digiscoping (1 Viewer)

[ropaled]

Help please!?

Already have swarovski 80HD ATS scope and tripod. Want to start digiscoping. Recommendations please. Was looking at Nikon 4500 Coolpix but am told this is obsolete and new Nikon will be released very soon. Told it was best to wait. Think I need camera, 2batteries, adaptor and a decent card or 2 of no less than half gb. Anything else and comments please.

Thank you one and all.

 

[Pie Face]

As an alternative have a look at the Contax/Kyocera cameras postings.

Mark

 

[ropaled]

As an alternative have a look at the Contax/Kyocera cameras postings.

Mark

Will do & thanks.

 

[IanF]

I have the Cp4500 and the Contax SL300RT which is a handy little camera for digiscoping.

I still like the CP4500 which can still be had though if I had to replace it now I'd also consider the Canon A95 which seems to be producing decent results.

A problem with waiting for new Nikon models is that most of the successors to the CP4500 haven't been as suited to digiscoping.

 

[Tannin]

You will need more than two batteries fot the CP4500. By all means start with two, but you'll find that extras are necessary. I have found that 6 is the magic number (though, I grant you, I use two cameras - both CP4500s, one on the scope and the other one for macros and landscapes, plus ready as an instant spare. Just the same, with a single CP4500, you'll find you need 4 or 5 batteries. Another realy useful thing to have is a 12V inverter so that you can recharge in the car.

Flash cards ... hmmm .... you'll be OK nearly all the time with around 1GB in total. Only on a very good day will you use more than that.

 

[tracker]

Hi ropaled,

Welcome to BirdForum...

You may also consider the use of a shutter release cable as a means of improving steadiness of your camera during that all important shot. I have a generic type (customised) that works with the cp4500. Not sure on the availability for other models.

Im sure you will also need bags of patience, perseverance and a good sense of humour. These are vital.....

All the best for your venture.... :t:

Tom

 

[Tannin]

A remote release is one of those either/or things. You will either wonder how anyone could possibly live without one, or else you will wonder why on earth anyone ever bothers with the useless darn things.

Only way to find out if you are an "either" or an "or" person is to try one out!

Essentially, digiscoping is all about keeping the camera still. You are working with so much zoom that the tiniest little motions blur your shot. So, you have to make a decision:

* Method A: set the system up so that it is stable, and as firm as possible. Don't touch it! Wait a while while the vibrations die down. Use the remote release to take your shot without inducing vibration. Pray that you don't have any wind at all!

* Method B: leave a little play in the tripod system. Grasp it softly but firmly, and let the weight of your hands and arms damp out any vibrations. Generally, a steady, soft pressure works best. Pray that that third scotch last night has worn off already!

Some peple use Method A, some use Method B. Try both and make your own decision.

 

[Tannin]

PS: as Tom says, bags of patience, perseverance and a good sense of humour are essential. The more time you spend in the field, the more good shots you get. Sometimes you work hard all day and get nothing, other times superb shots just fall into your lap as if by magic.

May you have lots of the magic days!

 

[Hauer]

Hello Ropaled,

Just for your info, I've just recommended someone here in Holland who is selling their CP4500 due to the purchase of a Nikon D70 to advertise via Birdforum. No idea of the condition or asking price. Email contact: [email protected]
The email address may look strange but its via an Ebay subsidiary website.

Good luck!

Herman

 

[bill lord]

Flash cards ... hmmm .... you'll be OK nearly all the time with around 1GB in total. Only on a very good day will you use more than that.

I haven't needed more than the three batteries I have for the moment, but I will see how that goes on, they do not seem to last very long before the battery low icon shows. Mind you the last time I saw that icon I ignored it and took another 30 pictures and spent about 15 minutes viewing pictures as well before it completely gave up.
I get 100 pictures on the fine mode at 2274x1704 on a 128mb card, so you could expect 800 pictures on a 1gb card, more than enough for most people on any day.