Aghhhh, why are there so many?

[Xyzu]

Hi all,
I am new to this forum but have had a very limited trial at Digiscoping. I was using a Premier camera (£60) and a homemade adapter for my old scope. My camera has now broke and I am seeking a new camera.

I have up to £130 to spend and I want something that will give me 400 ISO, 2.3--3" LCD screen, Nice and big is always better. I have been looking at a nice Samsung but is to much over my budget. I have had a look at the CoolPix l5, l2 and l3 and they are quite nice. The Fuji f30 is quite nice but I don't want to order of the net, what are your thoughts?

[delia todd]

Hi Xyzu I see this is your first post, so may I welcome you on behalf of the Staff and Moderators at Bird Forum

I'm sure someone will be along soon to advise you, meanwhile I hope you enjoy browsing the forums and Gallery - maybe we'll see some of your pictures in there when you've got your new camera

D

[Xyzu]

I'll post one I took with my old camera if someone tells me how to attach photos, and thankyou for welcoming me :)

[delia todd]

To post in the Gallery:

If you go into the gallery http://www.birdforum.net/pp_gallery/ click on the green button entitled 'upload photo'. Choose a category appropriate for the photo from the dropdown list i.e. Birds of Britain and Europe.
Then browse to the image file on your pc that you wish to upload. You can choose whether to get e-mail updates of any comments left.

Now click the bottom button entitled 'Upload/Submit'

This will take you to a second upload page where you should enter a title for the photo and as much detail as possible in the appropriate fields. Finally, click 'Process files' and the image will uploaded to the gallery. You can add a maximum of 3 photos per 24hrs to the gallery. Images need to be no larger than 800pixels along the longest length and less than 200kb in file size.

In a thread, just make sure you are in Advanced mode for your reply and click on Manage Attachments

Hope this helps

D

[robinm]

Hi Xyzu, welcome to BirdForum :t:

[Xyzu]

Thanks, here it is. A great spotted woopecker, taken in good light, 200 ISO (max), 10yrds away, 4mp, but had to be resized. I want to get some pictures of the starlings in my garden so I am quite patienceless to get a new camera.
I am also so annoyed because I missed the chance to get nice pic of a kingfisher about 5yrds away but my camera was broken :( .

Xyzu

[erniehatt]

Hi all,
I am new to this forum but have had a very limited trial at Digiscoping. I was using a Premier camera (£60) and a homemade adapter for my old scope. My camera has now broke and I am seeking a new camera.

I have up to £130 to spend and I want something that will give me 400 ISO, 2.3--3" LCD screen, Nice and big is always better. I have been looking at a nice Samsung but is to much over my budget. I have had a look at the CoolPix l5, l2 and l3 and they are quite nice. The Fuji f30 is quite nice but I don't want to order of the net, what are your thoughts?

Welcome friend, it seems the camera being banded around as the best is the Fuji F30, very little noise at iso 400. Ernie

[Xyzu]

Hi all,
I stumped upon this, it's really nice.


[/url] Samsung Digimax 850 8MP Digital Camera. [url="http://www.argos.co.uk/wcsstore/argos/en_US/images/t.gif"] (http://www.argos.co.uk/wcsstore/argos/en_US/images/t.gif)


8m pixels.
5 x optical zoom.
5 x digital zoom.
2.5in LCD screen.
SD memory card compatible up to 1GB.
20Mb internal memory.
ISO range - 1600.
Video output.
Movie capture and sound recording.
Image Stabilisation - Advanced Shake Reduction.
USB connection.
2 x AA batteries provided.
Average 110 images per battery life.
PictBridge compatible.
Manufacturer's 2 year guarantee.
Accessories strap, Digimax software.
Software compatibility: Windows 98/98SE/2000/ME/XP, Mac OS9-10.4.
Weight 170g.
Size(H)6.3, (W)10.4, (D)2.4cm.

[Jaff]

Unfortunately a 5x optical zoom is too much for digiscoping and will most likely give you terrible vignetting problems. 3x is ideal and most people can get by with a 4x zoom.

