[Review] Sony DEV-5

The Sony DEV-5 is the world’s first pair of digital recording binoculars that utilizes two Full HD sensors to capture true 1920x1080 3D video. The DEV-5 puts a whole new experience to outdoor spectator activities such as birdwatching, sporting events and star gazing. For the first time, consumers can capture amazing footage and save it for enjoyment on HD and 3D TVs.

Enjoy high magnification of up to 20x total zoom in 3D mode (10x optical and 10x digital). With seamless zoom from 0.9x to maximum magnification users will find it easy to frame their subjects wide and zoom in for detail. With Autofocus the subject will remain sharp in view through zooming unlike the conventional binoculars. Unlike conventional binoculars, the DEV-5 also focuses on subjects as close as 1cm when recording in 2D, and as close as 80cm when recording in 3D.

Capable of 50i/60i recording and playback via HDMI and compatible HDTV providing stunning clarity and incredibly detailed playback of your memories. At the same time, you can also capture up to 7.1 MP still images so you never miss that decisive moment.

Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode compensates for greater degrees of camera shake to deliver stunningly smooth video, whether you’re shooting in 3D or 2D. Now you can capture life smoothly as it happens while walking and zooming in from wide to telephoto and back.

Experience the pinnacle of Sony lens technology with the professional-quality G Lens. Engineered for superior optical performance, Sony G lenses deliver brilliant, accurate color reproduction and sharp, amazingly detailed images. In addition, the 29.8mm(2D) and 34.4mm(3D) focal length in Video Mode offers a broader perspective for enhanced wide angle shooting.

CMOS sensors for superb low-light video Experience stunning low-light sensitivity with improved image clarity and drastically reduced grain with Sony’s back-illuminated "Exmor R" CMOS sensor. Designed for compact cameras and camcorders, the "Exmor R" sensor relocates the photo diodes above the support circuitry, maximizing the light gathering area per pixel so you can shoot with better results in lower lighting conditions. The DEV-5 employs two of these sensors to process what you record in 3D.

A dedicated switch allows for easy switching from recording 2D to 3D, whether you’re recording or playing back video. In 3D mode, only 3D content will be displayed for playback, however when in 2D mode, all content will be displayed and played back in 2D. This allows you to record all your video in 3D and choose later whether or not you want to playback in 2D or 3D.

Dolby Digital 2 channel recording captures active sounds coming from all directions, so you can capture reactions and commentary of all your footage as it happens.

A built-in GPS receiver makes the DEV-5 an ideal choice for travelers. The receiver gives you the ability to view your current location on the LCD map display, as well as "tag" your shooting locations. Tagged videos and still images can be reviewed and played back once downloaded to your PC using the supplied PMB (Picture Motion Browser) software.

The DEV-5 binoculars have been designed for the end-user in mind, with a grip block for optimized comfortable, fatigue-free viewing and shooting, dual record buttons and a manual dial for focus control. As well, the DEV-5 is embodied in a stealth design, with little décor to minimize distraction of your subject.

Enjoy your surroundings with ease of mind knowing that, with your supplied NP-FV70 rechargeable battery pack, you can capture up to 2 hours and 35 minutes of 2D recording on a single charge. Remaining battery time is displayed in minutes on a GUI that can be viewed via the EVF, so you’ll always be able to keep track of how much recording time is left.

Features dedicated mic and headphone inputs for expanded audio recording options and convenient monitoring of audio with headphones.

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