How wrong I was, the Contax SL300T* as a digiscoping digital camera not only comes close, in my opinion it surpasses the Coolpix 4500 and takes its crown as the Digiscoping king.
The Contax SL300T* is not only tiny and light weight, it's extremely easy to use. A few clicks in the settings menu and you are set up and ready to digiscope.
Sample image taken using the Contax SL300T*
Click thumbnail for larger image.
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The LCD screen is fantastic, you really notice the difference outdoors, it's so easy to recognise when your scope is in focus. Whilst it's only 1.5" in size, the image looks crystal clear.
The LCD also has a lower power mode, ideal for saving battery life.
I seem to consistently take sharp pictures with this camera, unlike the Nikon. The results are fantastic, possibly, in my opinion superior to that of Coolpix 4500.
With only a 1 second start up time, 0.07 second shutter lag and 3.5 frames per second capture rate, it's a digiscopers dream.
There are far fewer options to control than the Nikon, but the basic features that are changeable lend them self to the digiscoping technique.
Battery life is short, so take spares with you if you're out for the day, I carry three. I have also invested in a Contax external battery pack which takes 4x AA 1.3v rechargeable batteries which will power the camera all day.
Remote shutter release operation comes via a special adapter manufactured and sold by pennineonline.com.
This slide on device works a treat and is extremely well made.
Connecting to your scope is also straight forward with a 28mm threaded plastic lens adapter supplied that clicks in to place over the lens cover.
Overall, I'm delighted with my Contax SL300T*, it will be by my side on all my digiscoping adventures and has taken the place of my Nikon Coolpix 4500 as my main digiscoping camera.