Hope this helps.
Jaff

[Xyzu]

Thanks, I think that I'll probably never use 5x, maybe 3 or 4 because I have a 20x eyepeice and 60-80x zoom is plenty.

Xyzu

PS It looks easy to fit an adapter on though.

[Jaff]

Sorry to burst your bubble but even shooting at 3 or 4x will still give you vignetting problems, not terribly sure about the technial details it's just something to do with the mechanics of the zoom.

I'd get the F30 from warehouseexpress, you don't have to order over the net you can order by phone. Plenty of people use it on here and it's highly recommended.

Good luck.
Jaff

[postcardcv]

Sorry to burst your bubble but even shooting at 3 or 4x will still give you vignetting problems, not terribly sure about the technial details it's just something to do with the mechanics of the zoom.


Totally agree, it's not a matter of how much magnification you use, it's an issue of lens construction... 3x optical is definitely ideal for a digiscoping camera.

As others have said the Fuji F30 is a great camera, currently available from amazon for ~£125, a bargain. I'm not quite sure what you issue is with ordering online, but amazon are a very well established company and I'm sure you'd have no problems with them.

[NoSpringChicken]

Amazon have recently put the price up to £138.73. I bought mine just in time. It's still a great buy at that price without too much competition. With a thread for an adapter I think it would be just about perfect.

postcardcv. The digiscoping bracket you sold me on Saturday is performing very nicely. Thanks for your help.

Ron

[Xyzu]

I am going to Aberwysth tommorow so I will get a camera there. I think I am going for this from Argos, I like there customer support and I am getting 3 years cover. F30 is a nice camera, but I really want support and cover. I think this is a good deal at £20 off of currys price but PC world is the same. One thing, does this have a 28mm screw thread?



Nikon Coolpix L5 7MP Digital Camera.
£129.99




7.2m pixels.
4 x digital zoom.
2.5in colour LCD screen.
SD memory card compatible up to 2 GB.
8Mb internal memory.
ISO range - 50-400 Auto.
Video output.
Movie capture and sound recording.
Image Stabilisation.
USB connection.
2 x AA LR6 battery provided.
Average 150 images per battery (Alkaline) and 490 Lithium.
PictBridge compatible.
Manufacturer's 1 year guarantee.
Accessories included in box - Batteries, strap, USB cable, Audio Video cable, Picture Project CD, Quick Start Guide and Manual.
Software compatibility: Windows 2000 Pro, XP Home edition, XP professional pre-installed models, Mac OS X (10.3 or later).
Weight 170g.
Size: (H)6.1, (W)9.7, (D)4.5cm.
15 scene modes, video with sound.#

I hope I get some good puictures of the red kites there, leaving FRIDAY 6TH of april. Sorry I won't be here folks. Leaving at about 4-5pm so I'll check the fourum by then,

Xyzu

(http://www.argos.co.uk/wcsstore/argos/images/78-5606399A67UC331951M.jpg)

[postcardcv]

the L5 has a 5x optical zoom and is very unlikely to be any good for digiscoping...

I've just been looking on the Argos website an dit seems that if you do buy from them you'll be paying over the odds for your camera.

Another popular digiscoping camera is the Samsung NV3, Argos are selling it for £179.99... online it's about £50 less!

[Xyzu]

Yes but I need sumthing I can get on my old unbranded scope, looks easy to attach-
How does more Optical zoom make vignetting problems worse?

[Robert L Jarvis]

If you buy that camera you will find out that you wasted your money. Many years of experience by digiscopers has revealed that the optimum camera zoom with all eypieces is 3x. Some digiscopers do manage well with 4x but that is the outer limit. Never mind Argos go for the F30, Samsung NV3 or I6.

Honestly forget about movie ability and bear in mind if it only takes 2 batteries you will be forever changing them before you can turn round so to speak.

[postcardcv]

Yes but I need sumthing I can get on my old unbranded scope, looks easy to attach-
How does more Optical zoom make vignetting problems worse?

