5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
Very Handy For The Non Sophisticated User
Date of Review: Oct 9, 2003
The Bottom Line: Highly recommended. If you want to get fancy and creative I'd suggest looking at the newer models.
This is the 8x22 base model binocular with integrated digital camera. They feel like regular binoculars (9.3 ounces and 4.5''x3.5''x2.2'')and for the most part they look like regular binoculars too. The digital camera and lense are built into the mid section with two simple buttons (one takes the picture, one scrolls through options) that are easy to use while looking through the lense.
Being a base model, and Meades first entry into this line of binocular, this is a simplistic version of binocular and digital cam. The binocular is an 8x zoom which isn't very powerful in the grand scheme of binoculars, but it gets the job done in most situations. The focus is a simple to use roll bar in the middle of the camera.
The digital camera is 640x480 resolution and captures what you see through the binocular lense. The optimal imaging range is a 49foot minimum to infinity. There is 8MB memory card built in(not upgradable on this model) which will hold about 40 pictures at full res mode (.3 megapixel) and more pics at low res mode (I've had up to 70 pics stored at low res).
I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the pics taken with this camera. I've used it at sporting events and even an air show and came home with very clear pics. If the cam can capture the US Navy Blue Angels zooming past you at hundreds of mile and hour with minimal blur then it's probably well suited for most other occasions too! One thing to note is that the cam does work best in high light/outdoor situations. Like any other camera (digital or non) if you don't have enough light your won't get a good pic. This model does not have any sort of built in flash, which I wouldn't expect since your subject is far away anyway.
The camera connects to your pc via USB (cable included) and runs on 2 AAA batteries. Pics were easy to download using the Ulead Photo Express software that comes with the camera. The Ulead software also allows you to save and organize your photos, creating albums, etc.. as well as full editing features including some auto features which will automatically enhance your pics for you (remove red eye, blur, discoloration, etc..). I'm sure there are much more sophisticated editing packages out there but this is one of the better packages that I've seen come free with a digital cam.
Also included is a neck strap and a carrying case that has a belt clip slot as well.
The one negative thing worth pointing out is that the battery life is not that good. And if your batteries die on you, you will lose the pics saved in memory. So get in the habit of shutting the cam off when not in use and download the pics right away.
All in all this is a fun little toy. It's not built for a profesional or for the sophisticated user in mind. But for the average joe end user it's great to have around the boat, the summer house, take on vacation, etc.. I paid $75 for this model in May 03, but Meade has come out with some newer and more advanced models so I'd expect the price of this base model to drop in the near future.
