How does $1,399 for a couple of binoculars sound? Once they also shoot 1080p HD video and seven.1 megapixel stills — perhaps slightly less ridiculous. Sony’s launching a brand new category of high-end binoculars with its new DEV-3 and DEV-5, which provide camera-like features and are priced at $1,399 and $1,999, respectively. Each pair includes two Exmor R CMOS sensors for native 3D video capture, dual f/1.8-3.4, 0.5-10x optical zoom lenses, and 2 1,227-dot viewfinders. While the pricier model adds a 10x digital zoom, GPS, and accessories like a carrying case and neck strap, those features don’t really justify a $600 jump in price — in the event you can live without GPS, it probably is smart to skip the DEV-5. There’s also Memory Stick Pro Duo and SDXC support, stereo microphones with an audio input jack, and HDMI out. Coined because the world’s first binoculars with HD video recording, we wouldn’t expect there to be a very huge marketplace for these pricey specs at launch, but when you have been seeking how to record while bird watching, catching close-ups of the action at a game, or whatever it’s you seriously look into through your apartment window, then search for these to hit stores in November.
Share the buzz of Discovery, Easy-to-Find, Never Lose the topic; New Models Enable 2D and 3D Image Capture/Playback with Stunning Resolution, High-performance Features
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 19, 2011 – Life’s “can’t miss” moments at the moment are easier to look at and capture with the world’s first digital binoculars to record in AVCHD™ 2.0 format, from Sony. The hot models, DEV-3 and DEV-5, are perfect for nature/bird watching, they are able to record Full HD video with stereo sound on the touch of a button, or even add a 3D mode that records scenes as thrilling stereoscopic video footage for playback on most 3D HDTVs.
“Now consumers can watch birds, wildlife, sports action and more in steady, sharply-focused close-up views, while capturing their subjects in crisp Full HD,” said Andy Bubala, director of the camcorder business at Sony Electronics. “These new models add entirely new levels of pliability and convenience to viewing, recording and enjoying your favorite images and scenes.”
Users can select the variable zoom on both models to scan a large area at low magnification before zooming in seamlessly to pinpoint a topic, reminiscent of birds in a field. Turning at the digital zoom at magnification settings over 10x boosts the DEV-5 model’s total magnification range from 0.9x as much as 20x digital (image quality is reduced when digital zoom is on and recording 2D video at magnifications higher than 10x), rivalling many high-powered conventional binoculars. The DEV-3 model pulls wildlife, sporting subjects and architectural details closer with a maximum magnification of 10x optical. In 3D mode, the binoculars’ maximum magnification is 5.4x optical.
Unlike traditional binoculars, electronic autofocus keeps moving subjects sharply in focus always. A comfortably positioned dial allows fingertip adjustment of manual focus – ideal for focusing selectively on an issue, as opposed to overhanging branches or other obstructions within the field of view.
Electronic autofocus allows both binoculars to focus cleanly on subjects not up to half an inch away when recording in 2D (minimum of 32 inches when recording in 3D).
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 strong BIONZ® processors. Independent electronic viewfinders provide clear, detailed images for left and right eyes, offering a stereoscopic viewing experience that’s comfortable, natural and highly immersive.
The DEV-3 and DEV-5 digital binoculars feature Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization (Active mode), the optical stabilization system that’s found on Sony Handycam® camcorders and Cyber-shot® cameras. Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization helps keep images clear and stable, even if viewing at high magnifications. The binoculars could be connected via HDMI® to a Sony BRAVIA® HDTV or any HD television with HDMI input for viewing images (cable sold separately). 3D videos could be enjoyed on virtually any 3D-compatible TV, including Sony BRAVIA® models. There’s also a USB connection for transferring movies to a computer for storing, editing and sharing.
The binoculars feature a “stealth” design that eliminates distracting buttons or external details which can reveal a user’s position to wildlife.
Both binoculars feature an ergonomic grip area that’s coated with an elastomer material certainly handling and stable operation. Top-mounted controls allow easy operation with gloved fingers, while dual buttons are provided to begin recording instantly with either hand.
The DEV-5 model includes an on-board GPS receiver that automatically geo-tags videos and photos. Tagged images can also be viewed after shooting in online maps (requires compatible software).
Both binocular models include a high-capacity rechargeable battery pack (NP-FV70) that enables as much as approximately three hours of 2D recording on a single charge. Remaining battery time (minutes) is displayed within the electronic viewfinder.
The DEV-3 and DEV-5 models also include a battery charger/adaptor, A/V connecting cable and USB cable for PC connection. Besides, the DEV-5 binoculars are provided with lens cover, finder cap, large eye cups, a carrying case and neck strap.
The brand new DEV-3 and DEV-5 digital recordable binoculars from Sony may be available in November 2011 for roughly $1400 and $2000, respectively, at http://store.sony.com, Sony retail stores and other authorized retailers nationwide. For images and knowledge, please visit www.sony.com/news.
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