Digiscoping with the Nikon P6000

[Neil]

I was in one of my favorite camera stores on Sunday when they got there first delivery of Nikon P6000s . I couldn't resist , even though I only went in for a new tripod bag.
For those familiar with the P5000 and P5100 , this will feel familiar. I wasn't sure if the lens would be as "lens friendly" as the previous models but it was fine on the two eyepieces I tested it on (sw 30x,45x ). I couldn't get an adapter for it yet but will try this week.
Nothing particularly special about the camera but AF seems reasonable and overall the camera is no slower than the P5100.
I didn't have a good day for testing today (the hottest , most polluted day I've experienced 37c, 85% humidity ), even though I was in the hide at 6.30 am it was like a sauna.
Here are some of the first images but the birds we're from 25 - 80 metres away through heat haze so not a fair test but the camera has potential.
Neil

Nikon P6000 plus Swarovski STS80HD scope and Sw 45x eyepiece and homemade adapter

Mai Po Nature Reserve,
Hong Kong,
China.
September 2008

[Sleeper]

Hi Neil
Thanks for the post I was thinking I was surprised you had not tested this camera out by now and quietly away I was hoping you would. The pics look good but my real hope was the AF speed which at present you portray as no real change from the P5100 so unless your view or indeed other testers change I will not be changing my camera for this......and I really was hoping for a NV3 lightning quick focus lock from this camera!

Thanks again for the post and I will look forward to more of your, and others, opinions.

[Neil]

Hi Neil
Thanks for the post I was thinking I was surprised you had not tested this camera out by now and quietly away I was hoping you would. The pics look good but my real hope was the AF speed which at present you portray as no real change from the P5100 so unless your view or indeed other testers change I will not be changing my camera for this......and I really was hoping for a NV3 lightning quick focus lock from this camera!

Thanks again for the post and I will look forward to more of your, and others, opinions.

Stephen,
My first impression is that it's not a big enough improvement over the P5100 to make the change, although it is a much better camera than the P5000. The AF capabilities have been discussed at length in other threads. Although not fast , I find it reliable, and with it's bright screen , faster to get onto the bird in the first place with AF lock on. I don't normally like to have the camera off the scope so I have to be able to focus close enough off the screen which you can do well with the P5100 and the P6000. It only let me down a couple of times yesterday , on a black drongo and the intermediate egret walking straight towards me, when I took a whole series that weren't in focus ( I took about 4 gigs yesterday ).
I didn't have any way of handling the Nikon RAW images yesterday so I didn't take any RAW, but I downloaded the Adobe DNG update last night which will handle them (free). The camera will only take one RAW image at a time and processing is about 5 seconds so I wouldn't buy the camera just for this feature. GPS is not something I'm interested in either.Neil.

[Neil]

I set up my camera on my balance bar as I couldn't find an adapter for it yet. These two photos show the vignetting with the Swarovski 45x eyepiece (18mm,72 degress FOV ) at wide on the camera and at 8.1 mm (green Macro zone ) where it disappears.
These grey herons were about 200 metres away through the haze yesterday at iso 400.
Neil.

[Jaff]

Let's cut to the chase eh? ;) Do you think there is any significant improvement over the P5100? From what I'm reading the answer is no.

The only way I could see it happening is if it had a usable ISO 200 and 400 (my old 4500 performs better at ISO200 than my 5100). Since the Fuji's we've had no compacts that seem to have reasonably low noise, is that right? I'd imagine it's something even everyday consumers would like too see.

End rant. :t:

[Feathered one]

The Grey Herons were taken at ISO 400, but of course a job to see noise in the uploaded pictures. Hopefully Neil can enlighten us.

Malc

[Neil]

We're still affected by the aftermath of a typhoon here so I'm not able give it a fair test.
I will do so in the next few days.
I was pleased to see that Fuji are still working on their technology
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0809/08092210fujifilmEXR.asp
Neil.

[horukuru]

I was pleased to see that Fuji are still working on their technology
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0809/08092210fujifilmEXR.asp
Neil.

yup hope the next fujifilm camera which is much better than F31 would has custom camera setting function and faster recording to memory card hehehe :king:

[Jaff]

We're still affected by the aftermath of a typhoon here so I'm not able give it a fair test.
I will do so in the next few days.
I was pleased to see that Fuji are still working on their technology
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0809/08092210fujifilmEXR.asp
Neil.

Take your time Neil, I'm not really bothered as the P5100 is all the camera I'll need for a good while.

Unless Fuji go and spoil the party that is. ;)

[tittletattler]

I set up my camera on my balance bar as I couldn't find an adapter for it yet. Neil.

Will the P6000 require a different adaptor to the one used for the P5100? Ie, won't the UR-E20 not fit the P6000?

[Neil]

Will the P6000 require a different adaptor to the one used for the P5100? Ie, won't the UR-E20 not fit the P6000?

Close, but no. It needs a UR-E21 apparently.
Neil.

[Dougie]

Nice shots in there Neil

[Dougie]

Just to confirm the FSB-6 Digiscoping bracket won't fit the Nikon P6000 either, and no alternative as of yet for those who were thinking of upgrading!!!

Dougie

[Neil]

I took the P6000 out today with the Nikon D90 to test them both in the same situations. Light was hazy and dull and there were not many birds around but here are some of the images taken with the P6000 in jpeg and Raw.
I still haven't found an adapter but I've ordered the Nikon UR E-21 which will take about 10 days. The second and third images were converted from RAW using Adobe DNG .
Neil

Nikon P6000 and Swarovski STS80HD scope and Sw 30x and 45x eyepiece and homemade adapter.

Lamma Island,
Hong Kong,
China.
October 2008

[horukuru]

how about the noise performance compared with nikon P5100 and fuji F31d neil ?

[Neil]

how about the noise performance compared with nikon P5100 and fuji F31d neil ?

Horukuru,
I haven't done a test of noise between the two cameras but my impression is that it's similar.
Neil.

[Neil]

These three images were taken at different distances.
8 meters,15 metres and 22 meters.
The spot metering on the close photo was almost "spot on" according to CS2.
Neil

Nikon P6000 plus Swarovski STS80HD scope and Sw 45x eyepiece and homemade balance bar

[Neil]

I finally received the UR E-21 adapter for the P6000 . It has a 43 mm thread to match with the scope adapters ( in my case the Swaro DCA ) which is smaller than I would like so I'll continue to look for third party solutions. The lens hits the DCA at full zoom so I have to be careful, although I rarely use full zoom anyway as images tend to be a bit soft there.
I took it out to the local park today on the Swaro 30x eyepiece and my homemade balance bar. Here are some results which I very impressed with as you end up with a big file that will take a lot of cropping. Neil.

Nikon P6000 plus Swarovski STS80HD scope and Sw 30x eyepiece and DCA and homemade balance bar.

Hong Kong,
China.
October 2008

[Dave B Smith]

Neil,
Fantastic shots of the Night-Herons.

[Feathered one]

Nice images Neil thanks for posting them.|:D|
Are they from RAW files converted to jpg?

Having tried out the P6000 several times now, do you think that the 6000 is much better than the 5100?

Regards
Malc

[Neil]

One of the advantages of the P6000 is the RAW capability and is the main reason I bought it. Here are two images of the same bird, one taken in Jpeg and one in RAW. Neil.

[Neil]

This image was underexposed due to the backlighting as I didn't want to blow out the surroundings but as it was a RAW original I was able to get a reasonable result. Neil.

[Neil]

Was out again today in good light with the P6000. The grey heron was taken at wide zoom from about 20 meters. The second image is a crop only and the third is adjusted.
Neil.

[Cactusdave]

You're achieving some lovely pictures Neil. The depth of focus is very impressive on those last couple of shots. I assume that goes with the good light.

