Panasonic's first Full HD stereoscopic 3D camera, ready

Panasonic, after warming up at CES 2010, is preparing the commercial launch of its first HD 3D camera integrated with solid state recording. Panasonic would begin receiving orders from April to deliver the first units by summer. Its price, yet to be confirmed, would be around $21,000.

Panasonic, after giving the first touches of this project at the last NAB, has finally presented at CES 2010 what will be its first integrated Full HD stereoscopic camera.

This camcorder, with an appearance similar to two AG-HMC 151 joined together and integrated into the same body, will record in parallel on two SDHC solid-state cards and will represent an extreme simplification in the hitherto complex 3D stereoscopic capture.

Panasonic is expected to begin taking orders in April, coinciding with NAB'10, with the first units expected to be delivered after the summer.

Ease of use

Unlike the technological sheds that to date have to be set up to capture in 3D with complex rigs, two independent recorders, Panasonic's proposal combines two lenses and two solid state card recorders in the same light body. The camera will also incorporate advanced stereoscopic adjustments and controls for easy handling and configuration.

The dual lens system adopted in the optical section of the camcorder allows the convergence point to be adjusted very easily, incorporating functions for automatic horizontal and vertical displacement correction. While conventional 3D systems require that these adjustments be carried out, generally, with the support of a PC or an external video processor, in the case of the new Panasonic camcorder it will be a simple task. In this way, according to the manufacturer, it can be automatically calibrated without the need for external equipment, immediately allowing the capture of 3D images.

Flexible, reliable and affordable

Recording to solid state cards will offer greater flexibility to capture 3D images in any work environment even in extreme conditions of dust, temperature or vibration. Furthermore, thanks to its light weight (about three kilos for the main unit) and its small dimensions, transportation and immediate capture in sports or documentary film production will be greatly simplified. Solid state, compared to other options such as tape, will allow random and immediate access to the material.

Although this first Full HD 3D camera will be a first step in integrated systems, it is expected that in a short time Panasonic will apply this philosophy to professional capture formats at the highest level. However, for the moment, we will have the possibility of carrying out stereographic productions at a much lower price than traditional 3D platforms. Not to mention the savings in transportation, equipment preparation times, labor and support (SDHCs are one of the most widespread and economical options on the market). By the way, its consumption will be below 19w.

Finally, note that in addition to the camcorder, Panasonic also plans to offer professional quality 3D on a full HD LCD monitor for use in the field, as well as an HD 3D switcher for live event production.