sony dev 5 digital binoculars

the ‘dev-5’ digital binoculars by sony permit the recording of full HD video in 2D and 3D

sony‘s ‘dev-5’ and ‘dev-3’ are the world’s first digital binoculars, offering high levels of magnification and the opportunity to record full HD video of footage, including stereo sound. a 3D record mode captures scenes in stereoscope for playback on 3D-ready devices. the binoculars also can take 7.1-megapixel still photographs.

incorporating digital zoom at levels about 10x, the ‘dev-5’ offers magnification of up to 20x (5.4x in 3D mode), while the ‘dev-3’ features a maximum zoom of 10x. alongside automatic steadyshot optical stabilization, an electronic autofocus allows both devices to focus on subjects as close as 1 centimeter away in 2D mode and 80cm away in 3D, keeping images in focus without any user input. focus may also be adjusted manually via a dial near the rear of the device. variable zoom permits the scanning of a wide area at low magnification before zooming in on a particular subject.

in addition, the ‘dev-5’ model includes a GSP receiver for automatic geotagging of recorded video.

the devices can connect directly via HDMI to any HD television for immediate viewing, or via USB for data transfer to computers. both binoculars are available beginning november 2011, for 1400 and 2000 USD (‘dev-3’ and ‘dev-5’ respectively).

3/4 rear view

front view

binoculars in use

via engadget —

design-aerobics 2011: TECH GADGETS course september 15 – november 15, 2011 as more and more technological objects find their way into everyday life

designboom will hold an online design course on the theme of ‘tech-gadgets’. we’ll look at the most significant designs yet and ponder what might be around the corner. to see a lesson sample and information on how to enroll click here.