KJBP_~904~904~~~~~~~~(default)~0~0~0,0,1|1,0~0~sp1~~~~0~0~0~~~~~~~~~~~tableCol=1;tabBord=0;cellSpa=0;cellPad=0;tableBreak=0;imgAlign='Left';tableBrCol='';tableBgColor='';bgColorPanel='';tAlign='';tWidth='';cValign='';cWidth='';~0~0~Layout Table~[~~]~[~~]~[~~]~1~~~~ 0JBP_~904~905~%3CBR%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27#0000A0%27 SIZE=3 FACE=%27Arial,Helvetica,Sans Serif%27%3E%3CP ALIGN=Center%3E%3CB%3EDigiBirding / Digiscoping Guide%3C/B%3E%3C/P%3E %3CBR%3E%3C/FONT%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27#000000%27 SIZE=2 FACE=%27Arial,Helvetica,Sans Serif%27%3E%3CB%3EThe Digital Advantage. %3C/B%3E%3C/FONT%3E%3CBR%3EBird Photography is being revolutionised by simply attaching a digital still camera or camcorder to the eyepiece of your scope. DigiBirding makes bird photography easy for any birder who owns a telescope and digital still camera or camcorder.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EDigital still cameras and camcorders are much more sensitive to light than standard film cameras and are therefore ideally suited for this application, even in relatively low-light conditions.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EEagleEye OpticZooms are the world%27s leading Manufacturer of DigiBirding / DigiScoping products and are committed to continuous development of items specifically aimed at making this new technique as easy as possible for everyone to use.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EBut that is not all, we are also able to offer you comprehensive advice on all DigiBirding / Digiscoping matters and via our associates, can supply you with EagleEye recommended cameras and camcorders and a complete range of DigiBirding / Digiscoping accessories. In fact absolutely everything to enable you to produce spectacular photographs like some of those you can see in our brochure and on this website. %3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27#000000%27 FACE=%27Arial,Helvetica,Sans Serif%27%3E%3CB%3ENo Heavy Lenses to Buy or Carry. %3C/B%3E%3C/FONT%3E%3CBR%3EThere is no need to buy a huge, expensive camera lens when your scope will do the job for you. %3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EAttach the digital camera or camcorder over the eyepiece of your scope using the %3CA HREF=JavaScript%3Aparent.parent.show(769,0,0)%3EDigiMount Adapter%3C/A%3E and you can zoom into the image produced by the scope, magnifying it even further.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EFor example, the Nikon Coolpix 995 ( or the latest Nikon CP4500 ) camera zooms at x4 onto the image produced by your scope. This means that with a x30 eyepiece you can take photographs at x120 magnification @ f5.1, which is equivalent to a 4500mm lens on an SLR camera!%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EThe size, weight and cost of an SLR lens capable of providing less than 25%25 ( i.e. 1000mm @ f5.1 ) of this awesome power would be phenomenal.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EWith a digital camcorder e.g. Sony PC100 ( or the latest Sony PC120 ) it is perfectly possible to take images at magnification of x300 or higher!%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3ETo achieve this awesome power the only extra equipment the DigiBirder / Digiscoper needs to carry is the camera/camcorder and a few pocket-size, lightweight accessories.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27#000000%27 FACE=%27Arial,Helvetica,Sans Serif%27%3E%3CB%3ENo More Film to Buy.. %3C/B%3E%3C/FONT%3E%3CBR%3EA digital still camera uses %27film%27 just like any other camera with one very important difference and that is, the film is completely reusable.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EDigital still camera %27film%27 comes in the form of a memory card that fits inside your camera or camcorder. The most common types are known as %3CA HREF=JavaScript%3Aparent.parent.show(766,767,0)%3ECompact Flash Cards%3C/A%3E, Smart Media Cards and Memory Sticks ( mainly used by Sony digital camcorders ), they all come in various storage capacity sizes, described for example as 64mb / 128mb / 256mb etc. etc.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EThe more memory capacity the card has the more images it will hold, for example used with most cameras a 128mb card will hold over 150 images at normal quality. %3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EThe images can be viewed in the field via the LCD screen on the camera. Any images you are not happy with you simply trash there and then and reuse the space for further images. Once back home, all saved images may be transferred onto your PC or video tape and once transferred the whole %27film%27 is ready to use again and again. In other words you have no more film to buy....ever!