Using the CP4500 on bulb setting

[Dave Smith]

I am considering upgrading my CP880 to the CP4500 for digiscoping of birds etc but also for astronomical use. Has anyone tried using the BULB setting for times greater than 1 minute, e.g. just pointing it at the night sky to see what you get or any other example? I am curious to know how much noise is produced.

A related question, is the 800 asa setting useable or does it produce an unacceptable amount of noise? I would imagine that the 800 asa setting could be useful for bird photos when the light level is low and the bird is moving.

[digi-birder]

Dave,

The attached photo, taken last year when the Osprey visited a nearby reservoir in Derbyshire, was taken using ISO 400 on the 995 due to very low light levels. This enabled a shutter speed of approx 1/150th.

As you can see, there is quite a bit of noise, but it was the only option in the dull conditions.

I've never actually tried the bulb setting so I can't help you there.

[Andy Bright]

What's your idea of unacceptable, Dave? For web images you can get away with a lot.
iso800 is pretty grim, certainly if you're interested in prints. is0400 can be used but you'll be wise to get a noise-reduction action/filter for Photoshop, personally iso400 is still too noisy for me to use with prints.... but it can be a matter of something sharp but messy rather than nothing, certainly if it's a one-off bird. iso200 is far better than on the older cameras, with a bit of work in Photoshop they can make acceptable prints at a reasonable size.
Nice shot, Diane .... it's always handy to have the higher iso's for situations like that.

[Dave Smith]

Diane
I've used iso 400 on my CP880 with similar results. I guess it is the only choice when the light level is low - either that or miss the shot altogether.

Andy
Mostly I only look at my photos on screen but would still like the option of printing them. I was hoping that the noise would be reduced in the CP4500 as the iso 800 had been introduced, but I guess it is there only for emergencies. It may still be useful for astro photos though - time will tell.

Thankyou for your replies.