To find the Best Binocular Cameras, you’ll need to determine the features that are right for you. We recommend that you favor lightweight, durable binoculars with comfort features like ergonomic grips and sweat-wicking neck straps, which can capture images at a minimum of 1MP, or interface with mobile devices for high-quality images, have view specs of at least 8×32, and which feature SD cards capable of storing at least 20 images. Other features to consider include tripod mounting compatibility and flip-out LCD screens which can be discreetly secured for obstruction-free use.
After analyzing hundreds of reviews amongst a multitude of products with varying price points and features, we’ve determined that the Gosky 10×42 is the Best Binocular Camera you can buy on the market today. Keep reading about this and our other top picks to learn more about selecting the best digital camera.
Top 10 Best Binocular Cameras
#1 Gosky 10×42 Roof Prism Binocular Camera
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: An all-around excellent choice for weight balance, image quality, and viewing specs with the advantage of hi-res mobile device image capture via a simple and sturdy mounting system for a complete viewing and photography package that can deliver stunning results.
- Ten times optical zoom
- 18mm viewfinder lens
- Compatible with wide range of iOS and Android devices
- Lack of camera means added weight and bulk of mobile device
The Gosky 10×42 is a high-performance digital camera binocular with a seamless smartphone and mobile device integration for delivering a powerful viewing experience with less image capture quality sacrifice than binocular cameras with built-in sensors and image processors. It features 10x optical zoom with a 42mm lens and a crisp 18mm viewfinder.
Related: In case you want something different, check the best 3D cameras.
Its sturdy, easy-to-use smartphone mount is capable of mounting iPhones from 7 series to current models and most modern Android devices. As with most binocular cameras without built-in sensors, the added weight and bulk of your connected device makes it slightly more unwieldy than all-in-one models, but the dramatically increased image quality more than makes up for the slight increase in usage difficulty, especially if you’re looking for professional image results with a powerful, full-featured digital binocular.
#2 Camonity 5M 2″ LCD 16GB Digital Binocular Camera
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: High-res video capture and hi-res, in-class still image sensor meets tripod-compatible design and a highly adjustable, large LCD viewfinder for great all-in-one use.
- Tripod Compatible
- 1280 x 1080 video capture
- Compatible with wide range of iOS and Android devices
- Fairly heavy at 1.25lbs
The Camonity 5M is a digital binocular camera with a still image sensor capable of up to 5MP of resolution and 1280 x 1080/30FPS video capture. Its durable, comfortable rubber armor grip and compact binocular component make it comfortable for long periods of use despite its somewhat hefty (in class) 1.25lb weight, and its extra-large, adjustable LCD screen allows for easy shot composition and collapses when not in use.
It’s tripod-compatible for getting more stable, composed shots with its 12×32 binocular, and with an included 16GB TF card, it can store plenty of still images and video while you’re out in the field. With multiple viewing and shooting modes, a comfortable-if-slightly-heavy and durable build, and good image quality for both video and build-in still shooting, it’s a great all-in-one option at a good value. If you’re a fan of the Fujifilm line, our selection of the best Fujifilm cameras will provide you with additional options.
#3 Solomark Night Vision Binocular Camera
Award: BEST FOR LOW LIGHT SHOOTING
WHY WE LIKE IT: Tank-like durability and imaging technology designed for clarity and detail in low-light, and dedicated monochromatic evening shooting in full def video or still.
- 5 hours of battery life
- Up to 3MP still, 720p/30FPS video
- Ergonomic design for maximum comfort
- Video fidelity not especially high
The Solomark Night Vision Monocular is a digital night vision binocular camera that can capture up to 3MP still images and 720p/30FPS video. Its dedicated night vision technology allows for clear image capture in low light conditions and evening settings, with a 14-degree field of view for capturing larger areas. Its lightweight 8oz build and ergonomic, compact design make it very portable and comfortable to use, and its 4AA battery power supply provides 5 hours of battery life. But, compare this compact digital camera against a DSLR and see which one works better.