%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27#000000%27 FACE=%27Arial,Helvetica,Sans Serif%27%3E%3CB%3EMoving Footage. %3C/B%3E%3C/FONT%3E%3CBR%3EA digital camcorder records moving footage directly onto digital tape in much the same way music is recorded onto an audio cassette tape. The difference is that the image is recorded digitally.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EThe footage produced can either be left on the tape or transferred on to normal VHS tape. It can be edited on your PC into quite professional Birdy %27movies%27 by using the software provided with the camcorder.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EIn addition to moving footage many of the camcorders can also record still images onto memory cards in the same way as a digital still camera does ( the latest Sony PC120 camcorder can take 1.5million pixel still images and some models capable of 3 million pixels are now appearing ) or take videograbs straight from the moving footage. Videograbs can be edited, stored, e-mailed etc. exactly as with digital still images.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27#000000%27 FACE=%27Arial,Helvetica,Sans Serif%27%3E%3CB%3ECamera or Camcorder.??%3C/B%3E%3C/FONT%3E%3CBR%3EThere are advantages to both methods.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EA digital still camera does not have the larger zoom capability offered by the camcorder and of course produces stills, although some do also have the facility to record short movie clips as well. So if its moving footage or videograbs of very distant birds that you require then a camcorder is your first choice though the much higher magnifications mean that vibrations can lead to camera shake and be a bit of a problem.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EOn the other hand the images produced by a digital still camera are of the highest quality and compare extremely favourably with images produced by traditional SLR film cameras.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EEditing video footage requires a fairly powerful PC compared to editing still images. %3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27#000000%27 FACE=%27Arial,Helvetica,Sans Serif%27%3E%3CB%3ENo need to intrude on the bird / subject%3C/B%3E%3C/FONT%3E%3CBR%3EBecause of the magnification being used with DigiBirding / Digiscoping there is not the need to get right up close to get a good image of the bird / subject. This makes DigiBirding / Digiscoping far less stressful for the bird / subject (and photographer!) and lessens the time needed to get a good shot.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27#000000%27 FACE=%27Arial,Helvetica,Sans Serif%27%3E%3CB%3ESee your shots on TV, PC, E-mail, In your records..%3C/B%3E%3C/FONT%3E%3CBR%3EOnce you have taken your bird images it couldn%27t be simpler to view them on either a TV or PC.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EYour camera or camcorder will come with special leads that enable you to transfer images direct to the TV or PC. Once your images are on TV you can record them onto a normal video tape as a permanent record.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EIf you have a PC, the images are stored direct onto your hard drive or onto a CD-ROM and a whole range of additional possibilities are open to you.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27#000000%27 FACE=%27Arial,Helvetica,Sans Serif%27%3E%3CB%3EThe digital darkroom%3C/B%3E%3C/FONT%3E%3CBR%3EYour camera will come with software that will enable you to edit your images or footage.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EThough you can never turn a bad image into a good image, the software provided can undoubtedly help improve the final quality of an image in exactly the same way as traditional darkroom methods are capable of enhancing %27normal%27 film based photographs.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EMost digital images can be improved with less than half a dozen %27clicks%27 with a mouse. The software also enables you to zoom in, crop, enlarge, rotate etc. etc. and prepare your images for e-mailing or printing.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27#000000%27 FACE=%27Arial,Helvetica,Sans Serif%27%3E%3CB%3EEnhance your Records and Create Virtual Albums%3C/B%3E%3C/FONT%3E%3CBR%3EIf you don%27t have a PC there are an increasing number of high street outlets that will print the images out for you so that you can include them in your written records. If you keep your records on a PC already it will be child%27s play to include images of the birds / subjects you have recorded.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EThe software that comes with the camera will enable you to group your images together in albums that suit your particular interests or holidays e.g. Gulls and Terns, Arizona 2001 trip, local patch birds and so on. It is also easy to produce %27slide shows%27 for the PC and even to make your own birdy CD-ROMs.