How does digiscoping work with digital SLR cameras?

[Terry O'Nolley]

I was ready to spring for a scope and adaptor for my Nikon D-50, but then I realized that without an LCD to show me what my scope was looking at and a viewfinder that only showed me the top of the scope I would have no way of knowing what my pictures would look like.

How does digiscoping work with SLR cameras? Do you take a picture and then look at the result on the LCD and adjust from there?

I also have an Olympus C4000 that does have an LED display - would that actually be the better choice for digiscoping?

[christineredgate]

Terry,I think the general opinion is that compact cams are more suitable for digiscoping than SLR's.
I have tried digiscoping using an SLR,and the main prob is that one cannot zoom in as one can with a compact cam.Also an SLR is quite heavy.There is a set up for the Swarro scopes,one purchases a unit which fits onto the scope and connects to the cam(one does not use the SLR lens).But one is limited to the focal length as seen through the lCD screen.Whereas if you are using a compact cam with a suitable adaptor,you can use the scope to its full potential,and you do have the extra magnification.Having said that,the images taken with an SLR may be sharper,but you cannot have the extra focal length.
Have you waded through the digiscoping posts?.Some members do use their SLR's for digiscoping,but I think the general consensus is that a compact cam does produce better results.
I think the main factors for digiscoping are a compact cam with a suitable adaptor,a remote cable,and a steady tripod.

[Terry O'Nolley]

Terry,I think the general opinion is that compact cams are more suitable for digiscoping than SLR's.
I have tried digiscoping using an SLR,and the main prob is that one cannot zoom in as one can with a compact cam.Also an SLR is quite heavy.There is a set up for the Swarro scopes,one purchases a unit which fits onto the scope and connects to the cam(one does not use the SLR lens).But one is limited to the focal length as seen through the lCD screen.Whereas if you are using a compact cam with a suitable adaptor,you can use the scope to its full potential,and you do have the extra magnification.Having said that,the images taken with an SLR may be sharper,but you cannot have the extra focal length.
Have you waded through the digiscoping posts?.Some members do use their SLR's for digiscoping,but I think the general consensus is that a compact cam does produce better results.
I think the main factors for digiscoping are a compact cam with a suitable adaptor,a remote cable,and a steady tripod.

THanks! I think I will go with my Olympus C4000 and get an adapter for that.

[postcardcv]

I was ready to spring for a scope and adaptor for my Nikon D-50, but then I realized that without an LCD to show me what my scope was looking at and a viewfinder that only showed me the top of the scope I would have no way of knowing what my pictures would look like.

When using an slr what you see through the view finder is the view through the lens, so if you attach one to your scope you can view through the view finder.

I agree with Christine, I've tried using a slr on a scope and never been pleased with the results. I use a compact camera for digiscoping and use a long lens with my slr.

[Terry O'Nolley]

When using an slr what you see through the view finder is the view through the lens, so if you attach one to your scope you can view through the view finder.
I am such a photography n00b!!
I should have realized that! I never even noticed that there is no "front" to my viewfinder! THanks for helping me to see the obvious :D