Phil Wood
Friday 16th February 2007, 11:18
I have been digiscoping for a couple of years, using a Canon A85 held against the eyepiece with a simple ring to keep it on centre. Results have obviously not been top quality, but it is a quick, compact method.
In November, I decided it was time to upgrade my camera, and after scouring several general reviews, I selected the A710IS and bought one from Jessops in Manchester.
It's a pity I hadn't discovered your forum, and the warning about mega-zoom cameras! The picture at normal zoom is fine, but go to 3X and it disappears down to a tiny circle. (The A85 was the reverse - zooming in cured the small amount of vignetting present). Carry on to 6X and the image is back to almost full screen, but it is very difficult to get good results with this much magnification, although it might be possible in good light.
In every other respect the camera is fine, but I think I'll still be using the old A85 for much of my digiscoping. It's only real fault is the long shutter lag.
In November, I decided it was time to upgrade my camera, and after scouring several general reviews, I selected the A710IS and bought one from Jessops in Manchester.
It's a pity I hadn't discovered your forum, and the warning about mega-zoom cameras! The picture at normal zoom is fine, but go to 3X and it disappears down to a tiny circle. (The A85 was the reverse - zooming in cured the small amount of vignetting present). Carry on to 6X and the image is back to almost full screen, but it is very difficult to get good results with this much magnification, although it might be possible in good light.
In every other respect the camera is fine, but I think I'll still be using the old A85 for much of my digiscoping. It's only real fault is the long shutter lag.