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EE-mailing your images around the world couldn%27t be easier and with a moderately powered PC and a little skill you can even turn your footage into %27Bird Movies%27. %3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27#000000%27 FACE=%27Arial,Helvetica,Sans Serif%27%3E%3CB%3EPrinting Images%3C/B%3E%3C/FONT%3E%3CBR%3EThe Coolpix 995 / Cp4500 digital still cameras are capable of producing perfectly satisfactory prints at sizes of 10 inches by 8 inches and higher. Even inexpensive, fairly basic printers these days are able to produce quality prints of this size provided the recommended paper is used.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27#000000%27 SIZE=3 FACE=%27Arial,Helvetica,Sans Serif%27%3E%3CB%3E%3CP ALIGN=Center%3ETHE BASIC EQUIPMENT%3C/P%3E%3C/B%3E %3C/FONT%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27#000000%27 FACE=%27Arial,Helvetica,Sans Serif%27%3E%3CB%3EScope and tripod%3C/B%3E%3C/FONT%3E%3CBR%3EAny scope is capable of being used for DigiBirding / Digiscoping but as with most things, you get what you pay for. Generally, the wider the objective lens of the scope, the more it will be suited to DigiBirding / Digiscoping.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EWide-angle, low power eyepieces also produce better images than high powered or zoom eyepieces particularly with camcorders and with digital still cameras that have larger diameter lenses. The%3CB%3E EagleEye Digiscoping Eyepiece%3C/B%3E is specifically designed to dramatically improve this situation for users of camcorders and digital still cameras with larger diameter lenses.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EIt is worth remembering, the higher the magnification you work at, the more prone the set up is to vibration and camera shake.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EThe sturdier the tripod the easier it will be to obtain good, steady, sharp images. %3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27#000000%27 FACE=%27Arial,Helvetica,Sans Serif%27%3E%3CB%3EDigital Camera and Camcorder%3C/B%3E%3C/FONT%3E%3CBR%3EThe current digital still camera of choice for serious DigiBirding / Digiscoping is the Nikon Coolpix 4500 and most of the images you see in this brochure and on our website have been taken with its predecessors the Nikon CP990 or CP995.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3ESee the bottom of this page for recommended camera settings.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EIf your budget won%27t stretch to the Nikon CP4500 then take your scope along to your local retailer and simply try holding various camcorders or digital still cameras over the eyepiece of your telescope until you find one that works well.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EIn general a digital still camera should have at least two million pixels ( essentially the number of dots that make up the digital image. The more pixels the camera can produce, the better the image quality will be ), a 2x optical zoom capability and an internal thread around the objective lens to take the %3CA HREF=JavaScript%3Aparent.parent.show(769,0,0)%3EDigimount Adapter%3C/A%3E.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EAvoid cameras where the camera lens extends out of the main camera body when the camera is switched on or zoomed in or cameras with large diameter lenses.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EPlease note that the results obtained using different cameras will vary depending on the camera model being used. Usually the main issue is that of vignetting ( darkening around the corners of an image ). The extent of this varies considerably between different cameras and because of the vast number of different camera models that are available, we cannot provide any really meningful guidance on this other than what is stated above.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EWe cannot accept any responsibility if there is unacceptable vignetting with your particular equipment.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27#000000%27 FACE=%27Arial,Helvetica,Sans Serif%27%3E%3CB%3EPC and / or TV%3C/B%3E%3C/FONT%3E%3CBR%3EAny Pentium II or higher PC running at 200Mhz or above will handle and edit still images or videograbs. A 4Gb hard drive or above will hold many thousands of digital still images.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EIf you have a CD Rewriter you will never run out of memory! For editing of video footage you will need a slightly more powerful PC e.g. one with a 20Gb hard drive and a Pentium II 400Mhz processor or better.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27#000000%27 FACE=%27Arial,Helvetica,Sans Serif%27%3E%3CB%3ERecommended Digital Cameras and Camcorders%3C/B%3E%3C/FONT%3E%3CBR%3EMost camcorders and digital still cameras can be used for DigiBirding but as with most things, some will perform better and produce superior results than others.