OVERVIEW

The DEV-5K  from Sony are the world’s first digital binoculars that also record Full HD video with stereo sound at the touch of a button. Available in 2 versions, the DEV-5 is the consumer version of the digital binoculars, while the professional version, the DEV-5K, offers the same technical specifications as the DEV-5 but also includes the AC-VQV10 high-speed AC adaptor/charger, plus a high-capacity NP-FV100 battery.

For the first time ever, the DEV-5 lets you capture unmissable moments to enjoy later on your HD television. There is also a 3D record mode that captures the scene as thrilling stereoscopic video footage to enjoy on your 3D BRAVIA® TV, with a maximum magnification of 5.4 times in 3D mode. Similar to the DEV-5, the DEV-5K professional model lets you observe and capture incontrovertible evidence simultaneously without having to take your eyes off the subject. It also has a 3D record mode that captures video evidence as realistic stereoscopic video footage, which is valuable for military, security and private investigation use.

Variable zoom on both models lets you scan a wide area at low magnification before zooming in seamlessly to pinpoint your subject, like a distant golf ball or birds in the field. By turning on digital zoom at magnification settings over 10x, both boost total magnification range from 0.9x up to 20x , rivaling many high-powered conventional binoculars.

Unlike traditional binoculars, electronic autofocus keeps your subject sharply resolved at all times, even while it’s moving. A comfortably positioned dial also allows fingertip adjustment of manual focus. It is ideal for focusing selectively on your subject, rather than incorrect auto-focusing due to overhanging branches or other obstructions in your field of view. Electronic autofocus allows both binoculars to focus cleanly on subjects as close as 1cm away when recording in 2D (min. 80cm when recording in 3D). This gives the extra benefit of magnifying close-up subjects as well as distant observations.

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 3D viewing experience that’s comfortable, natural and highly immersive.

Armed with SteadyShot Active Mode, the optical stabilisation system that’s found on Handycam® camcorders and Cyber-shot™ cameras by Sony, it keeps images clear and stable, even when you’re viewing at high magnifications. It’s also effective when recording video to enjoy later on your HD TV.

When you’re back at home or the office, connect the DEV-5 via HDMI® to your BRAVIA® or any HD television for big-screen sharing or review. 3D videos can be viewed on 3D-compatible BRAVIA® models. The USB terminal on the DEV-5 allows video clips to be transferred to your PC for storing, editing and sharing, while the video clips on the DEV-5K can be transferred to any PC for editing, transmission and archiving.

The digital binoculars feature a minimal ‘stealth’ design that eliminates distracting buttons or external details that could give away your position in the field. Comfortable to hold for extended periods, 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.

As an additional refinement, both models include an on-board GPS receiver that automatically geotags video clips as you are on the move. Tagged clips and images can be viewed after shooting in online maps (requires compatible software).

The DEV-5 comes supplied with a rechargeable battery pack (NP-FV70) that allows up to approximately 3 hours of 2D recording on a single charge, while the DEV-5K is supplied with a high capacity rechargeable battery pack (NP-FV100) that allows up to approximately 6 hours of 2D recording. Remaining battery time (minutes) is displayed in the electronic viewfinder to give confirmation of record time remaining. The DEV-5K includes a battery charger/adaptor, USB adaptor and component A/V connecting cable. In addition, both models come with lens cover, finder cap, large eye cups, a carrying case and neck strap supplied.