Which route to Digiscoping: DSLR or Digicam

[jimsmart]

This question is addressed to those people who have used both traditional point and shoot digicams and Digital SLR cameras with a spotting scope to obtain bird photos. My little project is to try to photograph as many as I can of the 420 odd species of birds sighted in my area (Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia). I have a Canon 40D plus Canon 100-400 lens which have got me about half way in this quest. However some species really require a bit longer reach. I also have a 65HD Swarovski scope, carbon fibre tripod and Nikon 4500 camera and would like to get into digiscoping.

Clearly both the Canon 40D and the Nikon 4500 can be used with a scope to give excellent images with the right technique. Could some of the more experienced members of this group kindly give me their opinion as to which route, DSLR or Digicam, will be most likely to enable me to get decent images with the least hassle. I am inclined to attempt DSLR because of the ability to use electronic shutter release plus the better images from a much bigger sensor.

Jim Smart

[RJM]

A digicam will generally allow for more flexible and longer effective focal lengths. But the the dslr at the same effective focal length should always give you better pics because of the larger sensor, better ISO performance, faster shutter speeds and frame rates.

Really depends on what kind of distance you need. But once you start getting beyond 2000mm focal lengths, the "walls" of optical diffraction, mechnical vibration and target movement will start to severly impact your shots. In the end, your best pics will always be from distances under 100m, with 40m or less ideal.

cheers,
Rick

[Matt_RTH]

I can't speak to the Nikon 4500 though I hear it is popular for digiscoping. In a very real way, you get an incredible advantage in digiscoping in that you are basically getting a 1000-2000mm F4 (or so ) lens. Try that with a DSLR and you know how great a deal that is. The biggest price is response time. To find a target, set up the camera, focus and shoot takes way longer in digiscoping than with a DSLR. The subject must be very cooperative!

With the DSLR route, if you're thinking digiscoping with DSLR, I believe many dslr adapters for spotting scopes contain an internal lens which cuts the light. So an F5.6 spotter would become F8. So you need excellent light or high ISO to overcome.

You have most of the gear. Best answer is going to be to experiment for yourself!

[JGobeil]

I tried digiscoping with a P&S camera and found it difficult because of my eyesight. Focusing was very difficult looking at the LCD. Also, working with a LCD in direct sunlight is not the best... even with a sun shade.

I now use a DSLR with an astro scope and I like the results I get, up to 300 meters when the conditions are right. Of course, it would be a pity not to use your nice Swaro scope but I believe it can be used with a DSLR.

[Neil]

Jim,
You've got two good digiscoping cameras there but the 4500 is getting a bit long in the tooth now ( and only 4 megs ). For bigger birds ( ducks and bigger ) the DLSR route is the way to go up to 100 meters, especially with the good light you get in your area. If you are able to manually focus then go with the 40 D . Using a bracket/support system is worthwhile to prevent camera shake.
The 4500 would be good for stationary birds at long distances as you can zoom up to 9000 mm with it.
Neil

[jimsmart]

To Neil, Jules,Matt and Rick,
Thank you for your good advice. This forum is just marvelous for obtaining quality opinions on matters of nature photography. You have confirmed my instincts i.e. the Canon 40D SLR plus Swaro HD route has optical and electrical advantages that outweigh the mechanical problems of putting a heavy camera onto a smallish scope. Hopefully next year I will be able to post some images from this combination on to Bird Forum.
Thanks again,
Cheers,
Jim