Catch the peeping Tom red-handed

Damian Koh | Jan 11, 2006

We seem to have a burgeoning list of most-wanted in our editorial team. Previously, we were rooting for SatuGO, but now it seems Sightwave Optics has something which we'd love to consider in our quest for better imaging weapons: The Digiviewer 220x. This gadget sports a 2.45-inch LCD and 22x optical zoom capability. Before you rub your hands in glee, this is not a digital camera.

The Digiviewer binoculars weigh 810g (without battery, ouch) and have really nice cushioning on the viewing side that wraps the eyes end to end. While traditional binoculars require you to look through two telescopic tubes that are connected together, the Digiviewer uses a 2.45-inch LCD to display images. Add a 22x optical and 10x digital zoom capability, and is there even a worry that you cannot get up close and personal with your idol from a distance?

From a pair of pictures on the company's Web site comparing images at 5x and 50x zoom, we are already contemplating what we can actually use its ultrazoom for. What's more, the Digiviewer comes with automatic focusing and a one-touch zoom control. The only qualm we have is the display resolution of 480 x 234 pixels--not at all impressive.

Now if we can lay our paws on a prototype, we'll know what's been going on behind the curtains in the building opposite ours.

More images of Digiviewer 220x:

Look really far ahead.