Nikon Coolpix DigiScope 8.1 Photo Package

April 28, 2006 | Mark Goldstein | Digital | Comment |

Nikon USA Press Release

Nikon continues to break new ground in the world of digiscoping — not only with state-of-the-art equipment and technology, but with how simple it has made matching up the proper components in a digiscoping system. The new Nikon Coolpix DigiScope 8.1 Photo Package is the simplest, most versatile digiscoping system ever, putting extreme high power, high-resolution digital photo capabilities into the hands of wildlife photographers of every level. This new package includes the latest in Nikon’s digital cameras—the Nikon COOLPIX P4 digital camera, a Nikon 16x/24x/30x wide Digiscoping Eyepiece, and a Nikon DigiScope P4 Digital Camera Adapter Bracket.  MSRP for this package is $729.95. The only thing you need to add to complete the system is your choice of Nikon Fieldscope body: whether it’s the award-winning 82mm Fieldscope ED, 60mm Fieldscope or 60mm Fieldscope ED or the incredibly compact, new 50mm Fieldscope ED (awarded Outdoor Life magazine’s 2006 Editor’s Choice in spotting scopes).

When matched with the 82mm ED Fieldscope, Nikon’s new Coolpix DigiScope 8.1 Photo Package effectively becomes a digital camera with the equivalent of a 1,080mm - 3,780mm zoom lens.  Retail pricing for the Fieldscope body begins at $999.95.  With either of the Nikon 60mm Fieldscopes, the system offers 864mm—3,024mm zoom capability.  Prices for the 60mm bodies begin at $469.95.  And with the new Nikon 50mm ED Fieldscope, the system becomes a digital camera with 576mm – 2,016mm zoom capability.  Retail price for the 50mm begins at $499.95. 

The Nikon COOLPIX P4 Digital Camera features 8.1 Mega pixels with a Nikkor 35x Zoom glass lens and Nikon Vibration Reduction Technology that minimizes the effects of camera shake (which in turn offers equivalent shutter speeds of up to 3 stops faster).  Additionally, an incredibly bright 2.5-inch LCD screen allows for easy composing and sharing of pictures. The camera includes a rechargeable EN-EL5 Battery and Battery charger and offers up to 200 pictures on a single charge capability.  The system’s Nikon DigiScope P4 Digital Camera Bracket connects to the camera body with a thumbscrew that fits into the camera’s threaded tripod adapter.  This lightweight aluminum bracket allows for quick connection to the Fieldscope and eyepiece and includes a cable shutter release to maximize sharpness in the images.

The Wide DigiScoping Eyepiece included in the package offers a 30x view when used on the 82mm Fieldscope body, a 24x view on a 60mm body and a 16x view when used on the 50mm body.  Nikon DigiScoping Eyepieces are fully multicoated and feature twist out eyecups, so the Fieldscope can be used for normal viewing.  The Digiscoping Eyepiece has a 236-foot field of view when used with the 50mm ED scope, 157 feet with the 60mm scopes and 126 feet when used with the 82mm Fieldscope ED.  Eye relief is 18.4mm and weight is 6 ounces.

Nikon Inc. is the U.S. distributor of Nikon sports and recreational optics, world-renowned Nikon 35mm cameras, digital cameras, speedlights and accessories, Nikkor lenses and electronic imaging products.

For more information on the new Digiscoping system, plus information on Nikon’s full line of Binoculars, Spotting Scopes, Fieldscopes and Rangefinders, contact: Nikon Sport Optics, 1300 Walt Whitman Rd., Melville, NY 11747-3064. 1-800-247-3464.  www.nikonsportoptics.com/digiscoping