When I initially reported the rumor about a new digital recording binoculars from Sony, I did not believe that such product exists, but today Sony announced the DEV-3 and DEV-5: a new gadget that combines a digital camera, camcorder and binoculars. The low end model costs $1,399.99, the DEV-5 price is $1,999.99.
Full details:
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 19, 2011 – Life’s “can’t miss” moments are now easier to observe and capture with the world’s first digital binoculars to record in AVCHD™ 2.0 format, from Sony. The new models, DEV-3 and DEV-5, are ideal for nature/bird watching, they can record Full HD video with stereo sound at the touch of a button, and 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 flexibility and convenience to viewing, recording and enjoying your favorite images and scenes.”
Users can select the variable zoom on both models to scan a wide area at low magnification before zooming in seamlessly to pinpoint a subject, such as birds in a field. Turning on the digital zoom at magnification settings over 10x boosts the 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), 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 at all times. A comfortably positioned dial allows fingertip adjustment of manual focus – ideal for focusing selectively on a subject, rather than overhanging branches or other obstructions in the field of view.
Electronic autofocus allows both binoculars to focus cleanly on subjects less than 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 powerful 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 when viewing at high magnifications. The binoculars can be connected via HDMI® to a Sony BRAVIA® HDTV or any HD television with HDMI input for viewing images (cable sold separately). 3D videos can be enjoyed on virtually any 3D-compatible TV, including Sony BRAVIA® models. There’s also a USB connection for transferring video clips to a PC for storing, editing and sharing.
The binoculars feature a “stealth” design that eliminates distracting buttons or external details that could reveal a user’s position to wildlife.
Both binoculars feature an ergonomic grip area that’s coated with an elastomer material for sure handling and stable operation. 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 includes an on-board GPS receiver that automatically geo-tags video clips and photos. Tagged images can be viewed after shooting in online maps (requires compatible software).
Both binocular models come with a high-capacity rechargeable battery pack (NP-FV70) that allows up to approximately three hours of 2D recording on a single charge. Remaining battery time (minutes) is displayed in 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. In addition, the DEV-5 binoculars are supplied with lens cover, finder cap, large eye cups, a carrying case and neck strap.
The new DEV-3 and DEV-5 digital recordable binoculars from Sony will be available in November 2011 for about $1400 and $2000, respectively, at http://store.sony.com, Sony retail stores and other authorized retailers nationwide. For images and information, please visit www.sony.com/news.
Key technical specifications:
| Model name
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DEV-5
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DEV-3
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| Video recording format
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2D HD: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 AVCHD format Ver.2.0 compatible
3D HD: MPEG-4 MVC/H.264 AVCHD format Ver.2.0 compatible
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| Video resolution
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2D HD: 1920x1080/60p, 50p (PS), 1920x1080/60i, 50i (FX,FH),
1440x1080/60i, 50i (HQ,LP) 3D HD: 2x 1920x1080/60i, 50i
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| Still Image Max. Effective
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7.1 megapixels
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| Still Image Size (Photo Mode)
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7.1 megapixels (4:3) (3072x2304)
5.3 megapixels (16:9) (3072x1728) 1.9 megapixels (4:3) (1600x1200) 307K pixels (4:3) (640x480)
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| Lens
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Dual G Lens F1.8 - F3.4
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| Image sensor
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2x 1/4 type (4.5mm) back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS Sensor
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| Image stabilisation
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Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilisation with Active mode
[wide(3D)/ wide to tele (2D)]
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| Viewfinder
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Diopter Adjustment: Yes (-3.5 - +3.5)
Apparent field of view: 35.6°(16:9) Interpupillary distance: 55– 75mm
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| Magnification (Movie Mode)
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x0.9 - x10(2D:Digital zoom is OFF) / x0.9 - x20(2D:Digital zoom is ON) / x0.5 - x5.4(3D)
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x0.9 - x10(2D) / x0.5 - x5.4(3D)
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| Magnification (Photo Mode) *
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x0.5 - x20 (16:9) / x0.3 - x15 (4:3)
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x0.5 - x10 (16:9) / x0.3 - x7.5 (4:3)
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| Minimum Focus Distance
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Movie Mode:
2D: Approx. 1cm (Wide) / Approx. 80cm (Tele) 3D: Approx. 80cm (Wide) / Approx. 7.5m (Tele) Photo Mode: Approx. 1cm (Wide) / Approx. 80cm (Tele) / Approx. 25cm (Tele Macro)
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| Audio recording format
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Dolby® Digital 2ch Stereo
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| Recording and Playback Times (32GB Memory Card)
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2D HD PS: Approx. 2h30m
2D HD FX: Approx. 3h00m 2D HD FH: Approx. 4h05m 2D HD HQ: Approx. 7h20m 2D HD LP: Approx. 12h50m 3D HD 3D: Approx. 2h30m
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| GPS
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Yes (without map display)
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-
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| Interfaces
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(HD video) HDMI® output (mini) /Component Video Out
(SD video) A/R remote (Composite / Component / S video out USB Type A, mini-AB/USB2.0 Hi-speed Headphone (stereo minijack) / microphone (stereo minijack) (Power supply) DC-IN
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| Compatible recording media
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Memory Stick PRO Duo ™ (Mark 2) / Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™
SD/SDHC/SDXC (no internal memory)
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| Weight (approx.)
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Approx. 1.2 kg (body only)
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| Dimensions (approx.)
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Approx. 219(W) x 155(H) x 88 mm(D) (Body only including protrusion)
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| Battery type
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InfoLITHIUM® with AccuPower™ Meter System (V Series)
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| Power Consumption in recording
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2D HD: 4.2W (FX)
3D HD: 4.8W
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| Power Requirements
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6.8V (battery pack); 8.4V (AC Adaptor)
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| Recording time
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2D:
Approx. 3h05m NP-FV70:(fully charged battery) Approx. 6h10m NP-FV100:(fully charged battery) 3D: Approx. 2h40m NP-FV70:(fully charged battery) Approx. 5h20m NP-FV100:(fully charged battery)
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| Playback time
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2D:
Approx. 4h50m NP-FV70:(fully charged battery) Approx. 9h40m NP-FV100:(fully charged battery) 3D: Approx. 4h20m NP-FV70:(fully charged battery) Approx. 8h35m NP-FV100:(fully charged battery)
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| Supplied accessories
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Rechargeable Battery, Pack (NP-FV70), AC adaptor/Charger AC-L200C(D), Power Cord, Large Eyecup, Lens Cover, Finder Cap, Neck Strap, Carrying Case, A/V Connecting Cable, USB Cable, CD-ROM (Video Camera Application Software), Operating Guide
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Rechargeable Battery Pack (NP-FV70), AC adaptor/Charger AC-L200C (D), Power Cord, Neck Strap, A/V Connecting Cable, USB Cable,
CD-ROM (Video Camera Application Software), Operating Guide |
