Minox Digital Camera Module

[Bob Thompson]

Just wondering if anybody has purchased one of these

http://www.minox.com/index.php?id=1967&L=1

apparently it works on a wide variety of scopes.

Cost 339 euro

[Paul Corfield]

Reviews are very thin on the ground for the DCM. There's a basic one here (http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http://f3.webmart.de/f.cfm%3Fid%3D1231426%26r%3Dthreadview%26pg%3D2%26a %3D1%26t%3D3292825&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=de&tl=en), not very kind to it though. A few images on page 3 of that link here (http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http://f3.webmart.de/f.cfm%3Fid%3D1231426%26t%3D3292825%26pg%3D3%26a%3D 1%26r%3Dthreadview%26&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&sl=de&tl=en) also. Not really up to the standard of what's capable with a digi cam or dslr.

Paul.

[davem]

Follow this one chaps & chapesses for a few pics & details (http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=125360)

Not really up to the standard of what's capable with a digi cam or dslr

Yeah, I'd go along with that one... However...

It's designed to take the 'hassle' out of digiscoping - no brackets / frames / mounts / converter rings and none of the bulk and weight of an SLR and or lenses.

That said, if you do want to lug all of the kit around with you then this DCM isn't for you as your images will be better with for example a 10MP compact and attachments or a DSLR and lens for closer stuff and we make no bones about that whatsoever.

At 38x magnification (on my Kowa TSN3) it does an ample job for shooting mid distance birds and you can get an A4 out of that should you so require.

Hope this gives an honest overview of it - we've also been just as honest about it in the review on the website.

ATB,

Dave.

[Paul Corfield]

Where I think that Minox have missed the point is this. Something like the DCM is designed to be a dedicated digiscoping tool and so it should be better than a point and shoot camera that hasn't been designed with digiscoping in mind. It shouldn't be the other way around. It should be so good that everyone into digiscoping would make the DCM their first choice. The DCM has one job to do which is to produce a photograph through a scope but it doesn't quite manage it from the images shown so far. Taking the hassle out of digiscoping shouldn't really be the objective, that's all part of the fun of capturing a great image and in reality it isn't really a great deal of hassle. The end result should be the focal point.

Paul.

[Paul Hackett]

Where I think that Minox have missed the point is this. Something like the DCM is designed to be a dedicated digiscoping tool and so it should be better than a point and shoot camera that hasn't been designed with digiscoping in mind. It shouldn't be the other way around. It should be so good that everyone into digiscoping would make the DCM their first choice. The DCM has one job to do which is to produce a photograph through a scope but it doesn't quite manage it from the images shown so far. Taking the hassle out of digiscoping shouldn't really be the objective, that's all part of the fun of capturing a great image and in reality it isn't really a great deal of hassle. The end result should be the focal point.

Paul.

You really do miss the point Paul, how plain does Dave M have to make it? an honest reply from Dave is what we have, Minox havent missed the point, they are selling units as we speak, fact, some people like the idea that taking the hassle out of digiscoping is what they want, and thats their choice, and that is fact, and if the DCM fits their expectations then why not?

Then you offset that against costs in relation to compact cameras, big corporations etc, lets see, current digiscoping camera Nikon Coolpix 5100 Digital camera R & D costs set against the Minox DCM R & D costs, also quantity of items manufactured is a factor, dont know what it is personally but take a guess? its a no brainer IMHO, you really have no idea of costs, research and development in these things, you need to step off your pedestal and accept that there is room and choice for everything, the DCM does produce images through a scope despite what you say, just not to your expectations.


Paul

[davem]

Hi Paul,

a couple of replies if I may...

Something like the DCM is designed to be a dedicated digiscoping tool and so it should be better than a point and shoot camera that hasn't been designed with digiscoping in mind.

The design and physical gubbins in the DCM ensure that

a) there is no vignetting - this is done by a 3.2MP hardware sensor which fits the opening within the bayonet mount perfectly - any physically bigger sensor and you'll get vignetting thus negating one of its design points - any more MP in the current space and you'll get greater noise and the IQ suffers -and any more MP in the DCM and the light levels coming through the telescope will not be great enough to make good use of the extra MP, thus 3.2MP is what it is. Hell, we'd have loved to bring out a 7 or 8MP DCM - it just wasn't going to work - it's been tried, believe me.

The DCM has one job to do which is to produce a photograph through a scope.

Correct, which it does. This may not be the world's best, sharpest, clearest image, but it does not set out to do this nor claim to do this.

Taking the hassle out of digiscoping shouldn't really be the objective.

It was... Sorry...

that's all part of the fun of capturing a great image and in reality it isn't really a great deal of hassle.

Fair enough - not arguing at all, for some, no hassle may be carrying around a 1Ds and 600 f4 or Swarovski ATS80 HD, swing over bracket and compact camera, etc. Our product offers a solution to those who DO find the above a hassle, NOT to those who don't.

Hope this has been taken as it has been written, it's not a defence of the DCM being better than a dedicated digiscoper's kit or DSLR & long lens user, just a reinforcement of what its purpose is and the market it was designed for.

ATB,

Dave.

[Paul Corfield]

You say there's no vignetting Dave but there is vignetting in all of your posted images. Look at all the thumbnails you posted and it's very obvious.

Wasn't aware I was on any pedestal Hackett, my point was quite valid!

Paul.

[davem]

Hi Paul,

Yes, there's some very slight marginal shadowing especially in the corners, but as for any obvious heavy dark (black) vignetting such as that seen when putting a compact camera with no zoom engaged against an eyepiece, there is none.

Guess it depends on your definitions! :t:

Dave.

[taztaz]

hi i have one of the minox connected to a leica scope,i find it usless on fast moving things,you have to keep refocusing the scope all the time ,then retighten up the tripod,but for nesting or slow wading birds,you can get some decent shots,i went down the norfolk coast a few weeks ago and got some nice shots of the seals on the beach,the only faults i have found ,it dosent come with a lens cap,i cant get one any where ,you would think one would have been suplied,also i have trouble keeping the camera on the scope ,it is easy to fit,but you can not wander around with it attached,it does not lock onto the scope,so when you move to different location you have to take ift off,maybe when the next version comes out they might have sorted these issues out,i would like to point out mr dave morgan who is the uk saleman is very good and will try and sort things out for you ,cheers dave

[Neil]

It sounded like a good idea to me, despite it's limited pixels. It's a shame though that there hasn't been any serious testing done with one. If there is a spare Swarovski version around I would be happy to test it in the field.
Neil.