d3s

The Tokyo Skytree is a massive broadcasting tower in Sumida, Tokyo, Japan that currently holds the title of world's tallest tower and second tallest structure. Measuring in at a completed height of 2,080 feet, the broadcasting tower -- which also doubles as a restaurant and observation tower -- gives visitors a stunning 360-degree view of Tokyo.

But it wasn't enough for the folks behind the project to let people come up, gawk and take their own pictures. They decided that a view like this had to be documented professionally, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week; which is why there are 12 Nikon D3S's equipped with Nikkor AF 35mm f/2D lenses arranged around the tower at all times, keeping tabs on the city below.

High-end DSLRs by major camera manufacturers are made to be durable. After all, photographers find themselves in all kinds of environments documenting all kinds of subjects, so their cameras need to have serious protection against accidents and the elements.

Ruggedness is often a characteristic that's touted in new camera announcements, but exactly how rugged are flagship DSLRs? French Nikon photographer site Pixelistes recently decided to find out by torture testing a Nikon D3s.

So we know DSLR cameras can survive plunges down cliffs (but not being trapped in …

UK-based filmmaker Philip Bloom created this beautiful video of Monument Valley, Utah. Blending regular video and timelapse footage, Bloom builds a serene and powerful portrait of the place. Bloom used a plethora of gear to capture the footage, including five cameras - one Canon 5D Mark II to capture video, another 5D Mark II, two Canon 7D, Canon 1D Mark IV, and a Nikon D3s for timelapse. Whew!

Nikon and NASA are showcasing some amazing photos taken aboard the International Space Station with Nikon equipment. According to Nikon, NASA took over 700,000 photos with the Nikon gear kept on board, which includes one Nikon D3S DSLR, eight Nikon D2XS cameras, 36 NIKKOR lenses including three teleconverters, seven SB-800 Speedlights, and other gear. Nikon notes that the D3S is unmodified, and is the same quality as available on the consumer market.

Nikon has a long history with NASA since sending a Nikon F camera with Apollo 15 in 1971. Since then, Nikon's enjoyed exposure while helping NASA get image exposures. Most recently, the D3S that is currently on board was delivered to the ISS via the Space Shuttle Discovery, launched April 10, 2010. NASA says each shuttle launch costs approximately $450 million -- that is one expensive delivery! Here are more images from the International Space Station taken with Nikon gear: