Panasonic Debuts World's First 3D Consumer Camcorder: HDC-SDT750

It had to occur sooner or later, and at the rate that the 3D bandwagon is exploding, it was a safe bet to assume "sooner." In Japan today, Panasonic revealed what they are calling the "world's first 3D consumer camcorder." As you've seen based on the amount of 3D movies available in cinemas, this obviously is not the world's first 3D camcorder, but it's the first to be sold and marketed towards consumers. It's a bold move by Panasonic to be first at this, particularly since consumers have been slow to adopt 3D technologies in the home.

The HDC-SDT750 doesn't look drastically different than most any other handheld camcorder, but the head is a touch wider to make room for the dual lenses needed to capture a 3D image. What's interesting is that consumers aren't required to use the 3D conversion lens, so you could theoretically buy this and shoot 2D content as well. That dual purpose is a real boon for those who aren't quite ready for 3D playback just yet, but wish to be soon.

The device has a 3MOS system with improved noise reduction and improved low-light abilities. It can also record in 1080/60p for NTSC or 1080/50p for PAL, and there's a new Hybrid O.I.S. for keeping blur out of your shots. Further details are to come, but initial shipments will occur in Japan this August, with other countries to follow suit shortly thereafter. Unfortunately, no pricing information is available just yet.

 Panasonic Introduces World's First(1) 3D Consumer Camcorder

Panasonic's New Innovative Camcorder Unleashes 3D Recording to Amateur Home Videographers and Enables Superb-Quality 2D HD Videos

OSAKA, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Panasonic Corporation (NYSE:PC), an industry leader in Full HD 3D and HD TV technology, unveiled today the world's first 3D camcorder for consumers1. The HDC-SDT750 camcorder allows anyone to create powerful, true-to-life 3D images by simply attaching a 3D conversion lens that comes with the camcorder. Even without the 3D conversion lens, this innovative camcorder offers many ways to take home video recording to a new level with a wide range of sophisticated features. The camcorder will go on sale in Japan2 on August 20, to be followed in other countries in autumn of this year.

At the vanguard of 3D technology, this year Panasonic launched its Full HD 3D VIERA plasma TVs and 3D Blu-ray DiscTM players for homes as well as the world's first professional 3D camcorder. The development of a consumer camcorder capable of 3D recording is a natural next step for the company.

Incorporating Panasonic's broadcast technology, the advanced 3MOS System SDT750 camcorder lets users easily create their own 3D movies, something that previously only professional image producers had been able to do. Combined with a VIERA 3DTV3 and Blu-ray DiscTM player/recorder4, the SDT750 camcorder makes it possible to save precious memories of friends and family in vivid, lifelike 3D images, thereby further expanding the world of 3D enjoyment at home.

Even without the 3D conversion lens attached, there are many ways to enjoy the SDT750 camcorder. The 3MOS system with improved noise reduction (NR) technologies records dimly lit images in greater beauty than ever before. Other sophisticated functions include 1080/60p for NTSC or 1080/50p for PAL recording (Full-HD 1,920 x 1,080, 60 or 50 progressive recording)5 for ultra-smooth images, iA (Intelligent Auto) mode5 in the new HYBRID O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization/Optical Image Stabilizer)5, and a wealth of manual functions controlled by a manual ring6 for easy, creative shooting.

The high-sensitivity 3MOS System provides an effective motion image pixel count of 7,590,000 pixels (2,530,000 pixels x 3). And even with this high pixel count, newly developed technology increases sensitivity, and further-evolved NR technology achieves bright images with minimal noise when shooting under low light conditions. This maximizes the 3MOS features of excellent color reproduction, high resolution and rich gradation, and lets the user capture vividly colored images in both bright and darkly lit places.

Recording in 1,080/60p for NTSC or 1,080/50p for PAL5, the SDT750 camcorder produces richly expressive images, with none of the detail loss and flickering of the conventional 1,080i (interlace) recording. In addition, the iA function, which was highly popular on previous models, makes it easy for anyone to take beautiful videos. The SDT750 camcorder also newly incorporates the HYBRID O.I.S. system5 to bring clear, beautiful HD image quality to telephoto shots as well.