It's a matter of lens construction... in a 3x optical zoom lens on a compact camera the front lens element only moves a very small amount. In larger zooms (5x and higher) the front element retracts into the camera as you zoom, thus pulling it further from the scope eyepeice (though often there is a false front to the lens, but if you lok into the camera you'll see the effect). If you have a scope with large eye releif you may be able to get away with a higher optical zoom, though I've never seen it work in practice.

It's not just a theory over there years I've tested dozens of cameras for digiscoping. Those with 3x optical zooms alway work (I've yet to see an exception to this rule), 2x and 4x often work...but I've never seen a camera with more than 4x optical zoom that works (without vingetting) for digiscoping. A universal adapter (~£40) will allow you to fix any camera with a tripod mount onto your scope.

[Xyzu]

Thanks mate, maybe I've found a 5x Ozoom camera that is good, maybe I'll post some results when I get home form Aber- Need a camera and I'm really hard up on cash.

Xyzu

[postcardcv]

Thanks mate, maybe I've found a 5x Ozoom camera that is good, maybe I'll post some results when I get home form Aber- Need a camera and I'm really hard up on cash.

Xyzu

I would urge you not to go for the L5 as I'm sure it will disapoint you for digiscoping (though knowing Nikon I'm sure it would be a good camera). I'm looking at Argos at the moment and there are a few cameras sub £130 that woudl be better suited to digiscoping.

Sony W35 - http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5606258/Trail/C%24cip%3D50489.Photography%3EC%24cip%3D50498.Digi tal%2Bcameras%3EFC%24Brands%3DSony.Sony.htm

Nikon L2 - http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5605156/Trail/C%24cip%3D50489.Photography%3EC%24cip%3D50498.Digi tal%2Bcameras%3EFC%24Brands%3DNikon.Nikon.htm

Panasonic DMCLZ3B - http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5605242/Trail/C%24cip%3D50489.Photography%3EC%24cip%3D50498.Digi tal%2Bcameras%3EFC%24Brands%3DPanasonic.Panasonic. htm

I'm not saying that any of these are quite up with the Fuji F30, but all will be more suited to digiscoping than the L5. In your situation I'd go for the Sony W35 (I've had good results digiscoping with a cheap Sony).

[Xyzu]

I would urge you not to go for the L5 as I'm sure it will disapoint you for digiscoping (though knowing Nikon I'm sure it would be a good camera). I'm looking at Argos at the moment and there are a few cameras sub £130 that woudl be better suited to digiscoping.

Sony W35 - http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5606258/Trail/C%24cip%3D50489.Photography%3EC%24cip%3D50498.Digi tal%2Bcameras%3EFC%24Brands%3DSony.Sony.htm

Nikon L2 - http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5605156/Trail/C%24cip%3D50489.Photography%3EC%24cip%3D50498.Digi tal%2Bcameras%3EFC%24Brands%3DNikon.Nikon.htm

Panasonic DMCLZ3B - http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/5605242/Trail/C%24cip%3D50489.Photography%3EC%24cip%3D50498.Digi tal%2Bcameras%3EFC%24Brands%3DPanasonic.Panasonic. htm

I'm not saying that any of these are quite up with the Fuji F30, but all will be more suited to digiscoping than the L5. In your situation I'd go for the Sony W35 (I've had good results digiscoping with a cheap Sony).The panasonic has 6x optical zoom?

Nice cameras, I need a Cam that will let me do what I need also a sd slot needed-

Xyzu

[erniehatt]

I use a 4X zoom camera, yes I get some good pics, but they have come from a lot of work, in making adapters and many hours of experimenting. I can honestly say you will be very disappointed with the results from a 5X optical zoom for digiscoping, you should make up your mind as to what is most important for you, and compromise somewhat, the camera to cover all possibilities has not yet been invented and most likely never will be. Ernie

[postcardcv]

The panasonic has 6x optical zoom?

