eclipse image, which shows a solar eclipse captured from Orion. EXIF data shows the Nikon Z9 with a 35mm f/2 lens.

According to reporting and statements from the crew, the Z9 was onboard in order to be tested in deep space conditions, including exposure to higher radiation levels beyond Earth orbit. Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman also noted that the camera was added so it could be evaluated ahead of future missions, where it is expected to play a more significant role.

This will no doubt be very exciting news for Nikon camera fans, adding another feather in the cap of Nikon’s long established history of creating robust, reliable cameras, and lenses.

Nikon Z lenses have recently had the warranty upgraded, with a free five-year extended warranty on all new NIKKOR Z lenses.

Incredible images from this mission with full EXIF data include:

• Artemis II Captures the Terminator Line
• Earth From the Perspective of Artemis II
• Artemis II Captures Dark Side of the Earth
• Artemis II Looking Back at Earth

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By Nick Dautlich on 14/04/2026

Nick Dautlich

Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer

Nick Dautlich is the Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer at Park Cameras, with over 15 years of photography experience. A Sony Imaging Professional and expert reviewer, Nick has worked with major brands such as Canon, Sony and Nikon. His work is also featured on Vanguard World UK’s website, Capture Landscapes, and Shutter Evolve. Nick’s photography includes National Trust projects and magazine covers and he is passionate about landscapes and storytelling. Nick also enjoys hiking and teaching his children about nature. Learn more on his profile page.