Nikon Coolpix P6000
You just can't argue with Kevin Bolton's digiscoping results. Based on the fantastic images he's been able to capture over the past year, I think the Nikon Coolpix P6000 is the digital camera of choice if you own a Kowa or Swarovski spotting scope and you want to start digiscoping in style.
Kevin uses a Kowa 88 Prominar scope and the DA10 digiscoping adapter, which connects via Nikon's UR-E21 accessory adapter and a 43mm Kowa adapter ring. If you’re using a Swarovski spotting scope and want to use the P6000, you'll use their DCA, but the BOW-A4652N6 accessory adapter instead of the Nikon UR-E21. This is because the 43mm adapter ring included with the DCA isn't quite wide enough for the P6000's lens to fit through.
Have a great weekend!
Prairie Warbler © 2009 Kevin Bolton
4 Comments:
If someone is happy with the results, that's all that matters. However, without knowing any details or limitations of how well a point-and-shoot camera interfaces with a scope, there certainly appear to be better choices than the P6000 in this price range. I say that based on objective, detailed, thorough evaluation of some of the competition. Go to http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/Q408enthusiastgroup/
....the P6000 is well short of approaching the top with its peers.
Hi Catharus,
As you said, being 'happy' is all that matters. Now the details can be ignored!
In my opinion, a strong reason to go with the P6000 for digiscoping is on account of how easily it interfaces with Kowa and Swarovski spotting scopes - a big problem for so many cameras out there.
In looking over the cameras at the URL you provided, I don't recognize any that have been tested by digiscoping experts like Neil Fifer, Roy Halpin, or Clay Taylor. You can rule out any camera that has an optical zoom greater than 6x because they create significant vignetting. That rules out the Kodak Z8612 IS for sure with its 12x optical zoom.
What makes a good point-and-shoot stand-alone digital camera doesn't necessarily mean it works well for digiscoping. Finding those that do is one of the fundamental and on-going challenges among digiscopers.
Cheers,
Mike M.
Does the Swarovski UCA expand the range of which cameras can be used for digiscoping?
Those point-and-shoot digital cameras with a 3x to 5x optical zoom, but do not have an accessory adapter that comes out to a filter thread, and have a 1/4" inch tripod thread, can be used with the UCA. Also, some small DSLRs can work with it. It's less convenient than the DCA, however.
Mike M.
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