CalvinFold
Well-known member
[Some of this covered in my previous thread: http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=271361]
I have a Coolpix 4500 that I love for digiscoping, really, but watching my girlfriend get gorgeous handheld shots with her D700 is giving me camera envy. I think I envy the resolution, image stabilization, and lack of "grain" (gaussian pixelation) the most. To be fair, she's constantly amazed at the photos I get from the Coolpix 4500.
Granted, she doesn't like the weight of the D700, and is looking to move down to a Micro Four Thirds (M43). And I've heard these M43s might make good digiscoping cameras.
Here's my current rig for digiscoping: http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/471236/ppuser/119570
Looking, for now, only to change out the camera, not the scope, let's get that out of the way. It is multifunction for me since I also have plans to do some basic amateur astronomy and overall, bokeh not withstanding, I'm happy with it.
I guess really the key features I need, relative to the Coolpix 4500:
--Still have autofocus available when using a scope.
--Shoot either afocal (from the eyepiece) or directly from the tube of the scope (which you can do from the Celestron) if it makes more sense
--Available electronic remote shutter release (cabled).
--Faster shutter speed (the Coolpix is horrible at capturing moving objects)
--Image stabilization
--Better highlights (white birds) and shadows (low light, dawn/dusk, overcast).
--A "non hack" way to put the scope and camera together. The generic camera brackets are horrible. The DigiMount I use now is...acceptable. I'd really like a setup where the camera is more firmly mounted to the scope.
--A good, bright, big viewing screen.
--Something that is decent off-camera as well. Perhaps in the vein of "pop the camera off the digiscoping rig, pop-on a medium-range lense, and shoot general photography and medium-to-long range."
Again, I'm not a pro photographer, and generally have "prosumer" skills and needs. So full-on manual, DSLR type cameras are just overkill for me. Either a prosumer (high-end consumer) or "amateur friendly" M43 is likely more my speed.
Thanks for the help!
I have a Coolpix 4500 that I love for digiscoping, really, but watching my girlfriend get gorgeous handheld shots with her D700 is giving me camera envy. I think I envy the resolution, image stabilization, and lack of "grain" (gaussian pixelation) the most. To be fair, she's constantly amazed at the photos I get from the Coolpix 4500.
Granted, she doesn't like the weight of the D700, and is looking to move down to a Micro Four Thirds (M43). And I've heard these M43s might make good digiscoping cameras.
Here's my current rig for digiscoping: http://www.birdforum.net/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/471236/ppuser/119570
Looking, for now, only to change out the camera, not the scope, let's get that out of the way. It is multifunction for me since I also have plans to do some basic amateur astronomy and overall, bokeh not withstanding, I'm happy with it.
I guess really the key features I need, relative to the Coolpix 4500:
--Still have autofocus available when using a scope.
--Shoot either afocal (from the eyepiece) or directly from the tube of the scope (which you can do from the Celestron) if it makes more sense
--Available electronic remote shutter release (cabled).
--Faster shutter speed (the Coolpix is horrible at capturing moving objects)
--Image stabilization
--Better highlights (white birds) and shadows (low light, dawn/dusk, overcast).
--A "non hack" way to put the scope and camera together. The generic camera brackets are horrible. The DigiMount I use now is...acceptable. I'd really like a setup where the camera is more firmly mounted to the scope.
--A good, bright, big viewing screen.
--Something that is decent off-camera as well. Perhaps in the vein of "pop the camera off the digiscoping rig, pop-on a medium-range lense, and shoot general photography and medium-to-long range."
Again, I'm not a pro photographer, and generally have "prosumer" skills and needs. So full-on manual, DSLR type cameras are just overkill for me. Either a prosumer (high-end consumer) or "amateur friendly" M43 is likely more my speed.
Thanks for the help!