They used off-the-shelf components because they were low priority, low cost side projects that were not expected to last long anyway. Similarly, the video (and

They used off-the-shelf components because they were low priority, low cost side projects that were not expected to last long anyway. Similarly, the video (and associated audio which malfunctioned) of the skycrane-deployed landing was done by COTS components which otherwise would not have been present at all. Also, by COTS, they're using components which would otherwise be meant for industrial use, so they're still likely to be more rugged than what might come to mind when thinking of off the shelf components.