Nikon India Pvt. Ltd. has launched the Nikon Z 9 camera into space, which is headed to the International Space Station (ISS). This marks the first time a Nikon mirrorless camera will be used by astronauts on the space station.
Multiple Nikon Z 9 bodies, accompanied by a range of NIKKOR Z lenses, were taken into space on the 20th Northrop Grumman commercial resupply services mission for NASA.
The Nikon Z 9 mirrorless camera is replacing the existing Nikon D6 and D5 digital SLR cameras on the ISS. Nikon has a history of over 50 years in space exploration, with Nikon cameras and lenses playing important roles in numerous NASA missions. Since 1999, Nikon equipment has been integral to scientific research, maintenance tasks, and capturing imagery both inside and outside the space station.
The Nikon Z series, introduced in 2018, is known for its robust construction, reliability, and next-generation features. The Z 9 is Nikon’s flagship full-frame mirrorless camera, and it eliminates a physical shutter, enhancing durability and reliability even in extreme environments.
While the Nikon Z 9 used in space is physically identical to its terrestrial counterpart, Nikon engineers worked closely with NASA to develop custom firmware tailored to the unique challenges of space exploration. This specialized firmware enhances noise reduction at faster shutter speeds to counter cosmic radiation exposure, optimizes file naming sequences, and streamlines workflow protocols for efficient image transfer from space to Earth.
The successful integration of the Nikon Z 9 into the ISS operations highlights Nikon’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of photographic technology and its adaptability to the rigors of space exploration. This historic milestone not only showcases Nikon’s prowess in camera innovation but also reaffirms its commitment to supporting human endeavors beyond the confines of Earth’s atmosphere.
Thinking about taking a leap of faith with photography? The vast array of cameras available today can be overwhelming, and choosing the right camera would be a journey that can offer you a free dose of headaches. So, we’ve jotted down 18 things to consider before buying a digital camera to help you navigate this thrilling landscape and find the perfect camera that suits both your needs and budget.
Set A Budget Before Buying
Whether you’re eyeing a sleek DSLR or a compact powerhouse, knowing your financial boundaries will save you from the frustration of falling for a camera that’s beyond your means. Start with a more budget-friendly option to hone your photography skills before splurging on a high-end model.
Prime Lens Vs Zoom Lens
A prime lens offers a fixed focal length, providing affordability and lighter weight. In contrast, a zoom lens with variable focal lengths provides versatility but comes at a higher cost and greater bulk. So, before purchasing, consider your shooting style and preferences when making this decision.
Small Doesn’t Mean Underpowered
Don’t underestimate the potential of compact cameras. Their portability, inconspicuousness, and advancements in megapixel resolutions make them formidable contenders against larger DSLRs. Small cameras can be perfect for capturing moments without the burden of carrying heavy equipment.
Compact Cameras Pack a Punch
Never underestimate the potential of compact cameras. Their portability, inconspicuousness, and advancements in megapixel resolutions position them as formidable competitors against larger DSLRs. Small cameras can be perfect for capturing moments without the burden of lugging around heavy equipment.
Exercise Caution with Package Deals
Package deals may appear tempting, but hop on carefully. Scrutinise the contents and compare individual prices before succumbing to bundled offers. While some deals may be alluring, they could lead to unnecessary expenses on items you may not actually need.
Demand Magnified Photo Previews
Previewing images on a digital camera is a boon, but for a more detailed inspection, opt for a camera with a magnified preview mode. This feature enables you to scrutinise image details, ensuring the highest quality, a crucial consideration for professionals and enthusiasts striving for perfection.
Don’t Overlook Built-In Microphones
The potential benefits of a built-in microphone should not be overlooked. Cameras with voice memo or voice annotation features allow you to add context to your photos, enhancing organisation and memory. Additionally, a movie mode with sound opens up possibilities for creating short videos, ideal for documenting your adventures or even embarking on a YouTube journey.
Decoding Megapixel
Ready to take the pixelated journey with your digital companion? Megapixels, the digital currency of cameras, often pull us into a pixelated rabbit hole. But hold on tight, for not all pixels are born equal. Enter the mysterious Foveon X3 three-layer sensor, a technological marvel that reshapes the rules of the pixel game.
