Nikon D80 Bear Quest 4

[xroadshunter]

I'm headed up to BQ4 in a few weeks and wanted to take my D80 into the stand.  From what I've seen the stands are very close to the bait barrel and I'm concerned that the shutter noise would scare off any critters lurking in the shadows.  Aside from taking a non-dslr up does anyone have any suggestions?  Thanks George

[Tim Fishell]

Hopefully some of the pros will have a recommendation for you.  I had the same problem in Wyoming this past September.  I was in my blind the first day clicking pictures like crazy.  I had a nice antelope buck coming in and wanted some pics before I got ready for a shot.  At about 60 yards he stopped dead in his tracks just after I fired off about 3 clicks of the camera.  He turned and went back the way he came.  There is no doubt in my mind he heard the shutter from my camera.  

Good luck on the Quest.  It looks like a great time and I look forward to the stories and pictures every year.

[jeff w]

Years ago they made an item that was called a camera-blimp I believe.   It was a loose fitting cover made of a thin layer of foam that the camera fit into, yet had the appropriate openings for your hand and of course the lens to stick out of.    I don't know if they still make them, I would suggest contacting B&H Photo, if anyone has it, they would.

Option "B"---a small camera like the Panasonic FZ35 that has an electronic viewfinder(no mirror) that is virtually silent if you want it to be.

[xroadshunter]

Thanks for the input...looks like I'll be taking a small digital out to the field and leave the D80 for camp.

[paleFace]

I cut the sleeve off an old down jacket and just slip the camera down inside and use a rubber band on the lens end to keep it tight.  All but deadens all noise my shutter makes.  worked great in Africa with animals at the water hole. The shutter on the Nikon DSLR cameras are very loud, but unless you are firing off a burst they seem to ignore it for the most part.