Most screen-free cameras aren’t beach-ready without extra housing. But one binocular brand is branching out into compact cameras – and the first launch is a screen-free camera that’s actually splash-proof. The Nocs Portal AFN7 Adventure Camera is a screen-free compact camera that takes on an unusual shape – but an even more unusual support for “zoom” using binoculars.
Screen-free cameras tend to opt for a traditional optical viewfinder to be truly screen-free. The Portal uses an electronic viewfinder instead – but that’s very much by design. The front of the camera has a mount that allows the camera to be used with Nocs’ monoculars and binoculars.
Using a traditional cut-out optical viewfinder wouldn’t have supported a preview of the shot when using binoculars for added reach, so Nocs went with an electronic viewfinder instead. But, like other screen-free cameras, the Portal purposely leaves out the option to view photos on the camera in a design built for screen fatigue.
Supporting the use of a monocular or binocular on the front adds more reach for a category that typically doesn’t offer any form of zoom at all. But, that’s not the only unusual feature on the new camera. The Portal is IP56 weather-sealed to resist splashes, rain, and dirt in a design that’s built for living screen-free outdoors – though it’s not meant to be submerged.
Many screen-free cameras shoot only stills (or only video, like the Camp Snap CS-8), but the Portal shoots both 16MP stills and 4K 30p videos on its 1/3.06-inch sensor. Outside of the binocular support, the camera uses a 22.5mm equivalent lens and has built-in digital zoom.
Like most screen-free cameras, the Portal is going for a retro feel to the images, supporting six built-in presets. That list includes two Kodak-inspired looks: Kodachrome and Kodak Gold.
As a camera built for the outdoors, the Portal doesn’t use the typical rectangular box of a screen-free camera. The Portal is designed both for use while wearing gloves and for keeping a hiking pack light. The Portal AFN7 uses a cutout that gives the hand room to wrap around the grip while keeping a lightweight, 140g / 4.9 oz design.
The camera uses a rechargeable Li-ion battery rated to about 500 shots or 30 minutes of video. Photos and videos are stored on a MicroSD card, with a 4GB card included in the box.
Nocs Provisions, a company that builds binoculars and monoculars made for the outdoors, hints that the AFN7 may just be the first camera in a new series. “Portal AFN7 is the first camera in the new Portal series — a dedicated new product platform for Nocs. We're not detailing what's next yet, but Portal was designed as a series from the start,” the company wrote.
The new Portal AFN7, announced on October 01, is already shipping directly from the manufacturer, as well as from REI. The camera retails for $179 – which is about £135 / AU$257 / CA$254. International shipping is available.
You may also like
For more adventuring and less screen time, take a look at the best screen-free cameras or the best waterproof cameras.