[nathan3011]

Hi Guys,

The pictures look great!! I've been looking what to get my girlfriend for christmas because she loves to go out for long days in the country and into woodland just so that she can take lots of pictures (seriously our house is full of them haha)

I know its still a bit expensive but i do believe that she is worth it so thanks guys you've just helped me make up my mind of what to get her :)

Thanks again

[redtail7]

Hi Neil
One question.... Why did you choose the straight scope over the angled one?
Thanks Redtail7

[Neil]

Hi Neil
One question.... Why did you choose the straight scope over the angled one?
Thanks Redtail7

Redtail7,
I'm a photographer first so I like the straight scope as it's similar to using a telephoto lens. I find it much faster to get onto the bird. Neil.

[Neil]

Here is my favorite Little Ringed Plovers taken with the Canon A640, Nikon P5100 and P6000 yesterday out on the mudflats. The A640 still holds it's own but the P6000 holds a lot more detail , even in Jpeg. Neil.

Photos from left to right A640,P5100,P6000

plus Swarovski STS80HD scope and Sw 30x eyepiece and DCA adapter

Lamma Island,
Hong Kong,
China.
January 2009

[Dave B]

Here is my favorite Little Ringed Plovers taken with the Canon A640, Nikon P5100 and P6000 yesterday out on the mudflats. The A640 still holds it's own but the P6000 holds a lot more detail , even in Jpeg. Neil.

Photos from left to right A640,P5100,P6000

plus Swarovski STS80HD scope and Sw 30x eyepiece and DCA adapter

Lamma Island,
Hong Kong,
China.
January 2009

Very helpful Neil, thanks.

Now, a question: if you had the choice of P6000 or P8400 for the same price, which would you choose and why? I have that choice at the moment, with a P8400 reduced to clear at about the same price as the P6000.

Thanks

Dave

[Neil]

Very helpful Neil, thanks.

Now, a question: if you had the choice of P6000 or P8400 for the same price, which would you choose and why? I have that choice at the moment, with a P8400 reduced to clear at about the same price as the P6000.

Thanks

Dave

Dave,
Now you've put me on the spot. They both have more features in common now that the P6000 has RAW. If I could only have one digiscoping camera though it would have to be the 8400. It's the best all round featured camera that I own. I still like the rotatable screen a lot and miss it on the P6000. I shoot in hides a lot and sitting on the ground so rotatable is good. The remote function is nice to have too , although I don't use it as much these days as I used to. But it's useful for digiscoping waders sitting out on the mudflats at distance. But the main benefit is when walking around out in sunlight. Even though the P6000 screen is very nice you still can't see it well. The electronic viewfinder on the 8400 is a unique selling feature (the Ricoh GX100 also has it ) and makes it any all weathers camera.

The new Panasonic Lumix G1 has all these benefits too and I'm planning to get one in the next two weeks to replace the 8400 but it will be about US$1000 with lens.
Neil.

[Dave B]

Dave,
Now you've put me on the spot. They both have more features in common now that the P6000 has RAW. If I could only have one digiscoping camera though it would have to be the 8400. It's the best all round featured camera that I own. I still like the rotatable screen a lot and miss it on the P6000. I shoot in hides a lot and sitting on the ground so rotatable is good. The remote function is nice to have too , although I don't use it as much these days as I used to. But it's useful for digiscoping waders sitting out on the mudflats at distance. But the main benefit is when walking around out in sunlight. Even though the P6000 screen is very nice you still can't see it well. The electronic viewfinder on the 8400 is a unique selling feature (the Ricoh GX100 also has it ) and makes it any all weathers camera.

The new Panasonic Lumix G1 has all these benefits too and I'm planning to get one in the next two weeks to replace the 8400 but it will be about US$1000 with lens.
Neil.

Thanks Neil,

Any notable differences in picture quality with the lower pixel count of the 8400? What about noise issues?

Can you explain how you use the remote feature? You mean instead of a cable release?

Dave

[Neil]

Thanks Neil,

Any notable differences in picture quality with the lower pixel count of the 8400? What about noise issues?

Can you explain how you use the remote feature? You mean instead of a cable release?

Dave

The noise of the iso 200 with the P6000 is not too bad and I use it there sometimes to keep the shutter speed up. The 8400 can't really be used over iso 100. The iso 50 of the 8400 is nice to have and noisefree. At iso 100 they are both good but the P6000 would have a slight edge for noise handling. The RAW of both are good but the 8400 has an ED lens so has a better "look" to the images.
The remote for the 8400 is "wireless" .
Neil.

[Neil]

Dave,
These links cover most of the popular digiscoping cameras we're discussing.
Neil


http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikoncp8400/page19.asp
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikonp5100/page15.asp
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canong10/page23.asp

[Neil]

I had the P6000 out in some dull weather this morning, working from a hide in some farmland with Anonymous Guy. I posted three images in the Gallery today but here are a couple more. Neil.

Nikon P6000 plus Swarovski STS 80HD scope and Sw 30x eyepiece and DCA adapter

Lamma Island,
Hong Kong,
China.
January 2009

[Neil]

This example shows the crop factor with the P6000 and the noise handling. In Jpeg you can see a little "smearing" due to the noise handling with the large number of megs on a small sensor. The first image is a wide zoom in the camera with some vignetting, the second has adjustments and cropping and shows some noise, the third has Noiseware applied to it.
Neil.
ps the distance was about 8 meters

Nikon P6000 plus Swarovski STS80HD scope and Sw30x eyepiece and DCA adapter

Hong Kong,
China.
January 2009

[nathan3011]

those pictures look really good, the p6000 is definately worth checking out after reading this!!

[petemorris]

I posted a few times on the P6000/TSN883 thread (http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=132034), but just to re-iterate, this camera seems to take nice shots. Had another 15mins at lunch today to try to photograph the waxwings near home, and again in poor light. The results speak for themselves.

Pete:t:

Edit: A few more added from today, PeteB (:

[Neil]

I posted a few times on the P6000/TSN883 thread (http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=132034), but just to re-iterate, this camera seems to take nice shots. Had another 15mins at lunch today to try to photograph the waxwings near home, and again in poor light. The results speak for themselves.

Pete:t:

Nice Pete. I'm seeing feather detail in the waxwing that you don't often see. Neil.

[horukuru]

Good shot Pete !

[trco]

I just started digiscoping with Kowa TSN 883 and I managed this in my first day with P6000. I was testing camera at feeding station. Distance was 5 meters.

Eyepiece is 20x-60x (photographed at 20x).

[Dave B]

Just to tell you the end of the story which I started further down this thread on whether to buy the 6000 or 8400. On Neil's advice, I went for the half-price 8400, and these are some of my first efforts.

SO much easier to use than the Canon A640, and the pic quality is heaps better too. So no regrets, and thanks Neil.

Cheers

Dave

[Neil]

I fell back onto the P6000 today as I forgot the 52 mm DCA for the Panasonic G1 (it's now my backup camera ). Here are some images . Neil.

Nikon P6000 plus Swarovski STS80HD scope and Sw30x eyepiece and DCA adapter

Hong Kong Wetland Park
Hong Kong,
China.
February 2009

[Neil]

Just to tell you the end of the story which I started further down this thread on whether to buy the 6000 or 8400. On Neil's advice, I went for the half-price 8400, and these are some of my first efforts.

SO much easier to use than the Canon A640, and the pic quality is heaps better too. So no regrets, and thanks Neil.

Cheers

Dave

Lovely light on these birds Dave. It picks up the detail nicely. You'll be happy with the 8400. Neil.

