We selected the Praktica DCZ 7.1 after conducting digiscoping tests with a wide range of small digital cameras.

The DCZ 7 has a superb full colour 2.5 inch TFT LCD display screen that makes framing and focusing birds and wildlife targets easy and quick.

The camera has a 16Mb on-board memory and a standard SD memory card can be used with the camera (available separately). The camera has a useful (and fun!) movie capture function that allows the camera to be used to record full-motion and sound video.

The DCZ is equipped with a powerful 3x zoom - an ideal size to minimise the effects of vignetting when used for digiscoping (the camera also has a 4x digital zoom).

Supplied with download software, USB cable, video display cable (so you can review and show pictures on TV screen), pouch case and batteries (2xAA).

We found the specifications of the Praktica DCZ 7.1 to be an ideal camera for attachment to spotting scopes using the ST98 universal digiscoping bracket.

A cable release adaptor is available separately.

Specifications

•7m pixels.

•3 x optical zoom.

•4 x digital zoom.

•2.5in LTPS colour TFT.

•Digital anti-blur.

•SD memory card compatible up to 1GB.

•16Mb internal memory.

•ISO range - 50, 100, 200 ASA.

•Video output NTSC and PAL.

•Movie capture and sound recording.

•USB connection.

•AA Alkaline batteries provided.

•Average 140 images per battery life.

•PictBridge compatible.

•Manufacturer's 2 year guarantee.

•Accessories included in box - Case, strap, batteries, USB and video out leads, User Manual, Software CD.

•Software compatibility: Windows 98SE, 2000, ME, XP.

•Weight 140g.

•Size: (H)6.1, (W)9, (D)2.5cm.