Mr. Nobuaki Baba, general manager of B&I Product Design Development and Personal Imaging & Sound Business Group seen posing with the Sony DEV-5 during the official launch at Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve. (Credit: Shawn Low/CNET Asia)
At a Sony launch yesterday, we managed to get up close and personal with the company's first digital binoculars. Capable of recording 1080p video with stereo sound, these field glasses sport a 10x optical zoom range and the company's proprietary SteadyShot Active Mode optical image stabilization.
(Credit: Shawn Low/CNET Asia)
On paper, the DEV-5 and DEV-5K (which has a higher-capacity battery) can record video (in 2D) for about 3 and 6 hours, respectively. The binoculars also have an inbuilt GPS receiver which geotags images and videos as well as tracks the user's movements on an online map.
(Credit: Shawn Low/CNET Asia)
From our brief hands-on with the binos, we didn't find them too heavy in the hand and the physical button interface was laid out in a manner which makes selecting functions easier.
Switching from image capture to video recording is toggled with a button located at the top of the device.
(Credit: Shawn Low/CNET Asia)
The binos also felt quite ergonomic, allowing them to sit comfortably in our palms during use. We could quickly switch between video and image capture with a press of a button. Featuring dual-backside-illuminated CMOS sensors, users can shoot 7.1-megapixel still images. The DEV-5 can also capture 3D images and video which can be viewed on compatible 3D TVs.
Rubberized pads are found along the top, sides and bottom of the binoculars. (Credit: Shawn Low/CNET Asia)
Sony has also draped the binoculars in a texturized matte finish with rubberized pads at contact points, providing users with a more secure grip.
(Credit: Shawn Low/CNET Asia)
There's also an HDMI output, two USB ports, a headphone and microphone jack as well as other terminals located at its right side. The device takes Sony's Memory Stick PRO Duo cards, as well as SD, SDHC and SDXC cards.
In terms of ruggedness, a Sony representative explains that the DEV-5 should be able to withstand typical wear and tear and maybe a light drizzle. However, we feel that Sony should have ruggedized the device to make it more suitable for field use.
Sony says that the DEV-5 will be targeted at nature lovers, bird-photography enthusiasts and military personnel. These field glasses will be available in two variants, the Sony DEV-5 and DEV-5K. The DEV-5K comes supplied with some additional accessories including a higher-capacity battery and a high-speed charger.
Users can achieve better sound quality with the optional gun microphone accessory. (Credit: Shawn Low/CNET Asia)
Video enthusiasts will be happy to know that they will be able to obtain better sound during video-recording with the optional gun microphone. Other optional accessories include a clip-on LCD monitor, tripod and shoulder strap.
Our take on the DEV-5 is that it won't be too popular with mainstream consumers given the high price tag. However, we think that private investigators or government agencies may find the DEV-5 to be suitable tool for surveillance purposes.
Availability in Asia has yet to be confirmed. The DEV-5 and DEV-5K digital binoculars are priced at S$2,599 and S$3,080 respectively.
Top: An image captured by the DEV-5 at the widest end. Middle: An image captured at 10x optical zoom. Bottom: An image captured at 20x optical zoom.
(Credit: Shawn Low/CNET Asia)
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