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EThe equipment that is currently most widely used for serious DigiBirding / Digiscoping is the Sony PC100, PC110 or PC120 digital camcorders and the Nikon Coolpix 4500 digital still camera ( or its predecesors the Nikon CP900/CP950/CP990/CP995 ).%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27#000000%27%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27#000000%27 SIZE=3 FACE=%27Arial,Helvetica,Sans Serif%27%3E%3CB%3E%3CP ALIGN=Center%3ETHE ESSENTIALS%3C/P%3E%3C/B%3E%3C/FONT%3E%3C/FONT%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27#000000%27 FACE=%27Arial,Helvetica,Sans Serif%27%3E%3CB%3E%3CA HREF=JavaScript%3Aparent.parent.show(769,0,0)%3EThe DigiMount Adapter or Nikon CoolPix DigiMount Adapter ( with 28mm threads )%3C/A%3E%3C/B%3E%3C/FONT%3E%3CBR%3EThe DigiMount Adapter attaches the camera to the eyepiece of your scope. It holds the camera very close to the eyepiece and over the centre of the eyepiece image. It is an essential piece of kit for cameras or camcorders. The 28mm threaded version has been specifically made for the Nikon Coolpix range of cameras and provides even further improvements for these models.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EThe DigiMount Adapter is custom made to fit virtually all the commonly used eyepieces provided the correct Insert Collar and Step-Ring is used. It is possible to buy different Insert Collars if you own more than one eyepiece. Click here or telephone us on 01474 871219 to determine the correct Insert Collar and Step-Ring required for your eyepiece and camera combination. You can also email us for advice.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3EThe Wing Support and Accessory Bracket%3C/B%3E%3CBR%3EThis accessory is available either as the %3CA HREF=JavaScript%3Aparent.parent.show(594,598,0)%3EMk1%3C/A%3E for the Nikon Coolpix950 / CP990, the %3CA HREF=JavaScript%3Aparent.parent.show(594,781,0)%3EMk2%3C/A%3E for the Nikon Coolpix990 / CP995 and the %3CA HREF=JavaScript%3Aparent.parent.show(594,1009,0)%3EWing4500 %3C/A%3Efor the Coolpix 4500.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EIt provides a quick and easy mounting point for the optional ( model B ) Shutter Release Arm and a mounting point for the optional Xtend-a-View Pro LCD ( wing version ) Sunshade & Viewer. It is quickly and easily attached or removed and being small and lightweight can be left on the camera during normal hand held use.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3E%3CA HREF=JavaScript%3Aparent.parent.show(500,575,0)%3EXtend-a-View Pro ( wing version )%3C/A%3E%3C/B%3E%3CBR%3EThe LCD screen on digital still cameras can become difficult to see in bright or glare inducing conditions. The Xtend-a-View Pro acts as a sunshade and also slightly magnifies (x2) the LCD screen so that bright sunlit conditions are no longer a problem.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EThe Xtend-a-View Pro ( wing version ) fits onto the appropriate Wing Support and Accessory Bracket (Mk1 / Mk2 / Wing4500 ) for Nikon Coolpix 950, 990, 995 and 4500 cameras and the %3CA HREF=JavaScript%3Aparent.parent.show(500,501,0)%3EXtend-a-View Pro %3C/A%3Efits most other digital cameras using a simple Velcro attachment method.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27#000000%27 FACE=%27Arial,Helvetica,Sans Serif%27%3E%3CB%3E%3CA HREF=JavaScript%3Aparent.parent.show(594,599,0)%3E( model B ) Shutter Release Arm%3C/A%3E%3C/B%3E%3C/FONT%3E%3CBR%3EBecause of the high magnifications employed, any vibrations can be a problem when DigiBirding / Digiscoping.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EThe ( model B ) Shutter Release Arm fits onto any of the Wing Support and Accessory Brackets and when used with the Shutter Release Cable enables you to take pictures without needing to touch the camera, thus avoiding vibrations.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EImages taken using the Shutter Release Cable definitely have the edge over those taken by manually depressing the camera shutter button.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27#000000%27 FACE=%27Arial,Helvetica,Sans Serif%27%3E%3CB%3E%3CA HREF=JavaScript%3Aparent.parent.show(607,608,0)%3EShutter Release Cable%3C/A%3E%3C/B%3E%3C/FONT%3E%3CBR%3EThe Shutter Release Cable fits into the ( model B ) Shutter Release Arm significantly reducing any vibrations compared to manually depressing the camera shutter button. %3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27#000000%27 FACE=%27Arial,Helvetica,Sans Serif%27%3E%3CB%3E%3CA HREF=JavaScript%3Aparent.parent.show(621,629,0)%3ERechargeable NiMh Batteries%3C/A%3E%3C/B%3E%3C/FONT%3E%3CBR%3EDigital cameras are very heavy on battery use.