[astacus]

Hi,

Beeing a beginner and also very impressed by all the excellent images presented in this forum I would like to ask one thing.
I know that I found somewhere on Birdforum the optimum camera settings for the Nikon P5100 when used for digiscoping but I cant find it again!! (It was quite a long time ago though)

What I really would appreciate is the recomended settings for the P6000;
Max ISO, Macro/No macro, How much should the camera be zoomed (not only to avoid vignetting but also to achieve optimum sharpness), optimum aperture setting, how much can i zoom the ocular on the scope (in "real life" considering vibrations).
My setup is a P6000 with an AT80 + 20-60 ocular.


I was doing some test shots today and they were "ok" but not more so I would really appreciate some hints to get a quicker start (it's busy days in Sweden now with all birds coming back after the winter)

[Sleeper]

Hi astacus

I have put the settings I use on my webpage which I hope you will find useful

http://www.wildrossendale.co.uk/Digiscoping.html

[astacus]

Thanks a lot, Stephen!

The information on your site was exactly what I was looking for!

Best Regards, Astacus

[Sleeper]

Hi Astacus

Glad you found them useful. Happy digiscoping and don't forget to post a few pics.

[Timedrifter]

As I had a good offer on one of these new I decided to buy one. Having spent half an hour with it only so far I'm reasonably pleased. What I find almost unbelievable however, is jokingly called 'continuous' shooting mode; about one shot a second! You therefore have to be absolutely certain that the bird is spot on as you want it to be, because the chances are you won't get another shot. Generally speaking this is a far better camera than the LX3, and a lot cheaper too, but at least the LX3 had a reasonably rapid shooting sequence. For someone who hand-holds as I do, where you really need the ability to shoot off a rapid sequence to be sure of getting a decent image, this camera is a huge let down.
Max

[Neil]

As I had a good offer on one of these new I decided to buy one. Having spent half an hour with it only so far I'm reasonably pleased. What I find almost unbelievable however, is jokingly called 'continuous' shooting mode; about one shot a second! You therefore have to be absolutely certain that the bird is spot on as you want it to be, because the chances are you won't get another shot. Generally speaking this is a far better camera than the LX3, and a lot cheaper too, but at least the LX3 had a reasonably rapid shooting sequence. For someone who hand-holds as I do, where you really need the ability to shoot off a rapid sequence to be sure of getting a decent image, this camera is a huge let down.
Max

Max,
Speed is a bit of a let down with this camera , as discussed at length in the beginning of this thread. But it is with the P5100 too so I guess we've just got used to it. Even the Canon A650IS is only 1.2 frames/sec. I find I use the Self-timer a lot more with these cameras than I do with others.
I have found that the P6000 does a reasonable job when shooting long distance over mudflats through haze. The attached photos were taken at 2/3 rd camera zoom on the Sw45x eyepiece ( about 3500 mm ) at 50 - 80 metres. Neil.

[Timedrifter]

Max,
Speed is a bit of a let down with this camera , as discussed at length in the beginning of this thread. But it is with the P5100 too so I guess we've just got used to it. Even the Canon A650IS is only 1.2 frames/sec. I find I use the Self-timer a lot more with these cameras than I do with others.
I have found that the P6000 does a reasonable job when shooting long distance over mudflats through haze. The attached photos were taken at 2/3 rd camera zoom on the Sw45x eyepiece ( about 3500 mm ) at 50 - 80 metres. Neil.

Hi Neil,
I'm guessing that the speed of 'continuous' is due to the larger image size, although this doesn't gel entirely with what other manufacturers are getting.
In my short time experimenting yesterday, I too found the 2/3rds camera zoom was perfectly usable, and as you say, the high pixel count does seem to be an advantage to what is clearly a fairly good lens.
Nice work on the waders Neil, I have to say I'm jealous that you seem to have hides over there that can get you close to waders. I'm not saying that they aren't around me somewhere, but I haven't found them yet!
I'll update as I progress.
Max

[Neil]

I thought I knew most things about the P6000 having used it for almost a year , but today I learnt two new things.
1. there is a Nikon Remote Control for it ( Nikon ML-L3 ) which also works with the D90 and 8400. I always wondered what the little "remote" icons were when you went to Self-timer mode.
http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/ProductDetail.page?pid=4730
2. using a third party adapter with 52 mm thread gets your lens much closer to the eyepiece than the Nikon adapter (UR-E21 43 mm ). This now enables me to digiscope in the "sweet spot" (Green Macro zone ) without having to use my Special Balance Bar on the Sw 30x and 45x eyepieces. Not with the 20 - 60x zoom unfortunately.
Neil

Hong Kong,
China.
June 2009

[Neil]

I've been in the local park for the last couple of weeks photographing bitterns and waterlilies. I finally got around to using the P6000 in the last couple of days and here are a few images taken with the 30x eyepiece.
Neil.
ps distance was 7 - 35 metres

Nikon P6000 plus Swarovski STS80HD scope and SW30x eyepiece and DCA adapter

Hong Kong Park,
Hong Kong,
China.
June 2009

[horukuru]

Neil,

Did you used the remote control ?

[Neil]

Neil,

Did you used the remote control ?

Horukuru,
No, I didn't have the Remote when I took the photos.
Neil.

[Neil]

Now that I have the new Swarovski zoom eyepiece and the UCA (universal type adapter ) I've been having fun with the P6000 ( the G1 and kit zoom don't work to well with zooms ) again. Here are a few images from today with this new setup.
Neil.

Nikon P6000 plus Swarovski STS80HD scope and 25-50x eyepiece and UCA adapter

Hong Kong
China.
July 2009

[ColinSev]

I own a P5100 however I noticed that the P6000 comes with GPS capability.
Does anybody use this?
Does the camera come with mapping software?

This could be very useful for bird recording

[bughunter]

The GPS is not areason for upgrade I think. I don't have a P6000, but there were some reviews. Typical consens: integrated GPS is a nice idea, but not very good implemented.
You can use also a normal GPS mouse with included track memory. There are very nice and cheap devices available. Afterwards you can sync the track with the pics, because every camera put timestamps on the pics. Just take a shot at the beginnig of the track to have a sync point. The Openstreetmap.org people doing this a lot.

[Neil]

I own a P5100 however I noticed that the P6000 comes with GPS capability.
Does anybody use this?
Does the camera come with mapping software?

This could be very useful for bird recording

I didn't get the P6000 for the GPS but it's there and works. If you are travelling in remote areas it could be useful. More importantly is the ED lens,Raw , wide lens and Remote Control.
Neil.

[bughunter]

Yesterday I visited the fair "Bird Munich" and tried some cameras with my Swaro ATS80HD, one was the Nikon P6000. Was impressed so far, the screen is much better compared to my actual A590.
BUT: the selftimer (and also the remote control shutter setting!) switched off after every picture. I don't find a way around this in menu - is there a trick? The Canons don't do this, so I can wait with remote control in hand and press now and then without touching the camera again.

[trco]

Digiscoped with Kowa Prominar 883 + 25x LER + Nikon Coolpix P6000 + IR remote

Distance to Fulica atra was 10 meters
Distance to Rana esculenta was minimum focusing distance = 5 metres

[Neil]

Yesterday I visited the fair "Bird Munich" and tried some cameras with my Swaro ATS80HD, one was the Nikon P6000. Was impressed so far, the screen is much better compared to my actual A590.
BUT: the selftimer (and also the remote control shutter setting!) switched off after every picture. I don't find a way around this in menu - is there a trick? The Canons don't do this, so I can wait with remote control in hand and press now and then without touching the camera again.

Bughunter,
Unfortunately the Self-timer is a oncer but from memory the Remote will stay in Remote. Go to Self-timer and scroll down to a symbol that looks like a microphone ( or a remote ) and select it. It should stay in this mode until you change it. You may be able to SAVE this in memory to U1 or U2 but I haven't tried this.
Neil.

