Panasonic Announces The First 3D Camcorder For Consumers

When a friend of mine told me he broke down and bought a 3D TV, I couldn’t help but laugh. I’m definitely at the skeptical end of the 3D TV spectrum. But don’t get me wrong. I love the latest and greatest in technology, and I’m a huge fan of 3D movies. But if I have to buy a pair of $300 3D glasses (even $100 is too much) not to mention settle for a limited number of 3D channels and movies, you can count me out. For now.

Panasonic recently announced its HDC-SDT750 3D consumer camcorder, which will be available in October of this year for about $1,400.

The camcorder itself sounds impressive with enhancements to its noise reduction technology; it offers 1080/60p (1,920 x 1,080) recording ability; and, there are plenty of manual controls. The camera also features time lapse recording, which just sounds cool. Sound will come from a 5.1-channel audio system. With five built-in microphones, multi-directional recording should compliment the 3D viewing nicely.

Artificial visual disparity through left- & right-eye recording—

To record in 3D, the camera requires a conversion lens, which artificially reproduces visual disparity. Therefore to watch it, you’ll need a 3D TV that’s capable of side-by-side (SbS) 3D playback like one of Panasonic’s own VIERA sets.

Despite my skepticism, this could be just the toy gadget to get me excited about 3D TV. Who wouldn’t want to create their own 3D masterpiece?

The largest obstacle still remains the price of entry into this technology. Factor in the cost of the TV, 3D programming packages and media, a pair of 3D glasses for each family member, and now this camera…it will be tough to justify 3D in the budget with the Mrs. But I’m interested.

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