Cameras

	Digital Compact Cameras

	Two different optical systems that were not actually designed for each other are combined to take pictures through the observation eyepiece of a camera. Many cameras provide good results, other models are less impressive when combined with a spotting scope. The camera lens design is decisive. Digital compact cameras for digiscoping applications should have the following features: Not more than 3x zoom 1/4" tripod thread connector Possibility of remote release or at least a self timer with a short delay of approx. 2 seconds Large display with 2" minimum diameter Deactivateable flash Possibility of manual exposure correction As little lens movement (extending and retracting) as possible while setting the zoom

	The camera is used with auto focus, the white balance is set to automatic mode or daylight, the flash is deactivated. With the QCA, the camera is adjusted in a way that the camera lens is positioned centrally behind the eyepiece. The lens should be moved close to the eyepiece without touching it (caution while zooming).
	It is advisable to set the zoom eyepiece of the spotting scope to low magnification and the camera eyepiece to wide angle. This generally results initially in pronounced vignetting, i.e. there is a circular image with strong edge shadowing. However, this image shows exactly if the lens is well centered behind the eyepiece. The black edge should be as sharply narrowed as possible. It is possible to find the best setting for this by varying the distance between the camera lens and the eyepiece.
	The black edge disappears to produce a full-frame image when the zoom setting of the camera is changed up to the tele range (zoom in). If dark shadows still remain in the corners at all zoom settings, the camera is not suitable for digiscoping.
	Due to the number of models, it is practically impossible to create a list of recommendable cameras. However, good results have been achieved with the following:
	Sony DSC W Serie Sony DSC N Serie Sony DSC P Serie Canon Powershot A95 Canon Ixus 800 IS Nikon Coolpix 950 / 990 / 995 Nikon Coolpix 4500 / 5000 Panasonic FX Serie Panasonic LZ Serie Panasonic LS Serie Leica D-Lux Leica C-Lux