[Timedrifter]

Bughunter,
Unfortunately the Self-timer is a oncer but from memory the Remote will stay in Remote. Go to Self-timer and scroll down to a symbol that looks like a microphone ( or a remote ) and select it. It should stay in this mode until you change it. You may be able to SAVE this in memory to U1 or U2 but I haven't tried this.
Neil.

Neil is right about this, but I can confirm that there is no need to save this to memory, as it stays set even after the camera is switched off and then on again. This happens in the U positions and in AP. Perhaps the latest firmware 1.2 solved this problem and the camera you tried was the original firmware.
Max

[Jaff]

Digiscoped with Kowa Prominar 883 + 25x LER + Nikon Coolpix P6000 + IR remote

Distance to Fulica atra was 10 meters
Distance to Rana esculenta was minimum focusing distance = 5 metres

That frog image is absolutely brilliant!!! Well done :t:

[bughunter]

Thanks for the answers regarding remote shutter. I will check for good offers of the P6000.

or invest around 100€ more and get a Lumix G1 (Neil is calling it a gem :t:) but for that I have to exchange my DCB-A against a UCA for example or wait for another lens. Cashback action will run until end of this week. For the new Swaro zoom the G1 kit lens lens may be not the best choice?

[thornlv]

Bought a P6000 today, already had the remote (ML-L3) for My D60. As above, once set in self timer settings, it stays until you change it - also noticed that shutter release button is still available when in remote mode. only thing noticed was the slight time lag on remote (on the D60 its instant)

[Neil]

Although I'm in love with the Panasonic G1 I still haven't got the perfect lens for it so I'm still using the P6000 whose lens and AF always impress me. Here are a few images from around the usual traps using the new Swarovski 25-50 zoom. The last night-heron image was taken at about 60 metres at 50x for about 2200 mm.
Neil

Nikon P6000 plus Swarovski STS80HD scope and Sw 25-50x zoom and UCA adapter and Sw Telescope Rail

Hong Kong,
China.
August 2009

[trco]

Excelent photos Neil. The sharpnes and details in your digiscoped photos always impress me. Looks like swarowski 25-50x is great for digiscoping. I hope kowa will make eyepiece like this. I have kowa 20-60x - it is great for watching but too much vigneting with p6000 in sweet macro zone. I almost always use 25x LER with p6000.

[bughunter]

Although I'm in love with the Panasonic G1 I still haven't got the perfect lens for it so I'm still using the P6000 whose lens and AF always impress me.

Neil, I'm always impressed by your pictures :t:

There are rumors, that Panasonic releases a new cam GF-1 beginning of September. It's a smaller variant of the G-1/GH-1. Since it has no rotatable display, it's not a good solution for digiscoping. BUT may be you are lucky and Panasonic brings also new lenses at that time?

The prices for the P6000 going down now a bit, may be there is also a new model like P6100 or P7000 soon.

[Neil]

Neil, I'm always impressed by your pictures :t:

There are rumors, that Panasonic releases a new cam GF-1 beginning of September. It's a smaller variant of the G-1/GH-1. Since it has no rotatable display, it's not a good solution for digiscoping. BUT may be you are lucky and Panasonic brings also new lenses at that time?

The prices for the P6000 going down now a bit, may be there is also a new model like P6100 or P7000 soon.

We are going to see some very good small cameras coming out to compete with the Olympus Pen EP 1. I hope Nikon comes out with something soon.
My next investment though will be fixed lens for the G1.
Neil.

[jourdaj]

Wonderful pics, as usual Neil! The P6000 is a terrific camera for the Zeiss 85T*Fl as well. I got this Bobolink and Common Yellowthroat last weekend and just loved how they came out.

[Neil]

Wonderful pics, as usual Neil! The P6000 is a terrific camera for the Zeiss 85T*Fl as well. I got this Bobolink and Common Yellowthroat last weekend and just loved how they came out.

Jerry,
I'm not surprised your pleased with these. I'm looking forward to the southward migration here so we start to see some birds again.
I would love to have the Zeiss 85 or Kowa 88 to play with too. More light and more resolution is always nice.
Neil.

[horukuru]

Excellent shots Neil and Jerry !

[Neil]

I don't normally do any digiscoping through the heat of the day here in summer ( we are on track for the third hottest August on record here ) but yesterday Bob and I spent about 7 hours in the park digiscoping night herons. By midday the contrast was very high but we had 19 night herons ( a record count for us there ) trying to keep cool. I was impressed how the P6000 handled the challenge and I'll try this again next week with other cameras.
Neil

Nikon P6000 plus Swarovski STS80HD scope and Sw 25-50x zoom and UCA adapter and Telescope Rail

Kowloon Park,
Hong Kong,
China.
August 2009

[bwarner]

Neil, how does the P6000 work with the DCA and the new 50w zoom? I have the DCA and recently got the new zoom and have been wondering what camera to upgrade to. Currently I have a canon elf 850is and have to use a thread adapter which is a bit of a pain. Is there a reason you switched to the UCA?

[Neil]

Neil, how does the P6000 work with the DCA and the new 50w zoom? I have the DCA and recently got the new zoom and have been wondering what camera to upgrade to. Currently I have a canon elf 850is and have to use a thread adapter which is a bit of a pain. Is there a reason you switched to the UCA?

The 17 mm of Eye Relief of the new zoom results in more vignetting than with the 30x (20 mm ) and 45x ( 18 mm ). You can still get good results but you won't be able to use the "sweet spot" at 43 mm.
Swarovski sent me the new zoom, UCA and Telescope Rail for testing. The advantage of the UCA is for multiple cameras, including DSLRs. The UCA enables you to use more of the camera lens without vignetting, which is good for the longer zooms like the P6000.
Neil.

[bughunter]

The UCA enables you to use more of the camera lens without vignetting, which is good for the longer zooms like the P6000.

This is also valid for both variants of the DCB. Compared to the UCA you loose the DSLR capability, but for compacts the UCA and the DCB are comparable (apart from the different handling).

[bwarner]

Hmm, interesting. I don't especially want to drop a load of cash on a new adapter, I wonder which recent camera would work best with the DCA and the new zoom (I want to try out the old A590is). I like the new zoom, I've got some decent results with my current set-up (though sometimes I get some weird shadows if I'm not aligned just right). I too picked up a new telescope rail from Swaro, much better than the old plate since you can adjust the balance pt. on the fly. Thanks for the help.

[Neil]

Hmm, interesting. I don't especially want to drop a load of cash on a new adapter, I wonder which recent camera would work best with the DCA and the new zoom (I want to try out the old A590is). I like the new zoom, I've got some decent results with my current set-up (though sometimes I get some weird shadows if I'm not aligned just right). I too picked up a new telescope rail from Swaro, much better than the old plate since you can adjust the balance pt. on the fly. Thanks for the help.


The A590IS and the Nikon P5100 work very well with the DCA and zooms , with the A590 having the wider range of unvignetted views but the Nikon having the better screen and sharper lens. Also cameras with short , fast lenses can do a good job too eg Panasonic LX3 and Ricoh GX 100 or 200 .
Neil.

[Feathered one]

I have not been Digiscoping for about 4 months as busy on other things in the summer.
I have checked in here on numerous occasions, and seen those magnificent pictures from Neil with the P6000.

I know the Swarovski scope and new eyepiece, is superior to my Nikon ED82 and 30x or 50x DS eyepieces, so I know I could never match those pictures.

A week ago, I bought the P6000 to give it a try with my ED82.
If you have visited my Digiscoping pages www.digiscoping.lynandmalc.co.uk
You will know I made my own version of the Swarovski DCB adaptor to fit the ED82, which is fully adjustable in all directions.

How did the P6000 get on, well I am pleased to say that with both the 30x and 50x DS eyepieces, there is virtually no vignetting, just a slight movement of the zoom control on the camera eliminates it.

