I happened across details of this potentially amazing camera/scope today and thought I'd post the following update (June 2003) for those who, like me, hadn't been aware of this instrument's existence." The Kowa TD-1 Spotting Scope / DSC" features a three megapixel digital still camera built into a spotting scope, offering the ability to take digital photos at focal lengths equivalent to 450 - 1350mm on a 35mm camera. Kowa Japan has now delayed the model indefinitely, apparently for a fairly detailed redesign. Specifically, the company says that the form factor will be changed to improve useability, the LCD display size will be changed, and the digital camera function will be extended.
No pricing or availability for the camera was ever given in the USA, and we are currently awaiting a response from our contacts here to ascertain how the Japanese announcement will impact plans for the TD-1 to be sold stateside".
Just when, if ever, it comes on the market I'd assume that, in keeping with the developments digital camera market as a whole, it will have rather more than 3 million pixels! It has certainly made me wonder if I should put off my intended purchase of a new camera & scope in 2004 until I know whether this little beastie is going to appear! John