Digital cameras have come a long way in a short period of time. There are two main variables that will impact your camera choice: image quality and zoom capabilities. The good news is that many of the lower cost cameras now have all the characteristics that a good digiscoping camera requires.

Image quality

Image quality is based on a combination of factors. The most often referenced is the “megapixel” rating of the camera. The more pixels the camera can handle, the better the quality of the image.  

• 3 megapixles: Good quality and quite adequate for most digiscoping work –- images suitable for the Web.
• 5 megapixels: Very good quality.
• 8 megapixels and higher: Excellent quality, often high enough for print media.

Zoom capabilities

In combination with the spotting scope, a little magnification goes a long way.  A 3x optical zoom is a good choice. Many cameras have even higher zoom capabilities but the total amount of magnification (when combined with a scope) can be so large that the slighest touch of the camera can impair image stability.

When considering zoom capabilities of a camera, be sure to differentiate between  “optical” and “digital” zoom. Optical zoom relies on manipulation of the camera’s lens system and produces a high quality image. Digital zoom relies on the camera’s “computer” to enlarge the size of the image electronically. The quality of the image degrades quickly as digital magnification is increased.

A camera with internal zoom is preferable but they are becoming hard to find. The Nikon Coolpix series has been a favorite because of its internal zoom. Many newer cameras have external zooms. Depending on the match with your spotting scope, zoom capabilities of 2x or 3x may be required to eliminate vignetting.

Other features:

Memory

Digital cameras work very much like computers. Images are stored digitally, either internally or on an exchangeable disc. The more memory your camera has the more photographs you can take without having to erase existing images. 

The resolution of the camera has a direct effect on the memory needs of the camera. An 8 megapixel image requires substantially more storage space than a 3 megapixel image. Serious photographers will opt for cameras that support some kind of flash memory card system. When one memory card is filled up, another one can be quickly loaded into the camera and work may continue.  Different manufacturers have different memory card requirements.

Image format

Images saved by the camera and then transferred to a PC can be in one of several different formats. More advanced cameras allow the user to select their preferred format. TIFF, JPG and Raw are common choices. Images saved as a Raw file (usually more expensive cameras only) do not have any image compression. The image files are very large but provide the highest overall quality. 

Camera design

The original Nikon CoolPix camera had a unique swivel design that made it ideal for digiscoping. The swivel design allowed the camera’s viewfinder to be positioned for easy viewing, no matter what the height of the spotting scope.

More expensive cameras have the look and size of a typical, high-quality 35 mm camera. The larger size makes them less convenient for use in the field. Some spotting scope manufacturers provide a swivel platform that is handy for the larger cameras. The swivel mount also makes it easier to use the spotting scope as both a scope and as a telephoto lens.

Which camera to buy?

Camera models change so quickly any recommendation would be outdated almost as soon as it has been made. At this time (March 2006) the Sony DSC-N1 camera is one of several popular choices. This ultra-compact 8.1 megapixel  camera  has a 3x zoom and offers very large rear touch-screen for easy operation. The unit does not have a threaded lens so a swivel camera mount or hand-held operation is required.