Its lack of HD video capture means it won’t be suitable for professional filmmaking purposes, but for web and social media, and even as a good travel camera, its still and motion image fidelity is more than adequate. For a dedicated monochrome night vision binocular camera or long-range digital binocular camera for hunting, nocturnal naturalist hobbies, and as a fun gadget for the hobbyist, it’s a great option.
#4 Vazussk 2″ HD Digital Binocular Camera
Award: BEST FOR SOCIAL MEDIA
WHY WE LIKE IT: Easy device and PC connectivity combine with great binocular performance and above-average video and still image capabilities in a durable, comfortable model great for sports events and shooting, and other social-media-oriented activities.
- Tripod mount compatible
- Fully Tiltable LCD display
- 1280x1080p/30 FPS video
- TF storage type not supported past Class 4
- Max 32GB storage
The Vazussk 2″ HD is a digital binocular camera with a 12×32 lens and a sensor capable of 5MP still images and 1280×1080/30 FPS video. Its shock-resistant, high-grip rubber armor build makes it a durable choice for rugged country, while its tripod compatibility and easy connectivity to PCs and mobile devices make it easy to produce digital content with more composed, steady still shots and video captures.
Its 2” flip-out LCD screen also makes framing great shots easier, while its medium-def video and high-in-class 5MP sensor produce great results for social media and other casual and semi-pro media environments. While its TF storage interface doesn’t support past Class 4 and 32GB, it’s more than enough for most casual and some semi-professional purposes, and it’s a high-performing binocular in and of itself, making it a good mid-grade option.
#5 Bestguarder NV-800 7X31mm Binocular Camera
Award: BEST QUALITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: Wide dynamic range, high image quality at farthest-in-class distances, an easy-to-use and highly durable design and build, and night vision make it one of the top performers of its kind.
- Live infrared viewing mode
- 6 hours infrared or 14 hours standard mode operation per charge
- Extra-large viewfinder for strain-free viewing
- Significantly high price point for class
The Bestguarder NV-800 is a digital night vision binocular with an infrared-sensitive CMOS sensor and a “super-large” 4″+ viewing screen for easy viewing that’s comfortable for the eyes in any scenario. With its 7×31 digital night vision switchable binocular and advanced sensor it captures up to 1080p/30k video and 5MP still images.
The much higher price point for its class may make it not a practical choice for some casual or beginner hobbyists. However, its versatility, durability, advanced image capture and binocular technology, and high-quality video and still image results in all levels of light make it the top choice for hunting, sports filming, birdwatching, and many other outdoor activities from dusk to dawn.
#6 Eoncore 2″ LCD Display Digital Binocular Camera
Award: BEST FOR VIDEO
WHY WE LIKE IT: Exceptional video quality and sensor resolution for more polished results meet advanced features like timed shooting modes and image stabilization great for naturalist filmmakers.
- Up to 1440x1080p/60FPS video capture
- Multiple useful timing modes
- Anti-shake shooting tech included
- Higher learning curve than some models
The Eoncore 2″ is a high-performance digital binocular camera capable of shooting video up to 1440x1080p/60FPS, with a CMOS image sensor that captures 5MP images. Enhancing its high video and still image performance are multiple shooting modes great for capturing moving or unpredictable subjects like those found in birdwatching- 2s, 5s, and 10s timing modes allow you to anticipate shots with more accuracy.
Additionally, anti-shake technology allows for steadier shots for both video and still image shooting. While the learning curve is slightly higher than some in its class, its fairly lightweight, comfortable, and ergonomic design, rubber-armor durability, high video performance, and high-tech shooting features make it a great option for capturing quality video in a wide variety of outdoor applications for distant subjects. For superior filmmaking capabilities, the best digital camera for filmmaking is a solid option.
#7 Bushnell Imageview Binocular Camera
Award: BEST PROBABILITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: Ultra-light, compact, and durable, with an easy-to-use design, impressive-for-its size of 290ft FOV at max distance, and using only 2 AA batteries for long charge times, it’s a great choice for portability and small hands.
