Nearly two years ago, Sony announced a pair of 3D Digital Recording Binoculars, the DEV-3 and DEV-5. Packed with 10x optical zoom, both units are capable of recording 1080p HD video while capturing stills with a 7.1 megapixel camera. It also wouldn’t be Sony without them incorporating their Exmor R CMOS sensors which are designed to provide noise free images, even in low light situations. But once again, this digital recording binocular has a trick up its sleeve—or maybe two tricks. Sony opted to include not one, but two Exmor R CMOS sensors in both the DEV-3 and DEV-5, allowing for native 3D 1080p video recording with dual f/1.8-3.4, 0.5-10x optical zoom lenses, and a pair of 1,227-dot viewfinders. Other features include manual focus, SteadyShot, and Image Stabilization. With no word from Sony since then, we always wondered if these were a one time product but alas we were wrong.

At CES 2013, the 2nd Generation Sony 3D Digital Recording Binoculars was unveiled to the press. No price point or spec difference were given and in fact, the only unit present was inside a glass case. Still, the striking and slimmed down redesign should be a positive sign for techie nature lovers. As our video after the jump shows, despite the unit being a prototype, the final production model shouldn’t differer too much. Our inside sources have also told us to expect a Q1 2013 ship date though that can always change. After the jump, our video preview.

Discuss:

Do you think there is a real market for premium digital binoculars?