What about the pictures? I am very pleased with the few pictures I have taken over the weekend, I reckon more keepers than the P5100, and they are sharper too, and a nice colouration to them.

From the pictures I have taken using the 30x eyepiece, it seems that the "Sweet Spot" is around 15mm of camera zoom. I have yet to test with the 50X eyepiece in the field, it has worked well in the past with the P5100, so I see no reason it won't with the P6000, We will see.

Middle picture taken from about 15 metres, other two in excess of 25 metres There was some heat haze over the land.

Malc

[Feathered one]

Tried out the Nikon ED82 with the 50x DS eyepiece today using the P6000. The good news is it pulls in some good pictures. The best pictures were with about 13mm of zoom on the camera.

Larger pictures can be seen on our P6000 web page here http://www.digiscoping.lynandmalc.co.uk/p6000page1.htm

Malc

The Godwits from at least 30 metres
The Grey Heron was from at least 45 metres

[thornlv]

Some good pics there feathered one, I too am using a P6000 and getting some good keepers (will sort some out one day). Also made a favourite link to your page as there is some very interesting home engineering going on there ( I like fiddling with things to try and better the original).

Interested in your use of the red dot finder (I presume this is a sighting aid), how does it work with your set ups.

[horukuru]

Malc,

Your pics is nice. Nothing wrong with your combo except could see heat haze on it. If it was taken during the golden light, it would be excellent !

[birdsgalway]

Malc
Great shots with the 50x. I rarely use mine, but after seeing the results your getting I must give it another go. Great setup, I have just got a red dot sight and will be testing it over the coming days.
ATB
Tom

[Neil]

Tried out the Nikon ED82 with the 50x DS eyepiece today using the P6000. The good news is it pulls in some good pictures. The best pictures were with about 13mm of zoom on the camera.

Larger pictures can be seen on our P6000 web page here http://www.digiscoping.lynandmalc.co.uk/p6000page1.htm

Malc

The Godwits from at least 30 metres
The Grey Heron was from at least 45 metres

Nice results Malc. I like the teeth remote. Well done. Neil.

[bughunter]

Really impressed by the mouth operated cable release and the LCD magnifier :t:
What is a red dot device? A target scope from a rifle?

[Feathered one]

Thanks for your interest.

Thornlv
If you need any information on any of the home engineering I have made, then email me.
Re the red dot finder. I couldn't work without it. Especially with angled scope and high magnifications.
How many times have you been trying to find the bird in the scope, never finding it because it has flown away?

I first of all look through the finder which has a wide field of view, you also don't have to put your eye up to the finder, you can look from say 15cm away, to see the red dot which you centre on the bird, then look back through the scope eyepiece or at the lcd on the camera, and the bird is there in the centre.

The red dot finder is usually used for a sight on a gun, and I bought mine from a gun shop. It has a small battery installed in it that illuminates the red dot. Nothing is actually shone at the target, it is just a red dot within the finder.

The picture of me using the digiscoping gear, shows a small box on the side of the scope. I have fitted this to hold rechargeable batteries for the red dot finder, as I just leave it switched on all the time while digiscoping, again to be quick on getting the picture.

Horukuru
Unfortunatley I don't get much time for Digiscoping, not retired yet (only another three and a half years to go) so have to make do with whatever weather I get. Yes it was quite sunny and warm when I took the last two sets of pictures, so there was some heat haze, in fact I was suprised that the pictures came out so well.

Tom
Yes do try the 50x eyepiece, no need for so much zoom on the camera, so quality should be better in good light. Downside is that vibration will be shown more, and finding the target with less field of view, so you will need to get that red dot finder on the scope and set up accurate. Once fitted I can't see you going back.

Neil
Glad you liked the teeth remote, makes it easier for those moving birds, and thanks again for all the tests you do on different equipment, and sharing those test with us.
you made my mind up to get the P6000 before they go out of production. I am glad I got it, my pictures have improved, more sharpness in them, I like the colour rendition too, and also it handles distant pictures better. So I now have the P5000, 5100 and 6000 plus a few others, not as many as you, I don't think I will ever catch up !

Bughunter
The mouth operated release is great for those birds that won't sit still. I use it a lot, I made it up after struggling to get a picture of sardinian warbler in Spain, which was searching for food amongst brambles, allows both hands free, one for steering the scope, the other for focusing the scope. It is sensitive enough to get the first click on the shutter release as well. I am sure you recognise it as a cut down washing line peg.
Re the red dot sight, see my reply to thornlv above.

[thornlv]

Very inovative, will email when have more time - but in the meantime, which make/model of red dot finder do you recommend (what was the cost if you dont mind me asking).

At the moment I am heavily modifying my set up based around a Opticron ES80 and Baader microstage 2 swing out adapter, adding bolt ons without actually making any marks, holes etc in either. Hopefully it will help speed up the process of setting it up (leaving on so that its just a case of slapping the camera on fully aligned every time). Am also working on a version of 'iron' sights that you find on a bog standard rifle (ie a tip at the end and a grooved block at the eye end). But cant quite get on with it as my eyes dont take the change in focal length between block, tip and subject. So the red dot looks ideal.

[Feathered one]

Thornlv

So as not to hijack this thread on the P6000, will just give you a link to the same red dot I have, mine has a weaver mount, you will have to make some bracketry to fit it. Start a new thread so everyone can benefit.
http://www.opticswarehouse.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=HawkeRD30SR

Malc

[Robert L Jarvis]

The Grey Heron happens to be a Little Egret Doh!!!

[Neil]

Back to the park today to find that the water had been drained yesterday and they were filling it again. Nice to see starlings again at the water as I hadn't seen them the last couple of times . Neil

Nikon P6000 plus Swarovski STS80HD scope and Sw30x eyepiece and DCA adapter and Telescope Rail

Hong Kong,
China.
Sept 2009
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7892550@N03/

[Feathered one]

"The Grey Heron happens to be a Little Egret Doh!!!"

Yes sorry my title was incorrect, and it appears I can't edit it now.

Malc

[bughunter]

Neil is right about this, but I can confirm that there is no need to save this to memory, as it stays set even after the camera is switched off and then on again. This happens in the U positions and in AP. Perhaps the latest firmware 1.2 solved this problem and the camera you tried was the original firmware.
Max
Hmm, now I own a P6000. It is on firmware version 1.2
If I select the remote (or self-timer) while in U1 or A, power it off and on again, the remote is no more activ. The self-timer is away after every picture. Why?
I can not try, what happens after a remote shutter, because the remote (and a second battery) are not yet arrived.
May be I do something wrong during activation? left button -> go down to self timer, press middle "ok" button

I'm still confused, but on a higher level :C

EDIT: Now it works somehow. I don't know, what I'm doing different now.

[trco]

Mine stays at remote after turning it OFF and ON again. Didn't noticed it would turn off the remote in firmware 1.2 either.

One of my last:
Kowa Prominar 883 + 25x LER

[cango]

Mine stays at remote after turning it OFF and ON again. Didn't noticed it would turn off the remote in firmware 1.2 either.

One of my last:
Kowa Prominar 883 + 25x LER


Really nice! What's the distance? (in meters)

[trco]

Distance is around 6 or 7 meters.

[Timedrifter]

Hmm, now I own a P6000. It is on firmware version 1.2
If I select the remote (or self-timer) while in U1 or A, power it off and on again, the remote is no more activ. The self-timer is away after every picture. Why?
I can not try, what happens after a remote shutter, because the remote (and a second battery) are not yet arrived.
May be I do something wrong during activation? left button -> go down to self timer, press middle "ok" button

I'm still confused, but on a higher level :C

EDIT: Now it works somehow. I don't know, what I'm doing different now.

