Sony DEV-50 Digital Recording Binocular

Courtesy B&H Photo Video

Sony recently announced the DEV-50 Digital Recording Binocular, a binocular-camera hybrid capable of recording 3D video in Full HD, capturing 20.4MP stills and outputting native-resolution images via its micro-HDMI port. In addition to improving the image resolution and manual-exposure settings for this latest iteration, Sony refined the DEV series housing and image-stabilization technology to make the DEV-50 useful for a broader range of photo and video applications than its forerunners, the DEV-3 and DEV-5.

But the DEV-50 is more than a high-resolution 3D camera—a broad zoom range and noteworthy low-light performance also make it a versatile binocular. Sony's multicoated G Lens optics, along with the high-sensitivity Hyper Gain system, which automatically increases image brightness, equips the DEV-50 for enhanced visibility during twilight hours and when used indoors. By combining a 0.8-25x zoom range and simultaneous zoom and autofocus, the DEV-50 offers imaging capabilities unrivaled by other consumer-level digital binoculars. The seamless zoom-focus function is controlled by a single zoom lever atop the binocular housing. Quick wide-angle to telephoto field of view adjustments make this electro-optic ideal for birders and sports fans glassing a fast-moving subject.

Weighing only 1.7 lb, the DEV-50 is 30% lighter than previous versions, making it both easier to handle and transport during a day hike in a national park or vacation day at the theme park. Improved Optical SteadyShot technology provides image stabilization on the horizontal and vertical axes, as well as compensates for motion on the roll axis, useful for observations on the water or from other unstable platforms. Since the DEV-50 is capable of up to 25x magnification, three-axis-stabilization is sure to come in handy, even on dry land.

On supported 3D TVs, the DEV-50 allows you to enjoy 1920 x 1080 stereoscopic video right in your living room. Instead of compressing the image recorded by each of the binocular's optical channels into one side-by-side video signal, Sony’s Double HD 3D video records and transmits a Full HD signal for the left and right channels. The resulting 3D video is packed with detail and enhanced depth.

Building upon the features of the DEV-50 predecessors, Sony’s latest multi-purpose electro-optic uses dual 1/3.91” 20.4MP Exmor R CMOS image sensors to record 1080/60i Full HD video in Double 3D. The DEV-50 is also outfitted with dual BIONZ image processors, dual OLED XGA viewfinders, a stereo microphone jack, a headphone jack and a memory card slot that accommodates various media formats including Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark 2), Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, Memory Stick XC-HG Duo and SD/SDHC/SDXC (Class 4 or higher).

Click here to get the Sony DEV 50 Digital Recording Binoclaro for $1998

Imaging Sensor
Type	(2x) 1/3.91"Back-Illuminated Exmor R CMOS
Resolution	20.4 MP (6016 x 3384)
Aspect Ratio	16:9
Pixel Gross	(2x) 5430K pixels
Processor	(2x) BIONZ Image Processor
Lens System
Lens Type	G Lens
Magnification	Video: 0.5 - 25x Photo: 0.8 - 12x optical; 25x with digital zoom
Focal Length (35mm Equivalent)	2D (Digital Zoom OFF): 49.8 - 791.2 mm 2D (Digital Zoom ON): 49.8 - 1645.7 mm 3D: 33.4 - 402 mm Photo Mode (16:9): 29.8 - 1647.9 mm Photo Mode (4:3): 36.3 - 2007.4 mm
Minimum Focus Distance	2D Wide Mode: 0.4" (1 cm) 2D Tele Mode: 31.5" (80 cm) 2D Tele Macro Mode: 0.15" (0.38cm) 3D Wide Mode: 6.6 ft (2 m) 3D Tele Mode: 78.7 ft (24 m)
Stabilization	Optical SteadyShot with Active Mode (2D Wide / Tele, 3D Wide)
Viewfinder
Type	(2x) 0.5" (1.3 cm)
Resolution	1024 x 768
Angle of View	36.9°
Eye Relief	13.9 mm
Diopter Adjustment Range	± 3.5
Interpupillary Distance	55 - 75 mm
Recording
Still Image Format	2D: JPEG 3D: Not Available
Still Image Resolution	20.4 MP 16:9 (6016 x 3384) 15.3 MP 4.3 (4512 x 3384) 10.0 MP 16:9 (4224 x 2376) 5.0 MP 4:3 (2592 x 1944) 2.1 MP 16:9 (1920 x 1080) 0.3 MP 4:3 (640 x 480)
Video Format	2D HD: AVCHD format ver.2.0 compatible (1080/60p/60i) MPEG4-AVC/H.264 3D HD: AVCHD format ver.2.0 compatible (1080/60i) MPEG4-MVC/H.264
Video Resolution	2D HD: 1920 x 1080 (60p / 50p PS); 1920 x 1080 (60i / 50i FX, FH): 1440 x 1080 (60i, 50i HQ, LP) 3D HD: (2x) 1920 x 1080 (60i / 50i)
Video Bit Rate	2D HD PS: 28 Mbps 2D HD FX: 24 Mbps 2D HD FH: 17 Mbps 2D HD HQ: 9 Mbps 2D HD LP: 5 Mbps 3D HD: 28 Mbps
Audio Format	Dolby Digital 2-Channel Stereo
Media Type	Memory Stick PRO Duo (Mark 2); Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo; Memory Stick XC-HG Duo SD/ SDHC/ SDXC Memory Card (Class 4 or Higher)
Microphone / Speaker	Built-In Stereo Microphone / Monaural Speaker
Interface
BRAVIA Synch	Yes
DC Input	Yes
HD Output	micro-HDMI, Composite Video
SD Output	Composite Video
Microphone Input	Stereo Minijack
Headphone Output	Stereo Minijack
Memory Card Slot	Memory Stick PRO Duo; SD/ SDHC/ SDXC media
Physical
Dimensions	5.9 x 6.3 x 2.9" (15 x 7 x 16 cm)
Weight	1.7 lb (765 g)

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