Customer Reviews

Meade Captureview 8x30 3.2 Megapixel Waterproof Digital Camera Binocular

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

The design and overall function of the binoculars and built-in camera were as expected but the device used way too much of the AAA battery power. I used high quality batteries (Duracell) but could only get 6 to 8 pictures before the low battery indicator came on. Overall picture quality was low. Hard to get a crisp picture, especially for far away subjects. My advice to Meade is improve the power usage or design it to run off a high-quality rechargeable battery. My advice to potential buyers, wait until the power source is improved, unless you work for a battery company. After I went thru two packs of batteries I packed it up and sent it back. By the way, returning it was hassle-free.

I've got this for my kid and it appears to be the one of the best toys for him :-)
perfect design and construction.
Just a few comments on it:
1)binocular optics is perfect and clear;
2)little bit difficult for kids to adjust focus, as when it's "closed" (i.e. distancebetween eyes is short:-))) it's difficult to access focus adjustment roller, located from bottom side;
3) Digital camera is not using original optics for taking x8 zoomed pictures, but as I suggest has separate path (possible it is not optical and just fixed X8 digital zoom), thus if you aren't using tripod, pictures apear to be kinda disfocused;
4) easy navigation menu (easy even for kids);
5) it isn't waterproof (fully waterproof), but I think at least "rainproof", i.e. it differs, when you use it in rainy weather and drop it into a water can :-))))

all in all it worth it!!!

I received this product as a gift, and fresh out of the box it drained two sets of brand new AAA batteries in seconds.

As I am now overseas, the exchange process became understandably tricky. However, the people at Meade support were not very helpful and promised me things they could not deliver.

They also package the exact same product with the "Simmons" brand name, so beware of that product too.

The unit I received operates, but completely drains its two AAA batteries in approximately 8 minutes. Meade customer service assures me that the unit must be defective. I am returning it for exchange and hoping the replacement unit doesn't do this as well.

Not as clear as the box shows. Not what I expected. I would not buy them again.