Hi again B/H,
I think the confusion here is possibly to do with the U settings. If you set the remote while in a U setting and then SAVE the setting, it will be there when you turn off and then on again. It stays on if you are using Aperture priority without doing anything. But it appears that even if you save the timer settings it isn't there when you power back on; the same applies to A/P.
Max

[Neil]

Hmm, now I own a P6000. It is on firmware version 1.2
If I select the remote (or self-timer) while in U1 or A, power it off and on again, the remote is no more activ. The self-timer is away after every picture. Why?
I can not try, what happens after a remote shutter, because the remote (and a second battery) are not yet arrived.
May be I do something wrong during activation? left button -> go down to self timer, press middle "ok" button

I'm still confused, but on a higher level :C

EDIT: Now it works somehow. I don't know, what I'm doing different now.

With V1.2 the Remote Setting does stay on when the camera is switched Off and On.
Neil.

[petemorris]

Hmm, now I own a P6000. It is on firmware version 1.2
If I select the remote (or self-timer) while in U1 or A, power it off and on again, the remote is no more activ. The self-timer is away after every picture. Why?
I can not try, what happens after a remote shutter, because the remote (and a second battery) are not yet arrived.
May be I do something wrong during activation? left button -> go down to self timer, press middle "ok" button

I'm still confused, but on a higher level :C

EDIT: Now it works somehow. I don't know, what I'm doing different now.

My advice is to forget about the self timer and get yourself a cable release such as the one that fits into the flash hotshoe made by SRB Griturn (http://www.srb-griturn.com/)

Whilst I cannot claim to have quite such an elaborate set-up as the Feathered one, my simple tube attachment and cable release produces excellent results and I would consider the cable release to be the most important bit of the add-on kit - I'm lost without it. Below are a few pictures from a recent tour to Colombia. I've selected a variety to show what the camera is capable of. If you'd like to see more, I've posted a whole gallery of digiscoped shots from Colombia here (http://www.birdquest.co.uk/gallery.cfm?TourTitle=COLOMBIA)

Cheers

Pete:t:

[temmie]

Pete,
can you give us more details about your digiscoping equipment (type of telescope, objective, tube attachment, camera)? Thanks!

(I was really amazed when I heared all of your excellent pictures were made digiscoping)

[petemorris]

Hi Temmie

I posted some info about this in this (http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=132034) thread - see post 12.

I do also use a DSLR, though did not take it to Colombia. In many cases I can get better shots digiscoping!;)

[temmie]

Thanks for that! :t:
The lanceolated warbler and Ruddy KF are really shining in those pictures! I thought, for a second, that you had a magic steady hand and digiscoping set-up, but it seems to come down to fast and accurate placing of the camera, and the shutter device... Do you take all your better digiscoped pictures at ISO 100?

[petemorris]

Do you take all your better digiscoped pictures at ISO 100?

I always try to keep the ISO as low as possible, and will often use a slow shutter speed rather than a high ISO, especially if the bird is relatively stationary. Noise in these small compacts is bad, sometimes even at ISO 100, so best to keep it as low as you can!

Cheers

Pete

[bughunter]

A final note regarding remote setting - I found out, how it works:
If you are in U1, switch remote on, it will be away after next power on.
If you are in A, switch remote on, then it stays on even after power cycle. If you save that config to U1 or U2, then it stays also there.

[petemorris]

bughunter

It's my understanding that with the remote, you cannot pre-focus and then take the shot at the desired time (and knowing the camera has focused on the right thing). Is this the case (ie do you press the button, the camera then attempts to focus and shoots)? How much of a nuisance is this?

Cheers

Pete

[bughunter]

Sorry, no real experience yet. The P6000 arrived some days ago, the remote this morning. I need anyway some time to focus the scope, so I think it will be faster than using the self timer. Let's see.
For the bracket (mounted on the flash socket) with cable release I haven't found a shop here in germany.

[horukuru]

Excellent results pete !!!

[davidtucker]

Hi
Just bought a Swarovski ATS80HD w/20-60 and comes with a DCA. Ordered a Nikon P6000 and remote trigger today. I sold my 500mm lens as I found it too heavy and thought I would "give digiscoping a go"

I have followed this thread with interest, and would I be right in assuming that Macro Mode with apature priority, with a shutter speed greater than 1/250 is the way to shoot?

Has any one ever used a SB800 for "fill flash" as I note the P6000 has commander mode and a hotshoe.

Last question, does anyone use Raw, I note the write speed is 5 secs..?

Will be out tomorrow and hopefully share and image, if all goes to plan..

Great Thread

Dave

[RJM]

Even JPEG is unmercifully slow. Bring a book so you will have something to do while the camera writes to memory!

FWIW, I use an SB900 for fill flash on my D90 and 150-500mm zoom lens. Good for about 25m at 500mm. Also use a small Canon 270EX on my Canon SX1 good for about 10m at 560mm.

cheers,
Rick

[pete_gamby]

I heard today from a very reputable photo dealer in Scandinavia that the P6000 will be discontinued very soon - looks like it might be time to push your nearest and dearest to buy you that holiday season gift as soon as possible :-)

[Neil]

Hi
Just bought a Swarovski ATS80HD w/20-60 and comes with a DCA. Ordered a Nikon P6000 and remote trigger today. I sold my 500mm lens as I found it too heavy and thought I would "give digiscoping a go"

I have followed this thread with interest, and would I be right in assuming that Macro Mode with apature priority, with a shutter speed greater than 1/250 is the way to shoot?

Has any one ever used a SB800 for "fill flash" as I note the P6000 has commander mode and a hotshoe.

Last question, does anyone use Raw, I note the write speed is 5 secs..?

Will be out tomorrow and hopefully share and image, if all goes to plan..

Great Thread

Dave

Dave,
I did use fill flash on camera on some hummingbirds at about 6 meters. Works ok if you understate it.
I only shoot Raw when I have enough time as the 5 seconds seems much longer.
Neil.

[davidtucker]

Thanks Neil, does the P6000 have a histogram display? My new P6000 arrived yesterday, but could not find a histogram to use for metering....:-C

[mikenott]

Neil - a simple but important question. At what distance are you taking your pictures with the P6000? My average distance is 30-40 metres, but yours seem to be a lot closer. I think this is a fundamental issue that some of us "newbies" fail to understand and admire your shots thinking we can achieve the same through twiddling with settings, whereas the reality is perhaps more to do with distance?

Or am I talking a load of bo**cks (again :-) )??


Michael

[Neil]

Neil - a simple but important question. At what distance are you taking your pictures with the P6000? My average distance is 30-40 metres, but yours seem to be a lot closer. I think this is a fundamental issue that some of us "newbies" fail to understand and admire your shots thinking we can achieve the same through twiddling with settings, whereas the reality is perhaps more to do with distance?

Or am I talking a load of bo**cks (again :-) )??


Michael

Michael,
You are right. Closer is better. I like to digiscope in the 10-20 meter range but at Mai Po I'm usually in the 20-80 meter range. As has been mentioned before a longer eyepiece and shorter camera zoom also makes a big difference. Last but not least is time of day and air quality. I like to be in the field as close to sunrise/sunset as possible. Heat haze is a digiscoping killer in the summer.
Neil

[Neil]

Thanks Neil, does the P6000 have a histogram display? My new P6000 arrived yesterday, but could not find a histogram to use for metering....:-C

Dave,
Sorry to be a bit late on this one. The Histogram only seems to appear after photo taken when you review. If you hit the Display button on the back of camera ( top right ) it appears. Neil.

[Neil]

Here are a couple more from the park today with the P6000.
Neil.

ps I couldn't help myself and posted three in the Gallery too.

Nikon P6000 and Swarovski STS80HD scope and Sw 25-50x eyepiece and UCA adapter and Telescope Rail

Kowloon Park,
Hong Kong,
China.
Sept 2009

[davidtucker]

Thanks Neil,

have found the Histogram, first impressions of the P6000 are very good, (actually excellent) not been able to digiscope as yet as I need an adapter to fit the Swarovski DCA to the P6000.

