Bushnell Compact 8x30 Instant Replay 11-8325

Most reviews of Bushnell Instant Replay camera binoculars cover similar but earlier models, because interest in digital camera binoculars was highest when they were first introduced. We found the best comparison tests in a 2005 review at The New York Times -- but like most reviews, it covers an earlier model with lower camera resolution. Other reviews cover the 8x32 Instant Replay model (now discontinued), whose 32mm objective lens gathered more light. Optics Planet publishes the only owner-written review we found that covers the newer 5-megapixel model, but the review is so vague that it lacks credibility. The owner-written reviews at Epinions.com cover an earlier model.

While reviews say photo quality on digital camera binoculars can't match that of a separate digital camera or camcorder, this 5-megapixel Bushnell Instant Replay model can take 30 frames-per-second movies as well as bursts of three still photos. An "instant replay" feature lets you save only the video clips you want. Both camera and binoculars have 8x magnification, and the camera adds 6x digital zoom. Sharp photos depend partly on remembering that the camera focuses only as close as 30 feet, while the binoculars can focus as close as 13. A monopod or tripod also helps prevent blur. If lower resolution, smaller video and no instant replay are acceptable to you, and you don't want to spend so much, consider the Bushnell 10x25 ImageView VGA 11-1026 (*est. $80).