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3ENormal alkaline batteries therefore become expensive and so it is a good idea to have a couple of sets of rechargeable NiMh batteries. They will very soon pay for themselves.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EFar better still, for a worry free, long lasting power source purchase our exclusive EagleEye BatPac described below.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27#000000%27 FACE=%27Arial,Helvetica,Sans Serif%27%3E%3CB%3E%3CA HREF=JavaScript%3Aparent.parent.show(621,622,0)%3EEagleEye BatPac%3C/A%3E%3C/B%3E%3C/FONT%3E%3CBR%3EThis extremely powerful rechargeable NiMh PowerPack gives unrivalled power, providing as good or better performance at a full 6volt output, than 20 conventional 1100mAh NiMh Batteries ( a set of 4x 1100mAh Nimh Batteries only output 4.8volts ).%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EWith a fully charged BatPac, you need never worry about running out of battery power.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27#000000%27 FACE=%27Arial,Helvetica,Sans Serif%27%3E%3CB%3E%3CA HREF=JavaScript%3Aparent.parent.show(621,696,0)%3ECarry Pouch for EagleEye BatPac%3C/A%3E%3C/B%3E%3C/FONT%3E%3CBR%3EA convenient pouch. It has a belt loop which is useful to attach the PowerPack either to your belt, camera bag strap or onto your tripod.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3E%3CA HREF=JavaScript%3Aparent.parent.show(766,0,0)%3ECompact Flash Memory Card %3C/A%3E%3C/B%3E(digital film)%3CBR%3EWe supply Compact Flash Memory Cards in various storage capacities and Memory Card Readers all at very competitive prices.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3E%3CA HREF=JavaScript%3Aparent.parent.show(461,491,0)%3EEagleEye OpticZooms 5x Telephoto Lens%3C/A%3E%3C/B%3E%3CBR%3EThe EagleEye OpticZoom 5x Telephoto Lens is perfectly suited for use with a camcorder in those situations when the bird / subject is too close for use with a scope or when conditions do not allow a more conventional DigiBirding / Digiscoping set up ( for example birds in-flight ).%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EWhen used on a camcorder with a 10x optical zoom the result is a 50x optical magnification ( 10 x 50 ), ideal for most situations.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EYou will be amazed at the superb images that such a small, lightweight ( weighs just 317gms ), high quality lens can produce. It also works well with most digital still cameras for photographing birds that are close or in-flight. When used in conjunction with an inexpensive Close-Up Lens it allows for non-intrusive Macro photographs at 20x magnification ( when used with a camera such as the Nikon CP995 or CP4500 ).%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3E%3CA HREF=JavaScript%3Aparent.parent.show(461,499,0)%3EAdditional Lenses%3C/A%3E%3C/B%3E%3CBR%3EThe power of the OpticZoom 5x Telephoto Lens can be increased even further. This is done by attaching an additional teleconverter lens into the front of it.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EAny teleconverter lens can be used ( you may need a step-ring to match the 37mm thread size on the front of the OpticZoom 5x Telephoto Lens ) however we have found that the Olympus B300 1.7x Teleconverter Lens produces the very best results.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3E%3CA HREF=JavaScript%3Aparent.parent.show(769,775,0)%3EImage Locating Sight%3C/A%3E%3C/B%3E%3CBR%3EFinding a small bird, high-flying raptor or other small / fast moving object can be difficult enough at any time. This is especially true with angled scopes or when DigiBirding / Digiscoping, particularly at higher magnifications.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EThe Image Locating Sight makes finding / tracking birds / subjects much easier. It is simple, quick and easy to fit. Once you have used it you will never know how you managed without one for so long.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3E%3CA HREF=JavaScript%3Aparent.parent.show(461,554,0)%3EClose-Up Lens Set%3C/A%3E%3C/B%3E%3CBR%3EWhen used in conjunction with a 4x zoom camera and screwed in to the font of the EagleEye OpticZoom 5x Telephoto Lens, they enable Macro photographs to be taken at 20x magnification and at a much more comfortable and far less intrusive distance than is normally the case.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EClose focussing distances can be varied from a few inches to several feet, and all at 20x!%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EFor example, you could fill an entire photograph with say a butterfly or bee from 5 feet away - No need to hold the camera right up to the subject.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3E%3CA HREF=JavaScript%3Aparent.parent.show(769,776,0)%3ECamMount%3C/A%3E%3C/B%3E%3CBR%3EIdeal for camcorders and digital still cameras without lens threads.