Cheaper Alternative to the P5100: Nikon P50?

[vanveen]

Dear all,

I would like to buy a camera in combination with my Zeiss Diascope 80 MM (I have the two different eyepieces: 20-60 and 30). Many people here recommend the Nikon P5100. But it is quite expensive here. Is there a cheaper alternative? I was thinking of the Nikon P50 that just came out? Or another brand? I would like to use it handheld or with a universal adapter such as this one (http://www.europe-nature-optik.fr/digiscopie_kowa.php) rather than with a ring attached to the eyepiece and the camera).

Thanks for your input,

Olivier

[Sleeper]

Hi Vanveen
Not knowing your experience with digiscoping so I am presuming this is your first real go at it so I would recommend the samsung NV3 for several reasons with the strongest being that of easy use and a well laid out operation menu that quickly gets you going. It also produces very reasonable results.

Sorry but can't help with the P50 as I own the NV3 and P5100

http://www.currys.co.uk/product.php?sku=407721&source_id=aw&camp_id=kelkoo

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000VJ2CLU/kelkoocpc-electronics-photo-misc-21/ref=nosim

[vanveen]

Thanks very much for your quick reply, Sleeper. The samsung looks like a very interesting alternative indeed and I am quite tempted but it's not very recent. An interesting alternative seems to be the Samsung NV8 which has image stabilisation (is it important?). Any thoughts on this one?
The Nikon P50 just came out and it seems to be a "simple" version of the P5100, which is why I made this suggestion.

Olivier

[erniehatt]

I have just seen a review of this camera and can see no reason why it should not be good for digiscoping, the continuous mode is a touch slow, but is usable. Ernie

[vanveen]

Thanks, Ernie, for looking this up!

Olivier

[Suffolkringer]

Hi there.

I use the Sony W70 and get fantastic results. If you do want to use an adapter there is an accessory that you can by for the Sony cameras which will enable you to fit on an adapter.

I would recommend the Sony W70 or W100 the W100 has alot more mega pixels so is a little more expensive. But both have Zeiss lens and take brilliant pics.

Jon

[Imace]

I have been using my wife's Sony W55. I bought the adapter VAD-WB it has a 30mm thread so a step ring will be needed but it is very easy and light to use. I am going to buy a W70 or W100 when i can afford it.

[vanveen]

Thanks Jon and Imace for these suggestions. The Sonys (especially the W100) seem indeed to be a popular choice and to yield good results.