The Lure of Low Prices: Unmasking Deception
Bargain hunters, beware! In the labyrinth of camera prices, the enticing allure of a too-good-to-be-true deal may be a mirage. As you eye that budget-friendly camera, tread cautiously through the pitfalls of package deals. A seemingly affordable camera might be the bait, leading you into a web of substandard accessories, closeout memories, and dubious promises.
The Tripod Socket
When it comes to visual storytelling, let the stability of your camera not be an afterthought. The tripod is a silent maestro of steadiness and deserves a dance partner well-grounded in balance. When selecting your visual companion, heed the siren call of the tripod socket. Seek its residence on the underbelly of your digital marvel.
Ideally centred, it clasps the tripod in harmonious equilibrium, ensuring every frame is a testament to clarity, untainted by the tremors of an unsteady embrace. For those who envision crystal-clear tales etched on the canvas of pixels, let the socket’s placement be a prelude to your photographic symphony, a perfect overture to stability.
A camera is one of the most used gadgets in the present time. We all have a small and capable camera with us at all times – our smartphones. Smartphones cameras have now evolved to be more capable than they were five years ago. Most of us love our smartphones which can carry out the day to day imaging needs very easily. However, if you are looking to upgrade to a different camera, it is a different ball game altogether.
Tips to Buying a New Camera
Buying a new camera is much simpler now. You have a lot of brands and types of cameras that are available within a wide price range. What becomes difficult is the process of choosing which camera to buy. There are many choices which usually confuse buyers. Megapixels, zoom, battery life etc, a lot to consider before putting your money on one.
Buying a camera is basically identifying what you would be doing with your camera. Are you shooting your regular life or doing something which required more control? In this guide, we have narrowed down the types of cameras according to their capabilities and uses.
The first thing you do is set a budget range. Your budget will depend on what you want to get. Needless to say, the higher your budget, the better equipment you can buy. So, set a budget which will enable you to narrow down the options available in the same range.
Now that your budget has been finalized, you can choose what type of camera to buy. For someone who would use the camera for his day to day photos, vacations etc, you can go for a small but powerful digital camera. Digital cameras have now become extremely capable and pack very powerful sensors and processors inside. Digital cameras are easier to operate and you do not need to be a pro to actually take pictures. Simply setting up it in auto mode will allow you to take pictures very easily. While portability and image quality is the advantage, the downside of digital cameras is basically the small sensor and limited flexibility that could be an issue for someone who likes more control.
Interchangeable lens cameras are making most of the noise. The name suggests, allows you to change the lens of the camera. An interchangeable lens camera could have various sizes of sensors. Micro four-thirds, APS-C or 35mm sensor which is commonly known as Full-Frame cameras. Interchangeable lens cameras have a major division now which is the DSLRs and the Mirrorless camera. While DSLRs are traditional cameras with big bulky bodies and a pentaprism mirror for their optical viewfinders, mirrorless cameras have ditched all the extra flab and become smaller and lighter which eases the handling.
The choice of the sensor size is an important factor when buying an interchangeable camera. While DSLRs will leave with the choice of either an APS-C or a Full-Frame sensor, mirrorless cameras can come with a micro four-third sensor which is smaller than the traditional crop (APS-C) sensor. In digital photography, the size of the sensor plays an important role, especially with image quality. Megapixels do count, but honestly, the megapixel roar is just gimmick. Any camera with a megapixel count above 20 is just good enough for the images that you would take. With a full-frame sensor, you will have more data which can be later processed if you are shooting for commercial purposes or need to make very large prints.
What about those who do not want the normal conventional cameras? Well for those who like to capture their adventures, an action camera is the way to go. Action cameras, do not get it wrong, are quite powerful when compared to their tiny size. Most of the top of the line action cameras can record 4K footage as well as large images. Action cameras are built very rough and tough and come with weather sealing, allowing you to take it anywhere in any weather condition. Images taken on action cameras are usually warped as the angle of view is very wide. However, you can choose different options of crop like the narrow-angle of view or the superwide.
Remember, you will use the camera to its best abilities if it actually suffices all the requirements you have. Buying a very expensive camera without the technical know-how makes it just as obsolete as buying a sports car for driving on the country roads. You know it is going to scrape its belly. Why not get an SUV and take advantage of the higher ground clearance instead?
