Meade Captureview 8x30 3.2 Megapixel Waterproof Digital Camera Binocular

by Meade

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0009XUWOM
• Item model number: CV6
• Average Customer Review: 2.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #15,160 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 1, 2005

Product Description

Binoculars That Take Pictures! -- You can use CaptureView binoculars anywhere you would use standard binoculars, with the added advantage of being able to capture the up-close action in the form of digital images or video clips. They're even waterproof! -- The CaptureView 8x30 camera will hold up to 20 images at 3.2 megapixel resolution with built-in memory. You can also take movies up to 90 seconds long at QVGA (320 X 240 pixels) in Windows AVI Format. The exclusive FlashbackTM feature lets you save the last 5, 10, 15 or 20 seconds of any recording, then view an instant replay of what you recorded. -- You can use the software programs that are provided on the included CD-ROM to manipulate and download images from the CaptureView onto your computer, or you use existing programs. -- The binoculars have a built-in Secure Digital (SD) memory card slot and will also accommodate Multi-Media Cards (MMC). The binoculars come with a strap and handy carrying case. -- *Please Note: This Item is Shipped Directly from the Manufacturer. Please Allow 7-10 Business Days for Delivery

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Meade 8x30 mm Capture View Binocular, March 9, 2006

By 

Robert B. Richey "Libre Muncher" (New Mexico, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Meade Captureview 8x30 3.2 Megapixel Waterproof Digital Camera Binocular (Electronics)

I have only had a few days to learn the operation of this capture view system, but it is great. I ordered this as a replacement to an earlier version of a Meade CaptureView Binocular which I believe that they no longer market. My problem with that was that it had a virtual memory meaning that if I did not download the pictures promptly I was at risk of losing them if the batteries weakened or were removed. The new system solves that problem with a removable memory card (SD/MMC). The big plus is the list of things that I had not even been looking for. These are waterproof, so photos in a stream, lake, beach environment is at a lower risk than before. I did not think that I would ever use the MPEG recording of video until I started using it. I took these on a ski trip last weekend. I came across a training session where the Taos Avalanche Patrol was training the Avalanche Dogs. I was able to get some really neat MPEG files of the dog's antics and enthusiasm. As you can see from my star rating, I am very pleased with this purchase.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars What I disliked ,,, A LOT!, January 3, 2007

By 

Robert Rynes (Balto. MD) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Meade Captureview 8x30 3.2 Megapixel Waterproof Digital Camera Binocular (Electronics)

This is the actual letter I sent the MEADE co.

Sir's,

Who designs these things? I purchased a cv-6 yesterday and returned it today. Prior to choosing what manufacture to buy, I read many reviews, and thought the cv-6 was a pretty good one. Do you guys write the reviews for these mags? For me, there were several issues; (1) The buttons are all too small. When attempting to take a photo it's impossible to hold the unit steady while attempting to press down in the correct spot to snap the shutter. All of the control buttons should be larger both in diameter and in height / profile. I even laid the unit down on the handrail of my deck for steadiness. That helped, but how often can one rest the unit to take a pic. (3) It eats batteries! One brand new pair of Energizers lasted only 12 pics!! Put in a 9v. (4) The focus knob for the binoculars is tucked up inside so far, and is hard to operate as it is very stiff. That makes it impossible to hold steady on the subject while focusing. (5) The camera focus ring did not "click" into any position as the manual said it should.

I didn't set out to bust anyone's chops. I really thought this would have been a good choice for me - especially after all of the research I did prior to purchasing. The above is simply my honest opinion of the product.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not what you expect - don't use this for special moments, November 20, 2006

By 

Trojan LRey "trojanlrey" (rancho santa margarita, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Meade Captureview 8x30 3.2 Megapixel Waterproof Digital Camera Binocular (Electronics)

I received this as a gift. No investment except for the SD card. I'm not pleased. It took 3 battery changes in an hour (117 shots). In perfect lighting conditions at the beach with a cliff view around 10 AM maybe 10 shots were keepers. The keepers were the ones with subjects furthest away. Tried some actions shots of gliding seagulls. Good luck getting timing down. Shutter delay is slow. You'd be better off with a comparable priced 5 mp digital camera and cropping ambient items in a shot to get a better close up keeper. Every shot at 100 ft or less was weak. Even as binoculars, it is hard to get excited about this item. The third eye used by the camera doesn't seem to see what you see with the binoculars. Note: when batteries get low, the LCD goes black but you can still squeeze off another 20 shots. I waited until I got to my computer to really analyze the quality. Great concept, poor on delivering on expectations. Why two stars? It a generosity rating based on the novelty of being able to capture shots with binoculars. Don't bother if you are on the 50 yard line, row 10. Every close up was blurry. You need to be in nose-bleed section to get reasonably decent shots. Oh and if you have any shadows - fugedaboutit. This item needs bright light to provide any chance of a fair photo.