The PMA show in Las Vegas at the end of January 2008 saw the unveiling of the new and exciting Minox Digital Camera Module, the DCM, a product that has been in development for well over 4 years.
With the MINOX DCM Digital Camera Module fitted to a quality telescope a fast and easy-fitting solution has been provided for taking digital pictures through a spotting scope. Simply fitted to the eyepiece bayonet of a ‘scope this highly innovative product is an exciting combination of digital camera with normal camera functions, 2" High Resolution TFT monitor and eyepiece all in one.
What is even more exciting is that spotting 'scope users no longer need any additional equipment to get into practical digiscoping. With a compact size of around 68 x 71 x 56 mm and weighing in at just 220grams, the Digital Camera Module is easy to carry in a pocket or pouch and small enough to travel with. The screen allows more than one person to not only view the subject at the same time but also see the pictures or video-clips taken or being taken. It's just like using a powerful telephoto lens.
Initially there will be four different bayonet fittings for high quality 'scopes such as the MINOX MD62 range, Zeiss Diascopes, Leica Televids, Swarovskis and Kowas. Being watertight and shock-proof the DCM can comfortably be used in adverse weather conditions.
A convenient folding 'flip-up' shield not only protects the TFT monitor and the operating controls during transportation and storage but also acts as an anti-dazzle shield when the Digital Camera Module is in use. To do this, a powerful lens which replaces the telescope's eyepiece, transfers the image to the sensor of the digital camera integrated in the MINOX DCM. To store the image data this 'camera' has an internal memory of 128 MB as well as a slot for SD memory cards with a capacity of up to 4 Gigabytes. Power is provided by a rechargeable high-capacity lithium-ion battery.
Because of the high magnifications involved in digiscoping, Minox have included a remote control shutter release as part of the package so you can take photos without having to touch the DCM or telescope to which it is attached.
Kowa TSN 1-4 - 38x Kowa TSN 600 Series - 38x Kowa TSN 660 Series - 38x Kowa TSN 820 Series - 38x Kowa TSN 770 Series - 45x Kowa TSN 880 Series - 45x
Zeiss Diascope 65 - 35x Zeiss Diascope 85 - 45x
The DCM comes complete with battery, soft pouch, remote control, USB cable, anti-dazzle shield and manual.
The first deliveries are expected in early August 2008 and the first public showing and demonstrations will be at the British Bird Watching Fair at Rutland Water on 15, 16 & 17 August 2008.
Product Order Code & Fit:
Fits the following telescopes:
RRP:
60644 for Minox & Kowa
Minox MD 62 range Kowa TSN 1-4, 600 Series & 660 Series Kowa 820 Series (requires Kowa eyepiece adapter) Kowa 880 & 770 Series (requires Kowa eyepiece adapter)
Initially there will be four different bayonet fittings for high quality 'scopes such as the MINOX MD62 range, Zeiss Diascopes, Leica Televids, Swarovskis and Kowas. Being watertight and shock-proof the DCM can comfortably be used in adverse weather conditions.