Consumer-friendly 3D camcorders have just begun to hit the market. Though it remains to be seen whether 3D camcorders will go from a curiosity to a real competitor in the camcorder market, they do offer a novel way to record and view your home movies. Keep in mind that not all 3D camcorders will be able to connect and display their content on a 3D HDTV. In some cases they ship with specialized displays for viewing your 3D videos in 3D without glasses. They will also bundle software for converting your video into 2D for viewing on computer monitors and traditional televisions.
1. Panasonic HDC-SDT750
The HDC-SDT750 is a hybrid HD/3D camcorder. It ships with a 3D conversion lens, which features a pair of lenses for recording HD video in 3D. Pop the conversion lens off, and you can record HD footage in 2D. The $1399 camcorder features:
- a 12x optical zoom lens
- 3, 2.53-megapixel CMOS image sensors
- 5.1 channel audio recording
- intelligent Auto mode
- 3-inch touch screen display
- SDHC/SDXC memory card slot
- Full specs
3D video captured with the HD-SD750 can be played back on 3D HDTVs that support side-by-side 3D playyback via an HDMI output. You'll also need 3D glasses.
2. Aiptek 3D HD Camcorder
- 720p HD video recording in the H.264 format
- 5x optical zoom lens
- 4GB internal memory with SDHC card slot
- 5-megapixel still camera
- 2.4-inch LCD capable of displaying 3D videos without classes
It includes software for converting the 3D footage into the 3D “Anaglyph” format for display on most 3D-capable HDTVs.
The company also offers a $199 3D media viewer - an 8-inch digital frame that, like the camcorder's LCD, can display 3D movies without the need for glasses.
3. DXG 5D7V 3D Camcorder
The DXG 5D7V records VGA resolution 3D video in the H.264 format. It features:
- a 3.2-inch LCD screen that can display 3D videos without the need for glasse
- 128MB of internal storage and an SDHC card slot.
The camcorder will be sold in a bundle with a 7-inch media viewer that can display 3D videos and stills without the need for glasses (hey, what's wrong with glasses?). The media player also features built-in MP3 music player, alarm clock and calendar. You can also connect the camcorder to a 3D HDTV via an HDMI output.
The 3D camcorder and media player retail for $599.