Panasonic’s 3D Camcorder

The AG-3DA1 is the world’s first fully integrated HD3D camcorder, offering the ability to film in HD3D and to store captured content on a standard SD media card. Carmen Mendoza, Panasonic’s Broadcast Marketing GM said: “We are very impressed about the interest shown by our industry professionals since 3D was announced. As a single rig camera offering recording direct to an SD Media Card, it vastly simplifies 3D content capture, which will help to bring down remaining barriers to 3D filming.”

At less than 3kg the Panasonic AG-3DA1 is equipped with dual lenses and two full 1920 x 1080 2.07 megapixel 3-MOS imagers to record 1080/60i, 50i, 30p, 25p and 24p (native) and 720/60p and 50p in AVCHD. It can record for up to 180 minutes on dual 32GB SD cards in Panasonic’s professional AVCHD PH mode, and offers professional interfaces including dual HD-SDI out, HDMI (version 1.4), two XLR connectors, built-in stereo microphone and twin-lens camera remotes.

Current 3D systems are large-scale setups in which two cameras are fitted to a rig in parallel, or vertically intersect across a half-mirror. Separate recorders are also required. In the AG-3DA1, the lenses, camera head, and a dual Memory Card recorder are integrated into a single, lightweight body. The camcorder also incorporates stereoscopic adjustment controls making it easier to use and operate. The twin-lens system adopted in the camcorder’s optical section allows the convergence point to be adjusted. Functions for automatically correcting horizontal and vertical displacement are also provided. Conventional 3D camera systems require these adjustments to be made by means of a PC or an external video processor.

This new camcorder, however, will automatically recalibrate without any need for external equipment, allowing immediate 3D image capture. More Flexible The solid-state memory file-based recording system offers greater flexibility to produce Full HD 3D videos reliably in more challenging shooting environments. The AG-3DA1 is lighter weight and smaller than current 3D rigs, while providing the flexibility of handheld-style shooting. Setup and transportation is simplified, making it ideal for sports, documentary and filmmaking projects. Solid-State Reliability and Workflow Right and Left Full HD video streams of the twin-lens 3D camcorder can be recorded and distributed as files on SDHC/SD Memory Cards, ensuring higher reliability than tape, optical disc, HDD or other mechanical-based recording systems.

This solid-state, no-moving-parts design will help significantly reduce maintenance costs. Users will enjoy a fast, highly-productive file-based workflow, with instant, random access to recorded content; easy plug-in to both Mac and PC-based platforms; and longer recording capacity.

AG-3DA1’s Major Specifications: − Twin-lens Full HD 3D camcorder − Available: Autumn 2010 (made to order) − Power Consumption: 16 W (main unit only) − Weight: Under 6.6 pounds (3 kg) — main unit only − Recording Media: SDHC/SD Memory Card. As an integrated twin-lens Full HD 3D camcorder capable of recording Full HD 3D video to Memory Cards. As of January 2010 The point at which the left and right-camera lenses’ optical axes converge The AG-3DA1 camcorder is available at a RRP of 16800€ (VAT not included) by fall 2010.