All-In-One Binocular, Digital Video Recorder, and Digital Camera

[insectcollector]

Is there any technology out there which combines binocular viewing, digital video and digital photgraphy all in one piece of equipment.

Admittedly, I have not done a web search on this matter, but in my mind would be the ideal....... a pair of binoculars that at a push of a button would take a digital photo and at a push of another button would take digital video of exactly what you were looking at.

I'm not talking about a camera mounted on top or between of a pair of binoculars, I'm talking about integration of the three through just the two lenses of the binoculars.

I love my 10X50s and I've built up the strength to handle them for extended periods. If I could take instant video and pictures of what I am seeing and what I have seen through them....WOW!

Does anyone make an all-in-one as I have described? If not, the technology has to be out there for someone to invent this device.

[Steve C]

They are called "Digital Binoculars", using the term loosely. Typically they are a combination of a cheap binocular and a cheap 2.0 mp or so digital camera, selling for less than the price of a decent camera or a decent binocular. This seems to be not what you want, but I have no idea of the existence of a system you describe. I have not paid a lot of attention to them, but maybe there is something out there that would suit you. Just use google and do a search for digital binoculars.

I think you'd be better served with a decent 6-7mp digital camera with movie capability in the 6-10x zoom range.

[insectcollector]

I've got a 12mp digital hd dvd zoom camera, the problem is it is just not as conducive to spotting birds and following the action as looking through a good pair of binoculars.

Our bodies were built with binocular vision, I guess I'm looking for the same type of vision in a camera.

[Steve C]

Well I guess that all technological progress begins in baby steps. That's likely where the digital binoculars are. I know some photographer types who are in the same place as you. They say you can either be a birder or a photographer, but it's hard to be both. At some point the equipment required and the different attention needs for each tend to get in each others way.

It does seem that the technology to do this should exist. I just don't know if it has been done, or if we could afford it.

[insectcollector]

Thanks for understanding Steve. I guess I've got some calls to make to Nikon, Canon, etc.

[Kevin Purcell]

I think there is potential here for the future though.

How many birders have been squint through the bins as some LBJ that they just can't figure out. Taking a few snapshots to take home and look at later would be really handy whilst you are using the bin. For confirming a unusual species or hybrid it would be really hand (Was that really a Parasitic Jaeger inland?)

I can see the bin of the future: excellent optics (it's a given!), image stabilization, digital camera/video, automatic bird ID (don't worry you can turn it off!), etc.