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Convergence is fun, and sometimes a logical marriage of two or more technologies. It makes sense, optically, to combine a digital camera with a set of binoculars, right? Well, Magpix must think so, because the SX3 is the company's third-generation digital camera binocular. We think this is a cool, albeit limited, combo.
The SX3 is attractive, with a sleek silver and black body. It weighs in at 9.6 ounces, and while it's not small enough to slip into your pocket, the SX3 comes with a convenient neck strap and carrying case.
Equipped with a 10x optical telescopic lens, the SX3 focuses from about 40 feet to any visible distance—great for those long distance shots and viewing, but don't expect to use this for your everyday picture-taking in closer quarters. The 3.1 megapixel camera has no user-selectable features and no flash, so the camera—like binoculars—is best used outdoors in sunlight. Its shutter speed goes as fast 1/8000 second and automatically adjusts according to lighting conditions.
Unless you're an experienced binocular user, you'll have to learn how to properly adjust the optics for your eyesight. After that, you'll need to get up to speed on how to scroll through the different screens on the tiny LCD to accomplish tasks like deleting images or to see how many shots you've taken. Operation only utilizes two buttons: power and shutter.
There's no image viewing on the LCD so, the only way to see your images is on your computer (via USB cable) or on the TV (via a special, but included, TV out cable). In addition to the 16MB internal memory—good for about 40 pictures—the SX3 has a slot for an optional SD/MMC card.
In both features and image quality, the SX3 is no replacement for a dedicated digital camera. That said, if you're hiking, birdwatching, on a trek or attending a sporting event where binocular power— not picture taking—is your primary need, this combo makes a fine option for reducing your electronics load.
–THEANO NIKITAS
Magpix SX3: 
Magpix | www.magpix.com | 877-862-4749 | $150
Pros: Sleek, attractive design, lightweight, shutter speed as fast as 1/8000 second, 10x optics, digicam operates on AAA batteries, 30-second movie mode (no sound).
Cons: LCD doesn't display pictures, image quality not on par with standalone digital camera, learning curve, takes practice to get accurate focus.
Requires: USB port, OS 10.2 or higher
macHOME recommends: Rechargeable AAA batteries, large SD or MMC card
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