Will post results as soon as I am able to start digiscoping.

Dave

[bughunter]

Yesterday I visited the local zoo to train my digiscoping capabilities with my new P6000.
Inspired by Neil's pics of flamigo eyes in the G1 thread here is an eye pic of an Northern Ground-hornbill (Bucorvus abyssinicus); also Black Crowned Crane (Balearica pavonina) and a young Golden Eagle.
I really like the auto focus and the quality of the pictures of the P6000.

AT80HD, 25-50 zoom, P6000 with DCB-A and remote shutter.

[davidtucker]

Yesterday I visited the local zoo to train my digiscoping capabilities with my new P6000.
Inspired by Neil's pics of flamigo eyes in the G1 thread here is an eye pic of an Northern Ground-hornbill (Bucorvus abyssinicus); also Black Crowned Crane (Balearica pavonina) and a young Golden Eagle.
I really like the auto focus and the quality of the pictures of the P6000.

AT80HD, 25-50 zoom, P6000 with DCB-A and remote shutter.

No1 is outstanding, what settings did you use on the P6000, ie metering iso.....etc Would be interested in how you set up for these shots:t:

[Neil]

Yesterday I visited the local zoo to train my digiscoping capabilities with my new P6000.
Inspired by Neil's pics of flamigo eyes in the G1 thread here is an eye pic of an Northern Ground-hornbill (Bucorvus abyssinicus); also Black Crowned Crane (Balearica pavonina) and a young Golden Eagle.
I really like the auto focus and the quality of the pictures of the P6000.

AT80HD, 25-50 zoom, P6000 with DCB-A and remote shutter.

This are good results and one of the ways I like to digiscope. You can be much more unintrusive digiscoping than setting up at 500/600 plus 1.4x tele and DSLR.
Neil.

[bughunter]

No1 is outstanding, what settings did you use on the P6000, ie metering iso.....etc Would be interested in how you set up for these shots:t:
Thanks!
For the settings I used what Neil recommended:
Aperture Priority
Image Quality Jpeg Fine
Metering Spot AF Area
AF Area Mode Manual
AF Mode Single AF
I used here ISO 64 (sometimes also Iso 100 or 200 due to light).
remote shutter, forces usage of single picture (really pitty, that the remote do not work like the CHDK for Canon: press there means focus, if you go off and on again within 500ms it releases; otherwise it focuses again. That way you can prefocus and wait for action. Not possible with Nikon)

Attached is a second (hand hold without scope) picture to get a feeling of the distance. It was made using the wide lens setting of the P6000.

[davidtucker]

Many Thanks, Bughunter

Dave

[Robert L Jarvis]

David, why not try using Manual which will give you much greater control over the camera for exposure and shutter speed. Try also adjusting which white balance you wish to use for the conditions and try differenr ISO ratings. Not hard to do this on the Nikon just a few seconds to adjust through menu.

[davidtucker]

Hi Robert,
Thanks, interestingly most, if not all of my portrait/land scape and macro images are stot in Manual setting, therefore will be interesting to transfer these techniques into digiscoping.

I have a project in mind, as I am new to digiscoping, I intend to "blog" my experiences and put into practice the advice given on this site and post results. Spent time with Paul hackett yesterday which was extremly useful and will be putting pauls advice into practice.

I am very greatful for any further advice.

P.S my Blog is accessable via my Zenfolio site, listed below.

[StonedCurlew]

Hi Robert,
Thanks, interestingly most, if not all of my portrait/land scape and macro images are stot in Manual setting, therefore will be interesting to transfer these techniques into digiscoping.

I have a project in mind, as I am new to digiscoping, I intend to "blog" my experiences and put into practice the advice given on this site and post results. Spent time with Paul hackett yesterday which was extremly useful and will be putting pauls advice into practice.

I am very greatful for any further advice.

P.S my Blog is accessable via my Zenfolio site, listed below.

I have not read all of the threads on the P6000 so apologies if I am repeating questions already answered.

I also have a Swaro ATS80 with a 20-60x zoom. Now the P5100 is no longer available I assume that the best camera to use is the P6000. Some of the posts have suggested that the P6000 will not work as well as the P5100?

I would be planning to use a DCA, but not sure which adaptor I then need to attach this to the camera.

Would also be interested to know how good the video setting is on the P6000. My old panasonic camcorder has now died so put an end to my videoscoping.

Thanks

SC

[rockfowl]

Hey SC,

As you may remember, I use the P5100 though believe that the P6000 is very similar (though if you go through this thread I think the lenses work slightly differently with the zoom eyepiece) and use the UR-E20 Nikon adaptor to attach the DCA to the Camera. The Video is actually quite impressive, for me anyway. Here are a few short vids all using the P5100, I expect the P6000 to be slightly better. Scroll through, there are a few nice eastern thrushes from China this year - http://ibc.lynxeds.com/users/mark-andrews

Nikon P5100 and Swarovski ats65hd with 20x60 eyepiece

[davidtucker]

Hi SC

For the adapter, I got mine frome here: http://www.srb-griturn.com/digi-scoping-1-c.asp costs around £29.00p

I have had a quick test tonight with the P6000, very very impressed, attached a file that I feel shows detail.

The shot was take at around 100mtrs and against a dull grey sky.

F/4.4
ISO 400
1/200
Ex Bias 0
Centre weight metering
Nikon Remote shutter release

The GPS worked well, but not sure of its value?

I used the camera from IS0 64 to ISO 6400 and the camera performed very well. However I am aware the true test will be in the field.

I also used "matrix metering" which also gave great results.

[StonedCurlew]

Thanks Dave

Any reason why you did not go for the UR-E21 adaptor ring?

SC

[davidtucker]

Hi
Apperently, the Nikon adapter does not allow the full range of the zoom, on the swaovski DCA, however the SRB does........

[Jaff]

David, why not try using Manual which will give you much greater control over the camera for exposure and shutter speed. Try also adjusting which white balance you wish to use for the conditions and try differenr ISO ratings. Not hard to do this on the Nikon just a few seconds to adjust through menu.

Hah! Says you! 8-P

[davidtucker]

Has anyone had an email from Nikon, with regards to battery life? I have just upgraded my firmware which Nikon tell me is in response to customer feedback, the email from Nikon suggests (in my opinion) that the GPS system "eats batteries":eat:

[davidtucker]

First outing with the P6000 today,

1) Apature priority
2) Centre weighted
3) Ex Bias -1/3
4) Remote shutter
5) ISO 200
6) Shutter Speed 1/200

First attempt "in the field" at digiscoping and enjoyed using the camera.......

[Sleeper]

First outing with the P6000 today,

1) Apature priority
2) Centre weighted
3) Ex Bias -1/3
4) Remote shutter
5) ISO 200
6) Shutter Speed 1/200

First attempt "in the field" at digiscoping and enjoyed using the camera.......

David
No wonder you are enjoying the camera. Lovely shots indeed.

[davidtucker]

Have been "playing" with the P6000 for a few days now and first impressions are good, however, I dont get the "GPS & NRW files".....

1) GPS seems to "suck the life of the battery"

2) NRW files not recognised by Adobe LR or PS, I have had to "download" ViewNX, which seems a little odd, why have RAW which is only recognised by Nikon Software.....

Like the camera, But not to sure of the advantages of the P5100?

The attached image was shot in:

1) Matrix meter
2) Cetre weighted focus
3) ISO 400
4) Ex Bias 0
5) Apature Priority
6) Shutter speed 1/200

Light was very poor........

[Neil]

Have been "playing" with the P6000 for a few days now and first impressions are good, however, I dont get the "GPS & NRW files".....

