All about digital binoculars

For observing a wide variety of objects and people, it is useful to know everything about digital binoculars. We'll have to explore the best electronic models with video recording, camera and high magnification. You also need to familiarize yourself with the practical nuances of the operation of such an optical technique.

Binoculars are practically indispensable for tourists and travelers, hunters and fishermen, game rangers and many other people. Digital samples compare favorably with traditional optical instruments with two eyepieces in one housing. It is very important that almost all of them are created with a video recording function, which allows you to then scrupulously analyze what you see in a more relaxed atmosphere. Photographing is, of course, also perfectly possible. The use of digital binoculars in direct optical mode is no less widespread than that of traditional models.

The objective benefits will be:

• ease of use;
• a wide range of observation options;
• ease of image adjustment (especially in the presence of viewing screens).

However, it is the presence of a camera that creates problems. Binoculars give a round view, and the matrixes of cameras and video cameras are rectangular. Therefore, it can be difficult to determine the composition of a photograph. The way out turns out to be the use of binoculars equipped with a display that acts as a viewfinder. And with enough practice, and in general, difficulties will not arise. It is also worth considering that the more the image is enlarged, the greater the danger of the "dancing" effect. It will be typical for the camera as well. Therefore, in most cases it is impossible to get a clear picture without a tripod.

Image stabilization can also be difficult, especially when looking at distant objects. Normal pictures and videos will only be obtained in full lighting conditions. Even in weak twilight, the picture quality will deteriorate noticeably. Night vision mode produces poor images and videos. In addition, they inevitably have a green or black and white color, which impairs their perception.

It is necessary to clarify what binoculars with electronic components are used for and what they can do, what traditional binoculars are not capable of (or do worse with). We are talking primarily about the observation of animals: both terrestrial and aquatic or flying in the air. It is usually possible to look at them with ordinary binoculars from several dozen - maximum from several hundred - meters. And digital technology allows you to do this at a distance of 800 - 1200 m, while the picture quality will be very high.

Living beings at such a distance feel completely safe, and the observer does not spoil their naturally going life, he can evaluate it in its entirety. But digital binoculars aren't just for naturalists and hunters. They will also be useful for fans who would like to capture memorable sports footage. This device will suit both journalists (even the paparazzi, and to some extent especially to them), and visitors to concerts, parades, and other celebrations. Even the smallest detail at a great distance will not be hidden from view (and the lens).

There are many options for using binoculars with a digital part. But you need to choose the right version of it, and for this - first assess what the modern market can offer to the consumer. It is appropriate to start the review with Sony DEV-50V zoom models... The device has a large number of functions. The optics are of very high quality.

The optical magnification is 12x. Digital amplification allows you to increase the size of the picture up to 25 times. The field of view is approximately 1000 m. The electronic viewfinder of such digital binoculars allows real-time image transmission. The advantages of the model, allowing it to lead the rating, will be:

• optimal brightness setting in low light conditions;
• instant response of organic LEDs;
• face recognition system;
• backlit sensors;
• video recording in AVCHD format with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels;
• an internal GPS module that allows you to identify the locations associated with the recording.

When choosing binoculars with a camera, you should also pay attention to the Bresser NightSpyDIGI Pro FHD 3.6x. The device is supplemented with infrared illumination with a wavelength of 940 nm. The official description insists that this model does not fear exposure. When using the backlight, the target detection radius is 250 m. Power is supplied from standard AA batteries, which must be purchased additionally.

The package includes USB and AV cables. A latch is provided for placing a "power bank". The device cannot boast of a powerful optical zoom - it reaches a maximum of 3 times. Digital amplification can be up to 10.8x. Other features:

• the body is made of plastic;
• color matrix CMOS;
• support for memory cards up to 128 GB;
• photo and video resolution - 1920x1080;
• viewfinder screen resolution - 640x360;
• battery operation time - up to 300 minutes (without backlight);
• mount - 1/4 inch;
• automatic shutdown option;
• multi-coated optics;
• field of view at a distance of 0.1 km - 16.1 m;
• video recording in MP4 format.

Veber NVB 007 can work with stabilization. This mode is possible when using a tripod. Users can choose between color or black and white images. When using infrared illumination, shooting can be carried out even in the dark (in caves and other dungeons). The binoculars are compact, weighing 0.47 kg, which is very convenient just for travelers and other people for whom ease of movement is important. The display is designed to minimize visual fatigue during operation. The body is made of strong polymer. The weight of the complete set of delivery is 0.65 kg. The menu is fully translated into Russian. The detection distance is 300 m.

