I got a chance to test out some prototype Generation V Digital Binoculars.
I'm not big on all that high tech stuff, but to the affectionado these
things reign supreme. The features a

1. Regular high quality binoculars.
2. Advanced Gen V night vision.
3. Digital camera built in.
4. Enhanced Infra red capability.
5. GPS ranging and location.

I got to use them for a three days with the GPS feature disabled. I could
see and photograph all the heat leaks on my house with the infra red, the
night vision was beyond belief and the digital camera was like a real good
commercial one.

These things would be great for sailing. You could easily find MOB at night
using IR. The GPS ranging supposedly works out to several miles so it would
be good for plotting in harbors.

The most stunning feature is that it is capable of having a built in
millimeter wavelength imaging capability added at a later date to see
through fog, dust and smoke.

They are a little heavy, they weigh about 9 lbs in the prototype form. The
projected price for these things in initial quantities is about 20K$, not
out of the range of those who could really use them. Currently these are
being built under a Phase III SBIR for the DoD.

I'm going to be working on the millimeter imaging portion so I'll have at
least 3-4 sets of these things kicking around to play with. I'll keep
everyone updated on when these become available (if ever) to the general
public.