1) GPS seems to "suck the life of the battery"

2) NRW files not recognised by Adobe LR or PS, I have had to "download" ViewNX, which seems a little odd, why have RAW which is only recognised by Nikon Software.....

Like the camera, But not to sure of the advantages of the P5100?

The attached image was shot in:

1) Matrix meter
2) Cetre weighted focus
3) ISO 400
4) Ex Bias 0
5) Apature Priority
6) Shutter speed 1/200

Light was very poor........

David,
The ED lens will give you better images in poor light over the P5100 and the IR Remote does help to.
Neil

[thornlv]

GPS does suck the battery, even when the camera is off. so I turn the feature off. There is a firmware update that reduces it.

On my PC with Adobe photoshop with Camera Raw 4.6, I can view the .Nrw files in Bridge but cant open them in Raw, but if i (batch) rename the file extension to .NEF (as with My D60) they then open fine with Camera Raw !!

[davidtucker]

Thanks

I am on holiday at the moment, on my base PC I have Capture NX2, will this open NRW files??

[trco]

Thanks

I am on holiday at the moment, on my base PC I have Capture NX2, will this open NRW files??

If you have version which was released after P6000 then the answer is YES ;)

[davidtucker]

Have put the P6000 "through the mill" agree with Neil, the lens is very good, The attached image was shot in poor light with mild rain.

1) Matrix metered.
2)Centre weighted focus
3) ISO 400
4) Shutter speed 1/250
5) f/7.4
6) Ex Bias 0
7) Scope "Swarvoski 80mm with20-60mm zoom"
8) 50% crop

Very pleased with the results, to date......

[bughunter]

Does anybody has expirience with the "Picture Control" settings for shooting jpegs? There are entries like sharpness, contrast etc. Until know I have used the default settings, but may be that it not the optimum for digiscoping.

Some results from today, Heron from 85m.
Swarovski ATS80HD, 25-50zoom, Nikon P6000, DCB-A

[trco]

@bughunter
I have everything +1 in Picture control setting for jpegs.

[eagle33]

Hi all, i have the Leica apo 77 with 20-60 zoom lens. How would i fit the
p6000 onto the zoom lens please. I beleve i need the Nikon UR-E21 Adapter Ring, does this fit straight onto my lens? or is there a proper sleeve. I have a FOCUS DA1 ADAPTER from my cooolpix 4500 which has a 28mm thread on it .

Cheers

Craig

[Neil]

Hi all, i have the Leica apo 77 with 20-60 zoom lens. How would i fit the
p6000 onto the zoom lens please. I beleve i need the Nikon UR-E21 Adapter Ring, does this fit straight onto my lens? or is there a proper sleeve. I have a FOCUS DA1 ADAPTER from my cooolpix 4500 which has a 28mm thread on it .

Cheers

Craig

Craig,
The UR-E21 has a 43 mm thread and third party adapters have 52 mm threads. You could try a step-down ring from 43 to 28 mm if you don't want to get another adapter.
Neil.

[eagle33]

Craig,
The UR-E21 has a 43 mm thread and third party adapters have 52 mm threads. You could try a step-down ring from 43 to 28 mm if you don't want to get another adapter.
Neil.

Thanks neil, ill try to get one of them. ( cant get a 43 -28 in uk so looks like ill have to get 2 a 43-37 and a 37-28. will this increase vinigreting?

[eagle33]

Does everyone turn off the Vibration Reduction when digiscoping, if so why?

Thanks

[Bosque Bill]

Does everyone turn off the Vibration Reduction when digiscoping, if so why?

As I understand it, VR is designed to compensate for the movement of a hand-held camera. When the camera is on a tripod the characteristics of the movement are different (frequency & amplitude) so when the camera attempts to compensate it may actually introduce movement due to the mismatch of what it expects and what it can correct.

[eagle33]

As I understand it, VR is designed to compensate for the movement of a hand-held camera. When the camera is on a tripod the characteristics of the movement are different (frequency & amplitude) so when the camera attempts to compensate it may actually introduce movement due to the mismatch of what it expects and what it can correct.

Ah brilliant thanks, now looking at the 8400, but this seems to be a pain to connect to the leica too?

[eagle33]

Ah brilliant thanks, now looking at the 8400, but this seems to be a pain to connect to the leica too?

Well after a lot of Research, I'm sticking with the CP 4500. This has to be the friendliest digi camera still available. The only problem being the small amount of megapixels...its So flexible...

Cheers for everyones help.

[bughunter]

Recently I have used my P6000 to capture a video of a green finch handling his food:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngStMcIMQuQ
The resolution is not so high. It shows, that the possibility of HD video may be useful sometimes.

Attached is a picture of a buzzard, not cropped, only resized. He was sitting a while in front of me.
P6000, ATS80HD, 25-50, DCB-A

[Bosque Bill]

Recently I have used my P6000 to capture a video of a green finch handling his food: The resolution is not so high. It shows, that the possibility of HD video may be useful sometimes.

bughunter, the photo of the buzzard is a beauty and thanks for sharing your video.

I've been having fun trying out the video function of the P6000, too. It is much more forgiving of low light conditions. Also, since it is not hi-rez to start, one can use the camera zoom much more.

With the P6000 video, it appears to lock focus when it starts recording, however it doesn't always focus on the bird. It seemed to me the branch behind your green finch may have been in better focus than the bird. I have found that in these situations I can then slightly refocus my scope to bring the bird into sharper focus

Here is my latest, a White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) under the feeder in my yard:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKO8HD9bySw.

The bird was very cooperative and got a decent still, too. The light was low, but the bird would hold still periodically which allowed a slower shutter speed, in this case 1/43 sec.

P6000, ATS80HD, 25 - 50x, UCA

[thornlv]

Neat videos, this feature sure does open up some possibilities, may try it later

[Lawts]

Does anyone know if the P6000 is about to be replaced/updated - you know how quickly Nikon update to the next version?

I'm thinking of getting one, but a couple of camera shops I've contacted are reporting it as discontinued and are not getting anymore.

I'd hate to get it and the 7000 comes out the week after!

Thanks.

[Bosque Bill]

Does anyone know if the P6000 is about to be replaced/updated - you know how quickly Nikon update to the next version?

I don't know the answer to your question, but when I got mine a little over a month ago the dealer had heard nothing about a replacement or the model being discontinued. At that time the camera was still featured on the Nikon USA site.

That being said, manufacturers are always bringing out new models. Though seems to me most new advanced point and shoot cameras from many companies are featuring zoom lenses of 12x or even higher. There is no guarantee the assumed P7000 would be suitable for digiscoping.

[Lawts]

I don't know the answer to your question, but when I got mine a little over a month ago the dealer had heard nothing about a replacement or the model being discontinued. At that time the camera was still featured on the Nikon USA site.

That being said, manufacturers are always bringing out new models. Though seems to me most new advanced point and shoot cameras from many companies are featuring zoom lenses of 12x or even higher. There is no guarantee the assumed P7000 would be suitable for digiscoping.

Cheers Bosque Bill.

[MickfromTottenham]

I don't know the answer to your question, but when I got mine a little over a month ago the dealer had heard nothing about a replacement or the model being discontinued. At that time the camera was still featured on the Nikon USA site.

That being said, manufacturers are always bringing out new models. Though seems to me most new advanced point and shoot cameras from many companies are featuring zoom lenses of 12x or even higher. There is no guarantee the assumed P7000 would be suitable for digiscoping.

Bill, Nikon are about the most conservative of camera manufacturers, and I'd be a little surprised if they were to bring out something as radical as the Panasonic TZs—it's taken them long enough to get into the superzoom market. I can see them bringing out an update to the 6000 in the near future, however, as in the top-end compact niche it's behind both the Canon S90 and Panasonic LX-3 in several important respects (not necessarily for digiscoping, but for the general photographer).