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 10×25
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 1280×960 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:

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.

BirdCam vs Trail Camera Review

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. Here’s more about

ATN digital binoculars

Our Favorite
Bird Watching Binoculars, Squirrel-Proof Feeder & Hummingbird Feeder
Read Our Reviews:

Nikon Monarch M5
Best mid-priced bird watching binoculars. Waterproof, shockproof, multi-coated ED-Glass.

Best mid-priced bird watching binoculars. Waterproof, shockproof, multi-coated ED-Glass.

Squirrel-Proof
No batteries, adjustable, easy to clean…and no squirrels!
“Best New Product” Award.

No batteries, adjustable, easy to clean…and no squirrels!”Best New Product” Award.

Bird Bath Heater
Keeps your bird baths ice-free down to -20 F. Low-operating costs ~$1/mo

Keeps your bird baths ice-free down to -20 F. Low-operating costs ~$1/mo

Click Images or Links To View More Info

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