Máistir Nádúraí: P&S Digital Cameras for Digiscoping

7.08.2011

P&S Digital Cameras for Digiscoping

Apart from adding a carbon fiber tripod a couple of years ago, I haven't changed my digiscoping gear since 2006. I'm still using an older generation Swarovski ATS80 HD, 20-60x zoom, Swarovski DCA, and a Nikon Coolpix 8400 (discontinued, but still available) for all my digiscoping. For all the macro shots on my blog I use a Nikon Coolpix 4500 (also discontinued). I've yet to spend time with the Canon SD4000 IS we have at the store, but if my 8400 died today it's the camera I would likely replace it with. As I've mentioned in previous posts, unless I've used it extensively, it's difficult for me to recommend particular camera models, though I can tell you what others are using. While just about any DSLR with a 50mm f/1.8 lens will work, here are three point-and-shoot digital cameras recognized by the digiscoping community that work well:

Where to get camera recommendations:

Link: Yahoo Digiscoping Tech Group

Link: Facebook Digiscoping Group

© 2011 Mike McDowell

Bio:

Mike McDowell has been documenting southern Wisconsin’s flora and fauna since 1987 and began leading field trips in 2002. Prolific at Pheasant Branch Conservancy, other highlighted natural areas include Pope Farm Conservancy, Spring Green Preserve, and the Baraboo Hills. His nature photography has appeared in various publications, newspapers, magazines and was even featured on a Wisconsin Endangered Resources license plate, a Capital Brewery beer label, and a National Geographic publication. He began journaling nature observations on this blog in 2005. He's the recipient of the 2012 Bronze Passenger Pigeon Award from the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology, presented to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in their local communities or state to promote the field of ornithology. He was a finalist in Swarovski’s Digiscoper of the Year photography contest several times. His other interests include insect macro-photography (especially tiger beetles, treehoppers, and robber flies), fossil collecting, amateur astronomy, botany, natural history, and marksmanship with long-range firearms. Once a gigging musician, collecting Fender Stratocasters is a recently revived interest—most prized being a 1957 Vintage Custom 'Mary Kaye' White Blonde. A former IT Professional, he's spent the last 24 years employed in the sport optics industry and has more binoculars than you.