Very robust. Designed for years of heavy outdoor use.

Try standing on them or throwing them to the ground - but don’t complain to us afterwards!

Fits under most roof-prism binoculars allowing you to control recording with your thumb while watching the bird. Velcro attachment lets you peel it off rapidly when needed.

Must be kept in a pocket or round your neck. Difficult to start and stop recording while using binoculars.

Simple time-stamped recording mode.

Complex “files” and “folders” system - often with too few files for several days in the field.

PC/Mac software uploads recordings into birding “log” format.

Upload to a folder full of WAV files.

Dual microphones positioned ideally for notes and bird-song.

Single Microphone.

Continuous loop recording mode ensures it is always listening.

Only record when you tell them to.

Records to memory only when a record button is pressed.

Press to start, press to stop often leaves you with an hour’s recording of the inside of your pocket.

Recording method pre-set for optimal memory versus quality trade-off. Different for notes and bird-song.

User must keep switching between high and low quality modes.

Removable memory card slot

Only available on more expensive recording models

Silent operation. Audio only via headphones.

Clicks from buttons and unexpected sounds from speakers can frighten birds and annoy neighbouring birders.

Audio Field-guide option allows you to refer to professional recordings.

Require separate CD player, MP3 player or i-Pod.

Accurate timestamps - even when you change the battery.

Many do not keep the clock running when the battery is changed. Some timestamp recordings according to the time of upload rather than time of recording!

Ultra-lightweight - 50g (2 oz.) including battery.

Most are much heavier.