Curious about the way Don Pettit is holding the Nikon D3

[rodion_herrera]

In this shot, we see Don Pettit in the copula appearing to take snapshots of the Dragon on approach to the ISS...

...if you look closely, he appears to be holding the camera upside down. Any thoughts on this, or an actual "official NASA caption" or information link about why he is holding the camera upside down? Is it an error on his part, or is it a staged shot, or is the camera in autosequence (time lapse) mode or something, so it would be easier for him to multitask while the Dragon is approaching? Thanks.

-RODION

 

[tl8]

Probably to orientate the image the correct way? Might also be the lenses.

 

[rodion_herrera]

Probably to orientate the image the correct way? Might also be the lenses.

Okay, so how will he take the shot? With his little finger (the shutter button is below his left little finger)?

-RODION

 

[CigDriver]

Maybe he is just using the camera as a telescope to get a better view?

 

[rodion_herrera]

Maybe he is just using the camera as a telescope to get a better view?

What sort of useful magnification is he getting out of that lens? And besides, they do have a pair of binoculars at the copula, so why use the camera? To avoid swaps?

-RODION

 

[orb]

Okay, so how will he take the shot? With his little finger (the shutter button is below his left little finger)?

I see no problems with taking a shot with left little finger, especially when using weightless camera.

 

[rodion_herrera]

Thanks for the input guys. I do wish there was somehow a way to get some kind of "official" word from NASA about the image

-RODION

 

[Ripley]

What sort of useful magnification is he getting out of that lens?...

If I'm not wrong, it looks like a 24/70, so not that much.

 

[orb]

Thanks for the input guys. I do wish there was somehow a way to get some kind of "official" word from NASA about the image

The official caption says he's taking pictures:

ISS031-E-069294 (24 May 2012) --- NASA astronaut Don Pettit, Expedition 31 flight engineer, takes pictures out one of Cupola windows on the International Space Station while the crew members were preparing for May 25's grapple and berthing of the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft.

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/station/crew-31/html/iss031e069294.html

 

[garyw]

And as he is in a weightless environment it might be easier to hold it that way to take the photos?

 

[Ripley]

Since he's indeed in weightlessness it shouldn't matter much how he holds it.
It cant' be just "better" or "easier". What about all the poor Niikon engineers' studies on D3's ergonomy and buttons positioning then?

 

[rodion_herrera]

We can only speculate. I really wish I can ask Don Pettit directly about it

-RODION

 

[C3PO]

He could be using a remote trigger to avoid "shaking" the picture. In microgravity the muscles and tendons aren't pre-loaded" by gravity, so pushing the shutter button could cause inadvertent movement of the camera.

 

[FADEC]

Oh no, another proof that space flight is fake... :rofl:

Seriously: I think it is just due to orientation reasons.

 

[zerofay32]

Okay, so how will he take the shot? With his little finger (the shutter button is below his left little finger)?

-RODION

It has a second shutter button for the bottom grip that is normally used in portrait orientation. (See pic) Since he is using his left hand he can use is left index finger or even his left thumb to actuate the shutter. As far as a reason for the grip, it is either for orientation or he may need to right hand for something. (leaving only his left hand free to hold the camera. All cameras are right hand oriented)

 

[Unstung]

The extra shutter button and larger battery compartment is on both Nikon (D3, D4, etc.) and Canon's (1D) pro models.

 

[ED_4]

So with that camera, in essence, it don't really matter if it's upside down or right side up. Very good indeed. Maybe someday, I can buy a fancy great camera like that too.

 

[rodion_herrera]

It has a second shutter button for the bottom grip that is normally used in portrait orientation. (See pic) Since he is using his left hand he can use is left index finger or even his left thumb to actuate the shutter. As far as a reason for the grip, it is either for orientation or he may need to right hand for something. (leaving only his left hand free to hold the camera. All cameras are right hand oriented)

Now that is indeed a mystery solved Thanks!

-RODION

 

[sorindafabico]

So with that camera, in essence, it don't really matter if it's upside down or right side up. Very good indeed. Maybe someday, I can buy a fancy great camera like that too.

Top cameras like Nikon D3/D4 or Canon 1D are too heavy and expensive. They are designed for pros. Soon you will start to complain about the weight of the camera. Only buy a D3/D4 or 1D if you are/intend to be a pro.

If you like photography and want a good camera, buy a D800 or a D7000, if you prefer Nikon. If you prefer Canon, buy a 5D or a 7D. If i am not wrong, all DSLR cameras have battery grips with that alternative shutter button. :thumbup:

The D800 and 5D are heavier than D7000 and 7D, but are full-frame. This means they have better image quality, because their sensors are larger.

If you are rich, buy a Leica. :lol: