Celestron VistaPix IS70 3 MegaPixel Digital Camera and Imaging Spotting Scope with LCD Screen

Comments about Celestron VistaPix IS70 3 MegaPixel Digital Camera and Imaging Spotting Scope with LCD Screen:

the vistapix IS70 Spotter is the first generation of hybred imaging incorporating ccd image storage using a spotting scope. As a professional camera operator I have always used the "image off the glass" for focus, composition. The use of a LCD in bright sunlight is worthless, the vistapix bases its focus on co-ordinating the low power focus adjustment in unison with the high power focus/ spotting scope eyepiece. If both are not in focus, the image is lost. Futhermore complicating focus is the adjustment of the spotting scope eyepiece to match the lcd image focus. The VistaPix is not for a novice, and forget capturing moving objects. The snap cable release can olny be accessed from the back of the device by opening a chunk of rubber that hangs teathered by a thread of rubber, the opening to this block of rubber is awkward and when replacing the rubber chunk it hits the SD card and pops it out. A better access would be nice for the next Generation. Aside from a few new product miscues, the CCD camera menu after studying the flowchart of operation is fine along with the great benefit of capturing VGA video. The 3 meg camera is like a fine wine, tasters choice, I like the soft chunky quality.Power is a concern, even after using the internal power saver for the LCD. Having a mobile power pack access through the USB to recharge Lithium powercell is a must for the next Generation. overall, nice hybred.

Comments about Celestron VistaPix IS70 3 MegaPixel Digital Camera and Imaging Spotting Scope with LCD Screen:

Sorry Celestron you missed it with me on this device,, nice concept but what a battery hog.

After getting a second unit I finally got the thing to power up after buying 3 sets of fresh batteries, then the kicker was it powered up for maybe at the longest 10 minutes and it was shutting down due to dead batteries.

Now this device is intended for field use so why not give it enough battery storage space for more than 10 minutes use before tossing them dead batteries.

Then another thing is why set the required voltage for 3 volts where one cannot use rechargeables! Then tell you you can go buy an aftermarket, not provided or even made by Celestron, 110vac to 3vdc power source to run this when its sole use is for out in the field,,, where are you getting 110vac out in a field?

Another thing I did not like about this device.

Why no manual shutter control to take long expousure astrophotos, c'mon almost every camera on the market has this feature.

That and couple it with the self timer and this would be an awesome camera for this purpose.



I do like the concept of this device, just need to make a few changes on it.

Respectfully subbmitted,

Manny Miles

Comments about Celestron VistaPix IS70 3 MegaPixel Digital Camera and Imaging Spotting Scope with LCD Screen:

So far not impressed one bit with it as I have had to send the first one back due to it's not powering up with fresh Duracell batteries inserted into the device.

I sent the first one back and have recieved a second device and it too will not power up with newly purchased batteries inserted.

What gives Celestron???

The batteries are in the right direction and am pushing the Power button supposedly ON. If it won't work in the house, how is it supposed to work in the field.

So what to do now??? Send it back to where I bought it or buy more new batteries.

Is this problem operator error or Celstron's???

How long do you hold the Power button on to get this to light up? A simple push or what?