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Dave Smith · Sunday 11th May 2003, 15:45

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 · Sunday 11th May 2003, 16:03

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*** · Sunday 11th May 2003, 19:30

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 · Monday 12th May 2003, 07:46

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.

Sunday 11th May 2003, 15:45	#1
Dave Smith Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Maldon, Essex Posts: 380	Using the CP4500 on bulb setting 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. __________________ Dave
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Sunday 11th May 2003, 16:03	#2
digi-birder Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: South Yorkshire, UK Posts: 3,288	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. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Diane. My second favorite household chore is ironing. My first being, hitting my head on the top bunk bed until I faint. Erma Bombeck

Sunday 11th May 2003, 19:30	#3
*Andy Bright* 2nd in command Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Herts Posts: 6,485 My location	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. __________________ www.Digiscoped.com also, if you're particularly bored, try www.andybright.com - mediocre aviation photography
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Monday 12th May 2003, 07:46	#4
Dave Smith Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Maldon, Essex Posts: 380	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. __________________ Dave
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