Celestron VistaPix 8x32 3.1 Megapixel Binocular/Digital Camera w/LCD (Champagne Gold)
by Celestron
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Digital product summary information
Manufacturer: CelestronModel: 72214
Product features:
- Integrated binocular/camera design
- Flip-up LCD screen for easy viewing
- Features continuous video capability
- Plug and Play compatible with mass storage and no need for drivers
- Tripod adaptable
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Digital camera reviews of Celestron VistaPix 8x32 3.1 Megapixel Binocular/Digital Camera w/LCD (Champagne Gold)
Digital camera Review: A Handy Compromise
Summary: 3 Stars
Disclaimer: My opinions are my own, and not necessarily those of my employer. (To tell the truth, I'm not paid enough to speak for my employer.)
The Celestron VistaPix 3.1 Megapixel Binocular/Digital Camera is a handy compromise between binoculars and digital cameras. Its biggest advantage is convenience -- 2 devices in one moderately small package, for a comparatively low price. The images I've gotten are almost as good as the views I remember, and I can display them on my computer screen without having them become pixelated. The field of view of the image is about what you'd get with a 200mm or 300mm lens on a 35mm camera. I can upload to both Mac OS X and Windows XP.
But if you want a professional quality digital camera or a really high end pair of binoculars, you'll have to spend more money and carry a larger, heavier device.
They went through the first set of batteries a lot faster than I was expecting and became hard to turn on. (I started to think that the "on" switch was malfunctioning.)
Also, the first pair that arrived were defective -- one eyepiece wasn't attached, so I had to return them. When I'm in a noisy place, it's hard to hear the "beeps" that the binocs use to tell me that they've taken a picture -- I missed a few shots because of that, so I've started checking the display to make sure.
In summary, this binocular/camera is a handy compromise that I have had fun with. I will enjoy sharing the vacation pictures that I took. I'm happy with the pictures in part because I'm not a professional photographer, so I don't need to worry about whether my pictures are perfect, either technically or artistically.
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Summary of Celestron VistaPix 8x32 3.1 Megapixel Binocular/Digital Camera w/LCD (Champagne Gold)
Celestron(r) VistaPix is a high-quality powerful binocular for clear, sharp, bright views of the outdoors and a versatile digital camera - all in one. VistaPix images can be stored using the internal mass storage until you're ready to download them to your PC. With VistaPix Photo Express SE software, you can crop, re-size, manipulate color, and much more. You can even record and play back videos.The Celestron 72214 VistaPix 8 x 32 3.1 megapixel binocular / digital camera with LCD (Champagne Gold) gives you the best of both worlds. This latest in the line of high-quality Celestron's products combines a powerful binocular for clear, sharp, bright views of the outdoors with a versatile digital camera ready to capture all of your distant sightings.
With a comfortable, rubber-coated textured body, the Celestron 72214 is a rugged, durable, and functional set of binoculars. The multi-coated lenses and high-quality roof prisms deliver images twice as bright as 22-millimeter binoculars. The binoculars feature an 8x magnification and an objective lens diameter of 32 millimeters, giving it a four-millimeter exit pupil.
(The exit pupil size--the diameter of the objective lens divided by the magnification--determines the amount of light available to your eye. The larger the exit pupil, the brighter the image obtained will be. A three-millimeter exit pupil is generally sufficient for daytime use, five-millimeters is suitable for daytime and twilight, and seven-millimeters is generally necessary for maximum nighttime or astronomy use.)
The Celestron 72214 also sports a digital camera that delivers high-quality images as well as continuous video footage. So when you come across a herd of elk on the distant horizon, with a simple click you can bring them up close and personal for your friends and family back home.
With 16 MB of flash memory, the Celestron 72214 can hold up to 25 high-resolution, or 100 low-resolution, images. (The camera includes an SD slot for additional storage.) Once you download your images to a PC, Celestron's VistaPix Photo Express SE software will allow you to manipulate your images to your heart's content. Turn your favorites shots from your vacation into postcards that will make your colleagues back at work green with envy. Celestron VistaPix gives you all the tools you'll need to add that creative or personal touch to your still images or video footage.
About Celestron VistaPix
VistaPix is Celestron's newest line of binoculars with digital imaging capabilities. The VistaPix binocular / digital camera gives you a high-quality and powerful binocular, and a versatile digital camera -- all in a single integrated design. VistaPix images can be stored using its internal mass storage, or on a separate SD card (not included) until you're ready to download them to your PC. Once downloaded, you can use the VistaPix Photo Express SE software to crop or re-size your images, create 360-degree panoramas, manipulate color and even play back videos. With VistaPix Photo Express, there is no need to install new drivers for most versions of Windows. All VistaPix models come with a two-year warranty.
What's in the Box
Celestron 72214 Binocular/Digital Camera and VistaPix Photo Express SE software
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