- Tripod mountable
- 8MB Internal Flash Memory for quick transfers via USB
- Ultra-light 10 oz build
- Fairly low VGA resolution video capture
- 1 GB max SD memory card capacity
The Bushnell Imageview is an ultralight, compact digital binocular camera made with portability in mind that’s also great for smaller users. It takes up to 5MB of still images though it features fairly low-res 640 x 480 VGA video capture. 640 x 480. Despite its small size, its binocular component features 10x magnification, a 25mm objective lens, and 8x digital imaging zoom, making it a very functional binocular more than adequate for even serious hobbyists.
Its low video resolution and limited 1GB SD card capacity mean it’s not ideal for filmmaking. However, at 10 oz and with a very compact build, it’s one of the closest to “pocket-size” in its class, and its high-quality binocular, tripod mountability, and 8MB flash memory for quick transfers via a USB cable make it a good performer for still photography in its class.
#8 GordVE HD 1080P Digital Camera Binocular Camera
Award: BEST VERSATILITY
WHY WE LIKE IT: High-capacity micro SD slot, a full-HD large LCD display for precision shot composition, an ingenious folding design, and an advanced BAK-4 Prism lens for increased realism are just a few of the generous modern features of this high performer.
- High-capacity rechargeable lithium battery
- Full HD 1080p LCD screen
- 32GB micro SD card slot
- High price point for class
The GordVE HD is a high-performance digital binocular camera packed with a host of modern features to meet the needs of serious outdoor hobbyists who want high-quality results in a variety of different settings. Among these features is a large, flip-out LCD screen that displays at full HD 1080p for impressive fidelity while composing shots, a slot micro SD cards up to 32GB, a high-capacity rechargeable lithium battery, and a folding design for easier storage and portability.
With 12X Puissant Zoom and 32mm binoculars, HD 1080p/30FPS video capture, 5MP still image capture, and anti-shake technology, it also excels at capturing high-quality images for use in digital media. The high price point may make it less practical for casual users, but its blending of versatility and high performance justify the greater expense. You may also like the best medium format digital camera for improved functionality. If you’re shopping price-wise, then check out our roundup of the leading point-and-shoot cameras for under $500.
#9 Vivitar 10×25 Binoculars Binocular Camera
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Award: BEST FOR BEGINNERS
WHY WE LIKE IT: A low price point, simple, pared-down design, easy-to-use camera, magnification controls, and comfortable grips make it a good value for casual and beginner hobbyists looking to document their adventures.
- Image Manager software built-in
- Flash storage of up to 160 still images
- FogKlear Dry Anti-Fog Cloth included
- Lower video and still image quality than many in class
- Heavier than many similar models
The Vivitar Binocular Camera features a 10×25 binocular design and comfortable ergonomic grips in a pared-down, simple design great for beginners and casual hobbyists who want a low-cost solution to documenting their outdooring and birdwatching experiences easily. It features Vivitar’s Experience Image Manager Software for easy editing and transfer to PC and devices, flash storage capable of holding up to 160 still images, and includes a handy FogKlear Dry Anti-Fog lens cleaning cloth.
Its fairly low res 1.3MP still image and 720/30FPS video capture specs mean it’s probably not suitable for serious hobbyists looking for high-quality results for digital media, and at 1.5lbs, it’s heavier than many similar models. But its extremely low price point, good binocular functionality, ease of use, and good storage capacity make it a great option for beginners. However, if you’re looking for kid-friendly options specifically, the best digital camera for kids is a better option.
#10 Fitiger 1080P Binocular Camera
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: Lightweight and easy-to-use option with good still image and decent video camera capture quality and excellent binocular performance at a low-risk price point.
- Full definition video and hi-res still sensor
- Compact and very easy to use design
- Flip-out, simple LCD screen
- Less sturdy than similar models
The Fitiger 1080p is a budget-minded binocular camera designed for ease of use with good still and video performance. It captures 5MP still images and 1080p/30FPS video and its flip-out LCD screen are easy to read if not as full-featured as some models in its class.
