During CES 2013, Sony quietly introduced their 2nd generation 3D Digital Recording Binoculars. Not a lot was known about the units at the time but Sony has since opened the floodgates and there’s plenty to like this time around. The DEV-50V is a followup DEV-5 that was announced and released nearly two years ago. While keeping true to its core by offering a technology packed digital recording binoculars that can capture video 1080p 3D, the DEV-50V has improved upon its predecessor in every way. Those familiar with the previous model will note the sleeker and much smaller design which helps bring down the weight to 1.14 lb, a 30% reduction. The new housing is also water- and dust-proof, allowing the unit to be used in rain and other wet circumstances without fear of frying your expensive binoculars. However, the real magic of DEV-5V is all under the hood.

To start things off, Sony wanted to make sure that playback and viewing of your content, be it live or recorded, looks fantastic. To that end, the DEV-50V houses a dual 2.4M-dot XGA OLED viewfinders, capable of playing back even 3D recorded footage without glasses. Be it far or close distance, the DEV-50V can accommodate with a 0.8-25x zoom ratio (36.3-2,007mm 35mm equivalent). Like other high-end Sony units, you can also find optical SteadyShot to help reduce shake in your videos. Speaking of that, a dual Exmor R CMOS sensors with 20.4-megapixel image sensor helps capture your films with 1080/60p video capture. To ensure great audio, the DEV-50V incorporates two-channel internal mic and audio & headphone input which allows you to capture better audio with an external mic. This alone makes the DEV-50V a whole new beast as it allows for more professional capturing versus just hobby recording. As Hidenori Toyoda, director of the camcorder business at Sony Electronics, put it:

 With the DEV-50V, you can observe wildlife in a way no other binoculars can achieve….Couple that with its ability to capture impressive photos and video, and you have an innovative device that outperforms the competition on all levels. 

What hasn’t changed since the last time around is the binoculars’ $2,000 price tag. While still aimed at a very small market, this time around, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck. The DEV-50V will be released this June.

Discuss:

Do you think Sony should continue to pursue niche offerings like the 3D Digital Recording Binoculars?