Binoculars with Camera and Video Built-In: Are They Any Good?
We have had many ask about getting binoculars with camera or digital video built-in so we decided to take a look at the current model options.
Among the optic brands that have attempted to produce a binocular camera include Vivitar, Barska, Bushnell, Sharper Image and Nikon.
Among the manufacturers that have been able to make an awesome pair of digital camera binoculars: Perhaps 1 - in our humble opinion.
Whatever You Do, Don't Go Cheap
Vivitar offers a binocular digital camera for $16. Need I say more?
At best, this would be a cheap play toy for your child. I am shocked to read reviews by people who bought this camera and are disappointed.
Let's just say you need to spend more if you want any kind of quality in the binoculars or camera.
There may be one or two under $100 you may be satisfied with, but expect to pay at least $200 to get a semi-decent pair that will act as a "good" pair of binoculars as well as a camera.
Cons of Binoculars with Camera or Video Capability
- Low-quality photos: Most users complain they cannot get clear, focused photos. Most of these camera binoculars would need to rest on top of a tripod to get in-focus photos.
- Short battery life - some lasting as little an hour and cosume battery life even in the "off" position.
- Binoculars are typically not very high quality, with longer close focus distance, small exit pupil and small Field of View - especially not good as birding binoculars.
- Are heavey and bulky to carry around.
Camera Binoculars Photo Quality
The below photo was taken by the Bushnell ImageView 10x25 Binocular Camera with 1.3 megapixels.
Would you be satisfied?
Can you identify the bird from this photo if you weren't there? And yes, I know some of you would. :-)
I don't know about you, but I would be disappointed with these results.
I would want to be able to zoom in much more and see lots more crisp, clear detail in the photo.
Binocular Camera Recommendations
I cannot say there is one particular binocular camera that stands out as being the best.
On the more expensive end, some have liked the Bushnell Binocular Camera Instant Replay Series, but reviews have been mixed.
Busnell's other series is ImageView, which have several models under $100, but they too have had mixed reviews.
These Rexing digital camera binoculars may suffice for some with these capabilities: Photo - 1MP 1280x960 pixel, Video - 960p @ 30fps
In conclusion, with maybe the exception of the Rexing binoculars with camera above (or the more expensive ATN BinoX-HD Video Binoculars mentioned below), I would say don't buy this mulit-tasker because it isn't particularly good at being binoculars or a camera.
In most cases, you will get better photos taken with a cell phone.
When I go out hiking, I have my Nikon Monarch's attached to my binocular harness and my camera either around my shoulder in the case or in my front big cargo pocket.
Never had a problem with either disappointing me.
I'd say hold off on the binoculars with camera and/or video until the combination technology improves.
This especially holds true if you want to use them for bird watching.
If you want to take them to a sporting event or something similar, then you may feel they will suit your needs just fine.
Just know and be aware of their limitations.
Of course, I haven't personally reviewed every binocular camera out there so if you have come across one you like, tell us about it.
Perhaps An Exception - ATN BinoX-HD Video Binoculars
There is a binocular video camera hybrid from ATN that may shoot some higher quality images called the:
ATN BinoX-HD 4-16x/65mm Smart Day & Night Smart HD Binocular with w/1080p Video, E-Compass, E-Zoom, Geotagging Rangefinder, WiFi, and 3D Gyroscope. Cost? Here is an overview:
What about Binoculars with Camera and Night Vision
There are night vision binoculars that have a camera built in and can take both photos and videos.
Some are better than others and I would generally say that the night vision binoculars that are under $200 with a camera are not going to give you the best images.
But if you just want to have a record of something while you are outdoors or for any reason without them having to be very high quality, then you may be satisfied with these lower priced night vision binoculars.
View all Binoculars with Camera and Night Vision
We have a review of night vision binoculars which were great for viewing owls at night and for all around ability to view in complete darkness, but I wasn't that impressed with the quality of daytime images and video.
Are binocular cameras worth it?
Binocular cameras are definitely not worth it if you get a cheap pair.
Expect to pay over $400 for the type of quality images and photos you expect from digital SLR camera or else you will probably be disappointed as the aforementioned photo above demonstrates.
Cheap binoculars with cameras have low video and photo capabilities, so we do not recommended unless you are willing to invest in a good pair of binoculars with a camera, which can be expensive.
If you are looking to get a great pair of binoculars, browse our Binoculars 101 pages for information on how to choose bird watching binoculars and what to look for in specifications - this is also a good overview even if you are using binoculars for other purposes such as hunting or any outdoor activities.
Here is our list and review of best binoculars for bird watching by price range (under $200 to $1,000).
You may want to give digiscoping a try too.
Digiscoping with an attachment for your camera to a spotting scope is a great way to take close-up photos of wildlife from a distance.
BirdCam vs Trail Camera Review
Here's more about ATN digital night vision binoculars
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Our Favorite Bird Watching Binoculars, Squirrel-Proof Feeder & Hummingbird Feeder Read Our Reviews: |
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Nikon Monarch M5
Best mid-priced bird watching binoculars. Waterproof, shockproof, multi-coated ED-Glass. |
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Best Hummingbird Feeder
Drip-Free, Ant-moat, Durable, Easy to Fill and Clean. |
| Click Images or Links To View More Info | ||