? Full HD (1920 x 1080)2 video recording with stereo sound

? Up to 20x magnification3 (DEV-5)

? SteadyShot Active Mode optical image stabilisation for clear viewing and recording

? Minimal ‘stealth’ design with ergonomic controls

? HDMI® connection to HD television or 3D TV

? Geotagging with GPS (DEV-5)

1 Based on AVCHD recording capability at the time of announcement (19 August 2011)

2"Full HD video with 1920 x 1080 pixels" refers to video recordings with 1920 pixels in the horizontal direction and 1080 pixels in the vertical direction. Video recording in 2D progressive scan format (1920 x 1080 / 50p).

3 When shooting 2D video. Image quality is reduced when recording 2D video at magnification higher than 10x with digital zoom ON. Model DEV-3 does not have digital zoom function.

For the first time ever yacht owners and crews can capture maritime moments in full HD and 3D using the new Sony DEV-3 and DEV-5 video binoculars.  The DEV-5 and DEV-3 from Sony are the world's first1 digital binoculars that record Full HD video2 with stereo sound at the touch of a button. There's also a 3D record mode that captures the detailed ocean scene as thrilling stereoscopic video footage to enjoy on your 3D BRAVIA® TV (NB: maximum magnification 5.4x in 3D mode).

As an additional refinement, the DEV-5 includes an on-board GPS receiver that automatically geotags video clips as you travel. Tagged clips and images can be viewed after shooting in online maps (requires compatible software).Variable zoom on both models lets you scan a wide area at low magnification before zooming in seamlessly to pinpoint your subject, such as a distant port or vessel.By turning on digital zoom at magnification settings over 10x, the DEV-5 boosts total magnification range from 0.9x up to 20x3, rivalling many high-powered conventional binoculars. The DEV-3 pulls objects in the horizon closer with a maximum magnification of 10x.

Unlike traditional binoculars, electronic autofocus keeps your subject sharply resolved at all times, even while it's moving. A comfortably positioned dial also allows fingertip adjustment of manual focus. It's ideal for focusing selectively on your subject, rather than other obstructions in your field of view.Electronic autofocus allows both binoculars to focus cleanly on subjects as close as 1cm away when recording in 2D (min. 80cm when recording in 3D). This gives the extra benefit of magnifying close-up subjects as well distant observations.Separate images for left and right eyes are captured by a matched pair of precision G Lens optics by Sony with Exmor R CMOS sensors and powerful BIONZ processors. Independent electronic viewfinders provide clear, detailed images for left and right eyes, offering a 3D viewing experience that's comfortable, natural and highly immersive.

The DEV-5 and DEV-3 are digital binoculars with optical SteadyShot (Active mode), the optical stabilisation system that's found on Handycam camcorders and Cyber-shot cameras by Sony. Optical SteadyShot keeps images clear and stable, even when you're viewing at high magnifications. It's also effective when recording video to enjoy later on your HD TV. Either onboard or once you disembark, connect the binoculars via HDMIR to your BRAVIAR or any HD television for big-screen sharing. 3D videos can be enjoyed on 3D-compatible BRAVIAR models. There's also a USB terminal for transferring video clips to your PC for storing, editing and sharing.Comfortable to hold for extended periods, both binoculars feature an ergonomic grip area that's coated with an elastomer material for sure handling and stable operation. Top-mounted controls allow easy operation with gloved fingers, while dual buttons are provided to start recording instantly with either hand.

Both binocular models come supplied a high-capacity rechargeable battery pack (NP-FV70) that allows up to approximately 3 hours of 2D recording on a single charge. Remaining battery time (minutes) is displayed in the electronic viewfinder to give confirmation of record time remaining.

The DEV-3 and DEV-5 also include a battery charger/adaptor, A/V connecting cable and USB cable for connection to a PC for uploading video files. In addition, the DEV-5 comes supplied with lens cover, finder cap, large eye cups, a carrying case and neck strap. Available through professional sales channels, the DEV-5K offers the same technical specifications at the DEV-5. It also includes the AC-VQV10 high-speed AC adaptor/charger, plus a high-capacity NP-FV100 battery.

 

The new DEV-5 and DEV-3 digital recording binoculars from Sony will be available from the beginning of November 2011.

1 Based on AVCHD recording capability at the time of announcement (19 August 2011)

2 "Full HD video with 1920 x 1080 pixels" refers to video recordings with 1920 pixels in the horizontal direction and 1080 pixels in the vertical direction. Video recording in 2D progressive scan format (1920 x 1080 / 50p).

3 When shooting 2D video. Image quality is reduced when recording 2D video at magnification higher than 10x with digital zoom ON. Model DEV-3 does not have digital zoom function.

