Learn About Digiscoping

Why Digiscope?

Definition Digiscoping is the process of taking photos or videos with a digital camera through a spotting scope.

Photography Alternatives Traditionally, capturing bird photos required using a film camera with a long lens or adapting the camera to a spotting scope. With the advent of digital cameras and camcorders, and their significant improvements in photo quality, many alternatives are now available. Your choice will depend on how you intend to use and display the photos.

Digital vs. Film Resolution in film is measured in line pairs per millimeter, based on the number of grains of silver or chromatic dyes within the frame. In digital images, resolution is measured in pixels or megapixels (MP), with light sensed by a matrix of red, green, and blue sensors. Modern digital SLR cameras now offer higher resolution than 35mm film. For instance, 11 MP cameras can produce 4x5-foot posters with film-quality detail, while 5 MP cameras can create 8x10-inch prints. For web use, a 3 MP camera is sufficient.

Digital Benefits

• Store the equivalent of 15 rolls of film on a device the size of a quarter.
• Easily store photos on your computer without the need for scanning.
• Post-processing ease and no processing mistakes.
• Instant feedback and ability to delete poor photos immediately.
• Lower cost per photo with reusable flash memory.
• Easier airline security check-in.

Film Benefits

Familiarity and lower battery requirements.

Scopes vs. Long Lenses Magnification in cameras, binoculars, and scopes is denoted by "X." For example, in film cameras, a 50mm lens is considered normal, so a 400mm lens is 8X. Digital cameras' "X" indicates zoom range. Scopes range from 10X to 75X magnification, equivalent to 500mm to 3750mm in film terms. While film camera lenses gather more light, they are heavier and less versatile than scopes, making digiscoping the preferred method for studying and photographing birds.

Built-ins vs. Components Some scopes come with built-in digital cameras, offering quick setup but limited in quality and upgradeability. Separate cameras and scopes offer greater flexibility and higher quality images.

Vignetting Vignetting occurs when the entire frame isn't illuminated, causing a circular image with black edges. This happens when the camera's objective lens is larger than the scope's exit pupil or improperly aligned. To minimize vignetting, use cameras with small objectives that can be positioned close to the scope's eyepiece.

Mating Cameras to Scopes Early digiscoping involved holding the camera to the scope's eyepiece, leading to blurry photos. Now, mounting devices align cameras to scopes more effectively. Modern brackets and adapters improve stability and image quality.

Digital Film (Memory) Digital still images are stored on removable flash memory, available in various formats like Compact Flash (CF), Secure Digital (SD), and xD-Picture Card. Choose the memory type based on capacity and compatibility with your camera.

Batteries Digital cameras consume a lot of power. NiMH and Lithium-Ion rechargeable batteries are preferred over alkaline batteries for their cost-effectiveness and lower environmental impact. Higher milliamp-hour (mAh) ratings indicate longer battery life.

Shooting Techniques

Composing Digital cameras offer two composing methods: viewfinder and LCD screen. For cameras without through-the-lens (TTL) viewfinders, use the LCD screen, possibly with a viewing hood or plastic slide viewer for better visibility.

Focusing Manually focus the scope, then use the camera's autofocus for fine-tuning. This method helps achieve sharper images.

Metering Autoexposure (AE) works well for average scenes, but spot metering or exposure compensation may be needed for extreme lighting conditions. Bracketing can help ensure proper exposure.

Zooming Optical zoom maintains image quality, while digital zoom crops and resizes the image, reducing quality. Zoom the camera, not the scope, to maintain brightness and reduce vignetting.

Selecting a Spotting Scope Choose a scope with a large objective lens and high-quality glass for optimal digiscoping. Compatibility with various cameras is essential for flexibility.

Selecting a Digital Camera For digiscoping, use cameras with 3x-4x optical zoom, external zoom elements, filter thread lenses, and at least a 3 MP sensor. Look for features like fast write speed, minimal shutter lag, and cable or wireless shutter release.

Post Processing Digital photography allows extensive editing, including exposure, contrast, color saturation, and sharpness adjustments. Editing software can enhance image quality and correct issues.

Conclusion

• Digiscoping provides quality images with lighter, less expensive equipment than film.
• Higher quality scopes yield better photos.
• Mounting systems improve stability and leave hands free.
• NiMH batteries are cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
• Use the largest economical flash memory available.
• Bracket exposures and use photo editing software for corrections.

Digiscoping offers a versatile and efficient way to capture stunning images of birds and wildlife.