EyeClops BioniCam

© 2008 Jakks Pacific, Inc.
$80, Windows, Mac OSX, TV
Teaches: science, observation, exploration
CTR Rating: 86%
Editor's Choice

CTR Review

See also the EyeClops Bionic Eye SE (CTR March 2009). Want to see something scary? Hold the EyeClops BioniCam--this year's edition of the TV microscope--up to your arm. A single hair looks like a stalk of asparagus, and your skin might look like an elephant's--depending on your age. Still powerful but with an added layer of complexity, BioniCam has three new features. There are three magnification levels (100x, 200x, and 400x), an onboard 2.5 inch color LCD screen, and a USB port, which lets you store recorded images (.jpg) or movies, as .avi files, for viewing on a computer. Science teachers, make a note of this new feature. Now it is easy to pull the swimming paramecium right into your PPT presentation! A separate AV cable is included that lets you plug the microscope into the AV jack of your TV. It's this latter use that has the most power, especially when used with a projector. Unfortunately, the price of the new features is added complexity, which is a major consideration for classroom use. The new eight button control console is befuddling at best--moving in and out of modes is akin to the worst type of TV remote (last year's edition has just one button, for on/off). Our testers became so frustrated they had to turn the unit off, and back on again, in order to simply see things on the screen. In addition, they noted that the screen looked too dim on the higher magnification settings, despite a fresh set of five AA batteries and playing with the preferences settings. That said, after about 15 minutes of practice, you can become pretty adept with the controls, which is well worth the trouble given the new features that this microscope provides. Additional accessories include a Bug Vac that lets your child collect small insects in a chamber that can be attached to it ($15) and an Activity Pack with posters and maps that your child can explore to find hidden pictures, riddles and micro-printed clues ($8). The bottom line: if you want to capture movies or pictures on your computer screen, get this edition. But if you simply want to display sharp, clear images on your TV or screen, stick with last year's EyeClops and save the money.