The developers have provided diopter correction. It is ± 4 diopters. The model is suitable for zoologists, including bird watchers. A pseudostereoscopic picture is displayed. To better protect the lens from bright daylight, a lens cap is used. The eyecup can be folded up as needed. This makes observation with glasses comfortable. The delivery set includes a hard transport case, there is also a battery saving mode. The total size is 17.5x13.5x5 cm.

If you need high magnification digital binoculars, you can use Levenhuk Halo 13x. This model has a built-in Wi-Fi module. It is designed to work in night vision mode. But there is also a normal day job option. The shooting resolution will be 1280x960 pixels. The captured images can be transferred directly to a PC using the USB system. The manufacturer insists that such a model can work up to 10 hours on one set of batteries. Main characteristics:

• 4x optical and 13x digital zoom;
• memory cards up to 32 GB;
• case and carrying strap;
• video shooting speed - up to 30 frames per second;
• simplified control (6 keys);
• detection at a distance of 300 m.

The optics are coated with silicon dioxide. The LED backlight has 7 different brightness levels. A 32 GB memory card is included in the package. The captured images can be viewed immediately. The design of the binoculars is comfortable, it fits easily in the hand.

Also worth mentioning is the optional FORTIS DIGITAL 21X Zoom. It is stated that such a model works quietly in fog and snow. Video recording can be carried out with a wide range of resolutions, fields of view and magnifications. Connection of memory cards up to 32 GB is provided. The camcorder has a resolution of approximately 570 TV lines and the viewfinder display has a diagonal of 2.5 inches.

Other characteristics:

• observation range during the day - 1.5 km;
• observation range at night - 0.5 km;
• video output is provided;
• 4 AA batteries;
• there is a contrasting mode;
• the lowest operating temperature is 10 degrees;
• net weight (without batteries) - 2.1 kg;
• level of electrical protection - IP66.

First you need to pick up and install the batteries. How to do this, the instructions will tell you. In general, it is she who is the most important assistant in solving any problem. When installing batteries, observe the polarity. Before work, it is necessary to adjust the interpupillary distance.

At night and at dusk, it is almost impossible to do without infrared illumination. The eyepieces are rotated until full clarity is achieved, and then they are engaged in adjusting the sharpness at various distances. The digital zoom is adjusted according to their needs. Infrared illumination is needed in low light and foggy conditions. All threaded elements are used as carefully as possible so that it is not skewed.

If the device is designed to use lithium-ion batteries, then they should be taken for the longest or indefinite outputs. Of course compliance with the operating mode (in terms of temperature and other criteria) plays an important role here. The use of different types of batteries should be avoided whenever possible.It is undesirable to point the binoculars at the sun, spotlight and other sources of bright light, so as not to overload its sensitive electronics. Sometimes the image will be too dark even with infrared illumination; in this case, the brightness of the display must be adjusted additionally.

Blurring of the picture is eliminated by center focusing. It should not be reconfigured arbitrarily in order to exclude a violation of sharpness. Many digital binoculars have an automatic shutdown mode when they are not used for a long time. You can eliminate this by periodically pressing the keys quickly.

Do not keep binoculars near heaters, air conditioners, backs of refrigerators, stoves, or other heat sources. Negative temperatures, high humidity, direct sunlight are inappropriate. Digital binoculars must be protected, of course, from getting into the water and being exposed to powerful electromagnetic fields. The lenses should be cleaned with special branded napkins or a soft cloth approved by the manufacturer. To prevent abrasive particles from damaging the sensitive segments of the apparatus, use soft brushes. After stopping work for several weeks, the batteries must be removed. Do not drop the device onto a hard surface, expose it to strong shocks or shock.

Disassembly of the device and its independent repair are not allowed. Cleaning with alcohol and paper is also prohibited. To exclude the formation of condensation helps keeping at least 3 hours in closed rooms without switching on after being at a negative temperature. If there are problems with switching on, it is necessary to check the observance of the polarity of the batteries and their serviceability. Problematic batteries or accumulators must be replaced with known good copies. Cleaning up contacts also helps.