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.
Approximate Magnification of the DCM on...