 

Key technical specifications

 

Model name DEV-5 DEV-3

Video recording format 2D/3D:MPEG4-MVC/H.264 AVCHD™ Ver2.0 format

Video resolution 2D HD: 1920x1080/60p, 50p (PS), 1920x1080/60i, 50i (FX,FH),

1440x1080/60i, 50i (HQ,LP)

3D HD: 2x 1920x1080/60i, 50i

Still Image Max. Effective 7.1 megapixels

 

Still Image Size (Photo Mode) 7.1 megapixels (4:3) (3072x2304)

5.3 megapixels (16:9) (3072x1728)

1.9 megapixels (4:3) (1600x1200)

307K pixels (4:3) (640x480)

Lens Dual G Lens F1.8 - F3.4

Minimum focusing distance (approx.): (Video Mode): 80cm(Wide), 7.5m(Tele)

(Still Image Mode): 1cm(Wide), 80cm(Tele), 25cm(Tele Macro)

Image sensor: 2x 1/4 type (4.5mm) back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS Sensor

Image stabilisation: Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilisation with Active mode [wide(3D)/ wide to tele (2D)]

Viewfinder Diopter Adjustment: Yes (-3.5 - +3.5)

Apparent field of view: 35.6°(16:9)

Interpupillary distance: 55– 75mm

Magnification (Movie Mode) * x0.9 - x10(2D:Digital zoom is OFF) / x0.9 - x20(2D:Digital zoom is ON) / x0.5 - x5.4(3D) x0.9 - x10(2D) / x0.5 - x5.4(3D)

Magnification (Photo Mode) * x0.5 - x20 (16:9) / x0.3 - x15 (4:3) x0.5 - x10 (16:9) / x0.3 - x7.5 (4:3)

Minimum Focus Distance Movie Mode:

2D: Approx. 1cm (Wide) / Approx. 80cm (Tele)

3D: Approx. 80cm (Wide) / Approx. 7.5m (Tele)

Photo Mode: Approx. 1cm (Wide) / Approx. 80cm (Tele) / Approx. 25cm (Tele Macro)

Magnification range:

(3D) 5x (2D) 0.9x – 20x

(3D) 5x                  (2D) 0.9x – 10x

Audio recording format Dolby® Digital 2ch Stereo, Dolby® Digital Stereo Creator

Recording and Playback Times (32GB Memory Card)(2ch):

2D HD PS: Approx. 2h30m

2D HD FX: Approx. 3h00m

2D HD FH: Approx. 4h05m

2D HD HQ: Approx. 7h20m

2D HD LP: Approx. 12h50m

3D HD 3D: Approx. 2h30m

GPS: Yes (without map display) -

Interfaces (HD video) HDMI® output (mini) /Component Video Out (SD video) A/R remote (Composite / Component / S video out USB Type A, mini-AB/USB2.0 Hi-speed Headphone (stereo minijack) / microphone (stereo minijack) (Power supply) DC-IN

Compatible recording media:  Memory Stick PRO Duo ™ (Mark 2) / Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ SD/SDHC/SDXC (no internal memory)

Weight (approx.): Approx. 1.2 kg (body only)

Dimensions (approx.): Approx. 219(W) x 155(H) x 88 mm(D) (Body only including protrusion)

Battery type: InfoLITHIUM® with AccuPower™ Meter System (V Series)

Power Consumption in recording: 2D HD: 4.2W (FX) - 3D HD: 4.8W

Power Requirements: 6.8V (battery pack); 8.4V (AC Adaptor)

Recoding time 2D:

Approx. 3h05m NP-FV70:(fully charged battery)

Approx. 6h10m NP-FV100:(fully charged battery)

3D:

Approx. 2h40m NP-FV70:(fully charged battery)

Approx. 5h20m NP-FV100:(fully charged battery)

Playback time 2D:

Approx. 4h50m NP-FV70:(fully charged battery)

Approx. 9h40m NP-FV100:(fully charged battery)

3D:

Approx. 4h20m NP-FV70:(fully charged battery)

Approx. 8h35m NP-FV100:(fully charged battery)

Supplied accessories: Rechargeable Battery, Pack (NP-FV70), AC adaptor/Charger AC-L200C(D), Power Cord, Large Eyecup, Lens Cover, Finder Cap, Neck Strap, Carrying Case, A/V Connecting Cable, USB Cable, CD-ROM (Video Camera Application Software), Operating Guide Rechargeable Battery Pack (NP-FV70), AC adaptor/Charger AC-L200C (D), Power Cord, Neck Strap, A/V Connecting Cable, USB Cable,CD-ROM (Video Camera Application Software), Operating Guide

 

For further information contact;

Emma Leeder at Beige

+44 (0)20 7404 3000 / JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING

Aimee Lake at Sony UK Limited

+44 (0) 1932 816451 / JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING

Alternatively please visit: http://presscentre.sony.uk