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EThe CamMount provides a means of attaching cameras that do not have lens threads to your scope and can also be used to provide extra support for heavier camcorders.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3E%3CA HREF=JavaScript%3Aparent.parent.show(594,705,0)%3EXtend-a-Slide Pro PLUS%3C/A%3E%3C/B%3E%3CBR%3EIf you have a collection of slides, why not use the Xtend-a-Slide Pro PLUS to photograph them and turn them into digital images. You can then store these on your PC or on a normal CD.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EIt is very simply done. Connect the camera to one side of the Xtend-a-Slide Pro PLUS. Insert your slide into the slide holder, make a few simple adjustments to the Xtend-a-Slide Pro PLUS and voila, a high quality digital image of your slide. %3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3E%3CP ALIGN=Center%3ENIKON COOLPIX 990 / 995 / 4500 - SETTINGS FOR USE WITH DIGIMOUNT ADAPTER. %3C/P%3E%3C/B%3EThe settings outlined below will give you an ideal place to start from when using your Nikon Coolpix 990/995/4500 ( CP4500 settings may be located slightly differently to the CP990/CP995 ) with a DigiMount Adapter. Once you have got used to the way your camera works with your particular scope you will be able to experiment to find the precise settings that suit you. %3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EWe suggest you shoot in Manual (M-REC) and define the User Settings as follows%3A %3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CP ALIGN=Left%3E%3CB%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27%27 SIZE=3%3EIn the control panel%3C/FONT%3E%3C/B%3E%3C/P%3E%3CB%3EQuality%3A %3C/B%3EFine. %3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3EAperture Priority%3A%3C/B%3E Always ON and invariable turned right up to maximum aperture (smallest f) to get fastest shutter speed. %3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3EISO%3A%3C/B%3E In order of preference depending on light and / or wind (camera shake) 100 then 200 then 400. 100 of course gives slowest shutter speed but a better image quality. %3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3EMacro%3A %3C/B%3EON (seems to give better / quicker focussing) %3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3EFlash%3A %3C/B%3EOFF. %3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3E%3CP ALIGN=Left%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27%27 SIZE=3%3EIn the menu structure%3C/FONT%3E%3C/P%3E%3C/B%3E%3CB%3EExp%3A%3C/B%3E%3CBR%3EAE Lock OFF%3CBR%3EAuto bracketing%3A OFF%3CBR%3EExp +/- %3A OFF %3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3EFocus%3A %3C/B%3E%3CBR%3EAF Area mode%3A AUTO %3CBR%3EAuto Focus%3A Single AF%3CBR%3EAF Focus Confirmation%3A ON (the little red brackets are quite handy for knowing where the camera has focussed e.g. vegetation or the bird.)%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3EZoom%3A %3C/B%3E%3CBR%3EDigital Tele%3A OFF (picture taken in digital mode can be very pixellated)%3CBR%3EStart Up Position%3A LAST (Invariably the maximum optical Zoom)%3CBR%3EFixed Aperture%3A OFF%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3EMetering%3A %3C/B%3ECentre Spot or Matrix %3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3EWhite Balance%3A %3C/B%3EA Auto%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3EContinuous%3A%3C/B%3E Single%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3EBSS%3A %3C/B%3EOff%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3ELens%3A %3C/B%3ENormal%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3EImage Adj%3A%3C/B%3E Auto%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3EImage Sharpening%3A%3C/B%3E Auto%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3EMonitor%3A%3C/B%3E This needs to be set to stay on - Menu button, down to S, Auto Off set to 30m %3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3E%3CP ALIGN=Center%3E%3CFONT COLOR=%27%27 FACE=%27Arial,Helvetica,Sans Serif%27%3ETIPS%3C/P%3E%3C/B%3E%3CB%3EPRACTICE, PATIENCE and LIMITATIONS%3C/B%3E%3CBR%3EThe 3 key words in DigiBirding / Digiscoping - ignore them and it will undoubtedly lead to Frustration, Disappointment and Annoyance.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3ENobody would get into a car for the very first time and assume that they will naturally be able to perform all that is required to be a good and capable driver. Equally, it should not be assumed that simply attaching a camera to a scope will immediately result in %27good%27 photographs being taken. Both disciplines require PRACTICE and when you are just starting it needs to be done in a structured way, within a controlled environment and with ample time to review, reflect upon and learn from your results, both good and bad.