Also, a question for Ian, Skean or any other experts. Ive set up my camera as per alot of posts already made but when trying yesterday for the first time i couldnt work out best method of capture...... Id focus with scope then go to camera which would then focus itself and had some fair results. However i found better results if after i part pressed the focus/shot button and it locked on target i then re focused scope to get exact focus and then took the shot etc. Seemed to be sharper but am i getting this right or making hard work of it. Sorry for going all way back to basics but trying to improve and figure it all out.... Also what are your settings on Noise Reduction and Auto Focus Mode?
Thanks all.
I always locate the bird with the scope, set focus and then mount the camera - I've been using a swing away adapter so far. I always depress the shutter half way and pause before then releasing the shutter fully - if for no other reason than to let any vibrations settle. Mostly I've found the camera autofocus is spot on doing this, though sometimes I confirm focus using the LCD and adjusting the scope focus, but with the P5000 that's seldom needed. The autofocus on the P5000 blows the socks off the CP4500. With the CP4500 I always had to use a 2x magnifier over the LCD and manually focus with the scope whilst half depressing the shutter using a cable release - that's not needed with the P5000.
One thing though to consider is distance of the lens from the eyepeice - with the CP4500 getting it as close as possible was important, but with the P5000 c.1/2" seems to give the best results for exposure and autofocus.
As regards settings I haven't actually read the manual yet. I powered the battery, went through the menus to set Image quality - fine, Image size 10mp, Optimize image - normal, White balance - auto, Metering spot - though matrix works just as well so far, ISO100, Continuous shooting, AF mode - manual, AF - single shot, Built in flash - off, fixed aperture and noise reduction - off and switched to 'A' mode. I have the flower symbol selected as well - I presume it's for macro.
I'll have to have a look at the manual sometime
The only other adjustment I've been doing is to adjust the EV compensation depending on lighting - dead easy to adjust and likewise sometimes increasing aperture.