How to Buy Digital Camera Binoculars

Combining the viewing capabilities of binoculars with the picture-taking abilities of cameras makes a great idea. Digital camera binoculars may not be capable of the best image quality, but they're fun gadgets to play with in the outdoors and at sporting events. Plus it's so much easier to carry one camera item instead of two.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Look at the photo and video taking capabilities of the different models. Most cameras take at least 30-second video clips. Faster video usually means smoother video. Consider buying digital camera binoculars with an instant replay feature that allows you to look through the binoculars and save up to the 60 seconds of video.

2. Investigate the optics. Camera binoculars are designed to use for distant objects. Binoculars magnification can range from 7X to 10X, but camera optics operate independently of the binoculars. While binoculars may focus up to 15 feet away, the camera may only focus 50 feet away and give you blurry pictures. One maker currently offers a model where the camera and binoculars focus together, the Bushnell Instant Replay 8x32.

3. Check the picture quality. Most camera binoculars range from 3.2 to 5 megapixel cameras. Go for optical zoom over digital zoom for improved picture quality. Find out how your camera performs in different lighting situations.

4. Find out about the lenses of the binoculars. The best use Bak-4 prism glass with fully multicoated lenses. The coatings minimize loss of light and color distortion.

5. Ask about the battery life of your digital camera binoculars. Most models use AA or AAA batteries, which might last an hour of continuous use depending on how often you use the LCD screen. Lithium batteries tend to last longer. Even so, consider camera binoculars with card slots to expand the memory.

6. Check the weight. Digital camera binoculars weigh more than traditional binoculars because of the additional camera lens. Weight differences between models exist as well. Consider how much time you'll be looking through the binoculars, and you can see why weight is a concern. Models with a tripod adapter make this a moot point and limit camera shake.

7. Compare prices. Digital camera binoculars feature a wide range of prices. And while it's true that you get what you pay for, consider what features are most important to you. Make certain a good warranty is included.

Tips & Warnings

• Find digital camera binoculars in electronic and camera stores. You'll also find them online with retailers like Amazon, QVC, OpticsPlanet and Appliance Hut. Check eBay, too.
• The numbers in the name of the digital camera binoculars refer to the magnification and aperture of the binoculars. An 8x32 product means that the binoculars can make objects eight times as close. The 32 describes the lens farthest from your eyes as 32mm in diameter.
• If picture quality is the only thing holding you up, remember that photo-editing software fixes many problems.
• Regular binoculars beat digital camera binoculars in the binoculars department, just as digital cameras boast better picture quality than from digital camera binoculars. Features are often a tradeoff as well. Camera binoculars with the most internal memory may include limited video capabilities.
• Digital camera binocular quality is increasing all the time. Check the latest products and reviews for comparisons.
• In many models, you risk losing your pictures when you change the batteries. Make certain you save to a flash memory card or download before the batteries die.