Birdwatchers, peeping Toms and 3D enthusiasts have a lot to celebrate with impending arrival of Sony's DEV-3 and DEV-5 Digital Binoculars. Going far beyond any other binoculars you might be used to, these two models are the world's first to record anything we see in AVCHD 2.0 format, in Full HD 1920x1080 video with stereo sound. Sony has also added a stereoscopic 3D video recording mode compatible with most 3D HDTVs.
The electronic autofocus keeps moving subjects sharply in view, a feature unavailable on traditional binoculars. Autofocus allows both models to focus cleanly on subjects less than half an inch away when recording in 2D, with a minimum distance of 32 inches for 3D recording. There's a manual focus knob too, of course, to concentrate on a less-obvious subject, or whenever autofocus is keying on branches or other foreground obstructions.
Users can select the variable zoom on both models to scan a wide area at low magnification before zooming in. Turning on the digital zoom at magnification settings over 10X boosts the step-up DEV-5 model's total magnification range from 0.9X up to 20X digital (image quality is reduced when digital zoom is on and recording 2D video at magnifications higher than 10X), putting it on a par with conventional high-powered binoculars. The DEV-3 offers a maximum magnification of 10X optical. In 3D mode, the binoculars' maximum magnification is 5.4X optical.
Separate images for left and right eyes are captured by a matched pair of precision G Lens optics by Sony with Exmor R CMOS sensors and BIONZ processors. Independent electronic viewfinders provide detailed images for left and right eyes for an immersive stereoscopic viewing experience.
Both models provide Optical SteadyShot image stabilization (Active mode), the same optical stabilization system found on Sony Handycam camcorders and Cyber-shot cameras, helping to keep images clear and stable even at high magnifications. The binoculars can be connected via HDMI to any TV with HDMI input for viewing 2D images, while 3D videos can be enjoyed on virtually any 3D-compatible TV, including select Sony BRAVIA models. There's also a USB connection for transferring video clips to a PC for storing, editing and sharing.
The low-profile design of the binoculars eliminates distracting buttons or other details that could reveal a user's position to skittish wildlife, or to the police. Their ergonomic grip area is coated with an elastomer material for secure handling. Top-mounted controls allow easy operation with gloved fingers, while dual buttons are provided to start recording instantly with either hand.
The DEV-5 model also contains a GPS receiver that automatically geo-tags video clips and photos. Tagged images can be viewed after shooting in online maps, with the necessary software.
Both binocular models come with a high-capacity rechargeable battery pack good for about three hours of 2D video recording, with remaining battery minutes displayed in the electronic viewfinder. The bundle for both models includes a battery charger/adaptor, an audio/video cable as well as a USB cable. DEV-5 buyers also receive a lens cover, finder cap, large eye cups, a carrying case and neck strap.
The DEV-3 and DEV-5 digital recordable binoculars from Sony will be available in November at a suggested retail price of $1,399.99 and $1,999.99 respectively.
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