Anyone uses a camera or camcorder for their spotting scope? Canon is going to release a point-and-shoot camera with 30x or 42x Optical zoom. Supposed to sell for $250 or $400 for the higher model. You think this would work just as good as a entry to mid level spotting scope? At least with a camera you can use it for other purposes than just shooting or looking at birds. Only downside I see is it uses batteries.

http://www.engadget.com/2014/07/29/canon-powershot-sx400-is-sx520-hs/#comments

Just do it. That's how new thing get invented. You might be on to a new revolution in spotting scopes. Can't de afraid of failure or what other people think. Like I tell my 10 year old who gives a rip try it then and only then will you be able to know the answer for your self. 

Well I probably won't buy it as I just bought a spotting scope. I was wondering if I should have went this route instead? What about the large objective lens on spotting scopes compared to the tiny lens on these cameras? Would the digital processing brighten and sharpen it up for you to compensate?

Looks like a good idea.   Plus it can dual purpose for ... a camera! 

Gotta watch the audio mic on some...some guys surefire muzzle break or a jerry m concussion could damage the mic. 
Just set it up down range with a sign "please dont shoot me"

Check this out.  Use your smartphone to do video.  Attach scope to phone bracket, and tripod.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00AQUCPFC/?tag=2ahawaii-20

Most spotting scopes I've used run up to 60x.  I'm not sure how happy you would be with 42x trying to spot holes at 100 yards.  Plus, the tiny objective on that little camera compared to something in the 60mm range means substantially less brightness and inferior clarity (making the specious assumption that the lenses are of roughly the same quality manufacture.)  I'm not saying it won't work, but I am saying it won't work as well.  Plus, you've now added two new things to go wrong: a broken camera (due to wind, dust, rain, vibration) and a dead battery.