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3C/FONT%3EThe area which gives Digiscopers most problems is in achieving good focus of the subject being photographed. Given the nature and method of the digiscoping technique it is much more difficult to get the %27perfect%27 shot than if traditional photographic equipment was being used. However, many of the images captured by digiscoping would just not be possible to obtain using traditional photographic equipment ( unless you have a seriously healthy bank balance and a Mr.Universe physique to be able to carry all the additional, very large and heavy equipment around ). %3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3EA Bad way to Practice%3C/B%3E%3CBR%3EGo out for the whole day when it is dull and overcast and take hundreds of photos of very fast moving objects. Come home exhausted and look at the images on your computer / TV. Huff and puff because hardly any have come out well and those that nearly have are either badly framed or not in good focus. Curse the day you decided to digiscope and blame everyone from the scope manufacturer, to the camera manufacturer, to the sales assistants for the bad results and your disappointment. Go to bed annoyed and upset wondering what underhanded trickery is used by the many people who get those nice digiscoped images that you have seen everywhere.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E%3CB%3EA Good way to Practice%3C/B%3E%3CBR%3EPractice on a nice sunny day when there is no significant wind blowing.%3CBR%3EPractice alone, in peace and quiet and without disctractions.%3CBR%3ESet-up in a shaded position somewhere near your computer %3CFONT COLOR=%27%27 SIZE=1%3E( in the back garden for example )%3C/FONT%3E.%3CBR%3EMount your scope securely on a sturdy tripod %3CFONT COLOR=%27%27 SIZE=1%3E( set the tripod low-down so that you can use it in a seated position )%3C/FONT%3E.%3CBR%3EUse a low magnification power eyepiece %3CFONT COLOR=%27%27 SIZE=1%3E( e.g 20x or our new 10x/12x low power DigiScoping eyepiece )%3C/FONT%3E.%3CBR%3EAdjust the camera settings as detailed above %3CFONT COLOR=%27%27 SIZE=1%3E( if your camera is different follow the settings as far as possible )%3C/FONT%3E%3CBR%3EUsing the DigiMount Adapter, secure your camera to the scope.%3CBR%3EUse a Shutter Release Cable ( or the camera timer ) when taking the photos.%3CBR%3ESecurely mount a colourful / sharp photograph of A4 size about 40 feet away from the scope position.%3CBR%3ETake-up a seated position at the camera and have a sip of tea, coffee, beer or whatever you fancy.%3CBR%3ELocate subject / adjust the scope focus until the image in the camera LCD screen appears sharp.%3CBR%3ETake 10 photos adjusting the scope focus for each one, if you feel it is necessary%3CFONT COLOR=%27%27 SIZE=1%3E ( no more than 10 )%3C/FONT%3E.%3CBR%3EReview your results on the computer / TV noting the accuracy of focus.%3CBR%3ETry to recall what the image looked like in the LCD for the photos where focus was good.%3CBR%3ETake 10 more photos adjusting the scope focus for each one, if you feel it is necessary%3CFONT COLOR=%27%27 SIZE=1%3E ( no more than 10 )%3C/FONT%3E.%3CBR%3EReview your results on the computer / TV noting the accuracy of focus.%3CBR%3ETry to recall what the image looked like in the LCD for the photos where focus was good.%3CBR%3ERepeat the above process until you can regularly achieve good focus for most of the 10 images.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EOnce you are at this stage you can slowly start to introduce %27real-life%27 complexities into the process ( one at a time ). For example, practice when it is not so sunny or when there is some wind blowing or on a moving subject etc., but each time repeat the same process as before so that you can learn the sort of difficulties that each complexity introduces, how this affects your digiscoping and ways of overcoming the problems. %3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EWhenever possible, always take several photos of the same subject to improve your chances of capturing a good shot.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3E Finally, do remember that there are LIMITATIONS to the digiscoping technique and that not all of the practical problems that you may experience when digiscoping will always be completely solveable. Also, please remember that as individuals we bring our own personal limitations into the digiscoping equation %3A if 5 people are lined-up alongside each other and told the process of aiming a gun and how to hit the bullseye on a target, not all 5 will be equally accurate.%3CBR%3E%3CBR%3EHappy Digiscoping.%3C/FONT%3E~~~~~~~(default)~0~0~0,0,1|1,0~0~si50~~~~0~0~0~~~~~~~~Left~~~popWin=0~0~0~Digibirding Guide~[~~]~[~~]~[~~]~1~~~~ Menu Page | Toolbar Page |

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