Samsung Android Galaxy phone, old or new? (1 Viewer)

[Thrupenney Bit]

I'm just thinking about dipping my toe into digiscoping and wondering where to start.
I have a Swarovski ATS65 telescope, and currently a Samsung Galaxy S10 ( which might be upgraded in the summer ).

In other threads I've seen an amazing set of pics using an S10 a couple of years ago with the person then upgrading the phone and not finding it as good. It seems the newer phones with several cameras within the phone body might cause a problem, though that is what I surmise and might not be an accurate assumption.

Therefore.... are there Galaxy owners out there digiscoping successfully with one of the newer S series Galaxy's?
thanks in advance.
Q

 

[Mono]

Use of a third party camera app, eg Open Camera, can make it much easier to adjust settings and to dictate which camera you want to use. This prevents the phone from automatically switching between cameras and ruining your scope set up.

Much of the increase in phone image quality comes from the post-processing the camera app can do. This is only capable with the most modern phones.

 

[Thrupenney Bit]

Ah thank you for replying Mono.
I have been browsing phone adaptors and seen Phoneskope mentioned. They also have a camera app to use with the adaptor which sounds like it has a similar function to Open Camera.
I shall investigate Open Camera.
Thanks again.
Q

 

[Gzoladz74]

I use the galaxy ultra s21 and I am happy with it. The pro mode of the galaxy camera app also let you choose the lens you wish to use.
Open camera is also good. I tried the phoneskope camera app but it didn't let me choose the lens.

 

[Thrupenney Bit]

Thank you Gzoladz74.
That's useful information, the sort of thing I'm after.
I will need to upgrade my S10 in a few months, so it's useful to know that newer phones work and that Open Camera can help you to specify which lens to use.
Thanks for that.

 

[Gzoladz74]

Thank you Gzoladz74.
That's useful information, the sort of thing I'm after.
I will need to upgrade my S10 in a few months, so it's useful to know that newer phones work and that Open Camera can help you to specify which lens to use.
Thanks for that.

I don't think you can go wrong with any new galaxy phone. Pro mode let you choose the lens too. A good adapter is key though.

 

[Thrupenney Bit]

Thanks for that.
Choosing an adaptor is the next step.
With a Swarovski scope I either have to go with their own adaptor ( expensive ) or choose a third party one such as Phone Skope.
Any thoughts on adaptor choice?

 

[Gzoladz74]

Thanks for that.
Choosing an adaptor is the next step.
With a Swarovski scope I either have to go with their own adaptor ( expensive ) or choose a third party one such as Phone Skope.
Any thoughts on adaptor choice?

I tried a few over the years. My thoughts:

1. Do not buy a cheap universal one. You will be wasting money and it is frustrating to use.
2. Mid-price universal, I can recommend Vanguard VEO PA-65. Make sure it is the right size for the eyepiece.
3. I bought the Smartoscope Vario a few months ago for my Kowa scope and I find it really, really good and it really is a pleasure to use. The adapter is universal (works with any phone) but the eyepiece connector is specific to the eyepiece of my scope (it fits perfectly). They do eyepiece connectors for other main scope brands too.

The Smartoscope is very expensive, but I will never have to buy another one and if I ever change the eyepiece of my scope (unlikely) I need to buy just a new connector.

I have never used the phoneskope adapter, but based on reviews online and from friends, it works very well with the dedicated phone case and eyepiece connector, but if you replace your phone you need a new phone case. If you replace your phone twice, it costs you the same as the Smartoscope (give or take).

Phoneskope also has an universal adapter for all phones (lollypop I think it is called). Reviews online are mixed. I have never seen or used one myself.

One thing I watch is that there are some adapters that require that you put something on the eyepiece of your scope which is used to connect to the dedicated phone case. I just don't like that concept personally so I avoid those that have that connection mechanism (although some seem to work well, according to reviews).

 

[Thrupenney Bit]

I've only been aware of Phone Scope, so the Smartoscope and Vanguard are news to me. I shall investigate!
Thanks for the information, very useful!

 

[Ribbon]

I did use a Phone Skope for a Galaxy S10 on my ATX. It functions, but for me the ring is to tight for fitting the eyepiece without me worrying about eventually damaging the rubber ring when using it regularly. Too loose would also be a problem of course, but for now I stick with the clumsy handheld method for my record shots.

Before my S10 I owned an iPhone (can't remember which model) and used the Swarovski adapter. Although costy I at least did not have the problem with the ring. Perfect fit.

 

[Thrupenney Bit]

Thanks Ribbon.
I realise with a phone change imminent if I use Phone Scope then I've either got to go with the universal one or look at the Smartoscope, also universal, or be patient and sort out a new phone first.

I haven't really checked the Swarovski one yet as I thought it expensive, but looking at the Smartosoope today realise that's not cheap either.
More research is needed, and your thoughts are much appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Ribbon]

Kind of a late response. Forgot about this thread a bit...

Well, at the moment I'm also looking out for a new phone. At the same time I hope to find the best adapter/phone combo which works fast and practical. Therefore I tend towards a new Galaxy phone with an Ollin magnetic system (discussed in another topic). It looks fast and the phone placement seems accurate. But at the moment I'm not excluding a Swaro system either...

To illustrate:
Last week I found one of my best birds to date; an adult Spotted Sandpiper. After the initial shaky records shots with my DSLR (and in the midst of the adrenaline rush) I tried to make a short film with my S10/PhoneSkope combo. This was terrible. The rubbers in the adapter for holding the phone in place were dried out so the phone didn't fit. Trying to force the phone in I also cut myself because of sharp glass on the back of my phone due to earlier inflicted damage. Of course the bird flew out of sight before I could press the play button with my bloody finger.

So yeah, I'm looking for the fastest and most user friendly system. For me decent record shots/short filmshave are most important, after that comes image quality. Being able to shoot good shots at a stormy sea would be perfect, although this is also a matter of practice of course.