Nice cameras, I need a Cam that will let me do what I need also a sd slot needed-

Xyzu

Sorry about that, the Panasonic would be no good... I was looking at lots of cameras and got two Panasonics confused. The Panasonic that would be good for digiscoping is above your budget. There are a few other camera in Argos that would work and are sub £130. I think that both the Nikon L2 and L3 take SD as does the Samsung S700.

[Xyzu]

Hi all,
I stumped upon this, it's really nice.


[/url] Samsung Digimax 850 8MP Digital Camera. [url="http://www.argos.co.uk/wcsstore/argos/en_US/images/t.gif"] (http://www.argos.co.uk/wcsstore/argos/en_US/images/t.gif)


8m pixels.
5 x optical zoom.
5 x digital zoom.
2.5in LCD screen.
SD memory card compatible up to 1GB.
20Mb internal memory.
ISO range - 1600.
Video output.
Movie capture and sound recording.
Image Stabilisation - Advanced Shake Reduction.
USB connection.
2 x AA batteries provided.
Average 110 images per battery life.
PictBridge compatible.
Manufacturer's 2 year guarantee.
Accessories strap, Digimax software.
Software compatibility: Windows 98/98SE/2000/ME/XP, Mac OS9-10.4.
Weight 170g.
Size(H)6.3, (W)10.4, (D)2.4cm.

The Samsung S850 is now £119.99, nice cameras but I want to take pictures, not all of birds.

[postcardcv]

The Samsung S850 is now £119.99, nice cameras but I want to take pictures, not all of birds.

Any of the 3x optical zoom camera will take good pictures too... I guess it's a matter of deciding your priorities. A 5x optical zoom camera will give you a bit more reach for general photos, but will not work well for digiscoping. A 3x one will be good for digiscoping, but you might need to move a bit close to your subject for other shots.

[Xyzu]

Any of the 3x optical zoom camera will take good pictures too... I guess it's a matter of deciding your priorities. A 5x optical zoom camera will give you a bit more reach for general photos, but will not work well for digiscoping. A 3x one will be good for digiscoping, but you might need to move a bit close to your subject for other shots.On that case a 4x opZoom would be better for me then?

[jdlang]

From my experience as a newbie looking at many cameras in stores, a 4x MAY work, but not always. You have to play with the zoom and if it does work, it only works in a specific range of the camera's zoom. If you can, bring your scope into the store and you can see what works that way. I would highly recommend listening to the "experts" in digiscoping that post on this site. They are very helpful. And they really are trying to help you so you won't be disappointed and frustrated. If you buy a camera with a 5x and up, you may as well buy one for other uses rather than digiscoping. Hope this helps. JD

[postcardcv]

out of interest what camera did you go for and how are you getting on with it?

[Xyzu]

I got the samsung, just got back from wales. I have a taken real nice shots allthough it is a 5xOpt zoom, shall put some on tommorow tired, had a 4 hour journey.
Xyzu

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

I got the samsung, just got back from wales. I have a taken real nice shots allthough it is a 5xOpt zoom, shall put some on tommorow tired, had a 4 hour journey.
Xyzu

I too would be interested in the results having followed this thread and been surprised you didn;t follow the general advice for the f30

[Xyzu]

Here we go, thick and fast.

Starling--400 ISO--10m--f4.5--AF
Heron----200 ISO--120m-f6.2--MF
Red Kite-800 ISO--300m--F7.2--MF

[erniehatt]

Hi, well the shot at 800 has quite a lot of noise, the 400 looks passable, and the 200 is hard to tell, as it has some very overexposed areas, and bad purple fringing, which could either be from the camera or scope or a combination of the two. What scope are you using is it Ed glass. Ernie

[Xyzu]

Old Prism Scope, not ED glass though.

[erniehatt]

Ok, then the purple fringing is most likely the scope. Ernie

[Xyzu]

Thanks, I'm getting a nikon scope and a nikon 4500 at the end of the year, ot a camera to learn how to do it and get used to finding birds and stuff :).
Xyzu

[erniehatt]

Good Luck. Ernie