The simple, no-frills design and connectivity include a TF storage card slot and USB port, but its build durability is somewhat less than other models in class at higher price points. While it lacks some of the novel features and high performance of some on the market, it’s a good value for an easy-to-use, fully functional binocular camera that can still deliver reasonably good images for the casual or beginner hobbyist. For more beginner-friendly options, check out our best digital camera for beginners buying guide.
How We Decided
We liked digital binocular cameras with a minimum spec of 8x zoom and 25mm lenses either with sensors capable of capturing a minimum of 1MP images and with editing software included or with built-in smartphone mounts and connectors for capturing hi-res images. We preferred cameras with clear, accurate viewfinders and camera sensors placed to allow for maximum fidelity between the final image and viewfinder view.
We also preferred binocular cameras with hi-res LCD screens and tiltable LCD screens or flip-out for out-of-the-way operation when not in use. Additionally, we liked binoculars with both digital and optical zoom for maximum flexibility, preferring robust optical zoom features to digital ones, and models that came with extras like cleaning kits and a high-quality carrying case.
Finally, we preferred lightweight but durable binoculars with comfort features like ergonomic grips, hypoallergenic materials, sweat-wicking, highly adjustable neck straps, and backlit view finding. We also liked models that featured tripod mounting compatibility for composing steadier shots.
Best Binocular Cameras Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- View Specs
Binoculars always come described with at least one spec- two numbers like this: 8×32. The first number refers to the number of times the image can be or is magnified. This is the optical zoom, as opposed to the digital zoom, which is an additional spec listed separately and refers to a digitally, thus artificially zoomed image. The second number refers to the size of the lens or element in millimeters or mm. Thus, 12×32 means 12x magnification and a 32mm element. These numbers are an important indicator of the distance and image fidelity and field of view one can expect from the binoculars they’re thinking of buying- but they’re unrelated to any camera sensor or imaging processor that’s also part of most binocular cameras. - Megapixel Count
MP stands for mega (one million) pixels. A pixel is a square in a digital picture, visible if a digital image is enlarged past a certain viewing size. A 3MP picture has 2,048 pixels in each horizontal row and 1,536 pixels in each vertical row for a total of 3,145,728 pixels- abbreviated to 3.1MP.In digital camera binoculars, megapixel counts are important references to image quality, but they’re not the only indication. There is little to no noticeable difference between a 2MP and 3MP image, or even a 5MP image unless enlarged to a point it’s unlikely to be viewed at. Other factors are as or more impactful in digital cameras- lens quality and processing power, for example, as well as color count and white balance. It’s important to note, however, that the latter specs can be hard to find in descriptions of digital binoculars- even in operating manuals, so this is an area where reviews and user accounts can come in handy. - LCD Screen
An LCD screen on digital binocular functions the same as it would in a digital camera, allowing users to frame and review pictures taken. However, on a binocular camera, a flip-up LCD screen is especially helpful, allowing you to keep an image in the frame and look at a preview of the picture without moving the binoculars. Most binocular cameras feature LCD screens and many feature flip-up versions, so this is a good feature to look for. Even better are high-resolution LCD screens, though, at modest price points, these are rarer. Read our mashup of the Panasonic DFZ200 vs Panasonic FZ80 for a rare look at these two models in-depth. - Optical Zoom and Digital Zoom
Optical zoom uses the lens and element itself to magnify images, whereas digital zoom is done with the image processor.- Optical zoom is lossless in terms of resolution and more true to the depth of field and field of view than digital. Digital zoom can be a handy way to augment optical zoom limitations, but usually at the loss of image quality in terms of resolution, depth of field, field of view, and overall image richness.
- High digital zoom number specs on a model may seem impressive, but keep in mind optical zoom is always the preferable first choice and should be the spec that takes precedence while choosing a model.
- Keep in mind that binocular cams are great for long-distance shots, but not clarity. In fact, you’ll want to compare mirrorless vs DSLR for wildlife photography if you’re after shots of nature in action.
