Swarovski now has AI incorporated in an optic

[roosiebull]

I don’t know any numbers but in and around my circles birdwatching is booming. They’re traveling and spending $$$ like crazy on gear just like all us silly hunters

We used to have groups of them charter the boat for 18hr bird watching trips, and they weren’t cheap, and it wasn’t like they were going focused to see some particular species, and holy smokes were those boring trips

I’m so glad those aren’t a thing anymore, unless we could catch albacore at the same time to break the boredom

 

[DawnPatrol]

I enjoy birdwatching but I have to question Swaro’s thinking on this one.

How many people are simultaneously so into birding that they are going to drop $3k on binos but not into birding enough to know what birds they are looking at?

 

[SomeJackassOnAForum]

I enjoy birdwatching but I have to question Swaro’s thinking on this one.

How many people are simultaneously so into birding that they are going to drop $3k on binos but not into birding enough to know what birds they are looking at?

They launched a bino with camera and video capability that has onboard image recognition. They no longer need a person to be an avid birder, just interested in being outdoors, wanting to capture photos/ videos of what they see, and having enough disposable income to afford their price.

 

[Axlrod]

I enjoy birdwatching but I have to question Swaro’s thinking on this one.

How many people are simultaneously so into birding that they are going to drop $3k on binos but not into birding enough to know what birds they are looking at?

3k? they are $4800. Swaro knows what they are doing, but like a lot of things people buy, I don't understand it either.

 

[eamyrick]

I’ve been messing with them at DSC. Awesome concept that I think will shine 3-4 years from now. My understanding is that they are open for app development. Think scoring an elk or measuring 50 inch legal moose rack/full curl sheep. Won’t be on my short list to grab quite yet but I was surprised how many folks came to the booth to request a pair.

 

[DawnPatrol]

They launched a bino with camera and video capability that has onboard image recognition

I guess that sounds pretty cool. If I had that kinda disposable income I’d spend it on NL Pures, but I’m sure Swaro has done their market research.

 

[Birderbob]

I enjoy birdwatching but I have to question Swaro’s thinking on this one.

How many people are simultaneously so into birding that they are going to drop $3k on binos but not into birding enough to know what birds they are looking at?

As an avid birder, I can’t tell you how many times you spot a bird with your bins and then you NEED a photograph to get a positive ID.

Sometimes you only learn the bird ID after the fact; it’s hard to research and ID correctly the kinds of littlebrownbirds/warblers on the fly, especially if you only catch glimpses.

 

[pacoalcracker]

Isn't the whole idea of birding to see the bird and then do some research to identify and learn about that bird? I don't want my optics to do that for me.....otherwise I might as well stay home and watch birds on the internet with voice commentary.

Do I really want my gps to tell me exactly where the deer are when I enjoy the scouting and the challenge of finding it myself?

Too much tech takes the joy right out of your passion. Might as well stay around the house and get orders from your wife.

Birders have done just fine without tech doing it for them. They might buy one, but after a few uses it will sit in the car or on the shelf at home.

You don't need a photo, you were given eyes and a brain. They work surprisingly well together.

 

[JGRaider]

That Swaro/AI package has been out for a while now, and it's a dismal seller.