The problem of what to watch on a 3D TV will be yours to solve with Panasonic’s camcorder for families to film birthdays, baby’s first walk and weddings, all in 3D.
Numerous global electronics companies are racing 3D televisions into the shops, hoping a revival of interest in the technology sparked by blockbuster movies such as Avatar will translate into the public wanting the 3D experience at home.
However, the relative scarcity of three-dimensional content is a stumbling block for the products catching on.
PHOTO: EPA
The whole camcorder and lens setup, shown yesterday, starts at about ¥170,000 (US$2,000), far more affordable than professional 3D camcorders, which have been the only types available up to now for 3D filming. The camera looks much like a regular digital camcorder, but needs a slightly bigger 3D “conversion” lens that is sold separately.
The 3D camcorders will go on sale in Japan on Aug. 20 and will be available in overseas markets later this year, according to the Osaka-based maker of Viera TVs and Lumix digital cameras.
Company CEO Shiro Nishiguchi said Panasonic expects this year to be the opening year for “the 3D era.” Panasonic has led in introducing 3D products this year, now offering eight 3D TV models, three 3D recorders and four designs in 3D glasses.
“Content you create yourself is going to be what you want to watch, and so it’s going to be a killer content,” Nishiguchi told reporters at a Tokyo hall.
The 3D camcorder is expected to help 3D products for homes spread quickly, he said, adding that Panasonic would start selling a 3D lens for digital cameras for still photos later this year.
Panasonic demonstrated how the camcorder can film a girl playing on a swing and had reporters check out the film through 3D glasses.
The image was colorful, clear and 3D but, as a homemade movie, not quite Avatar.
Panasonic said 3D footage shot on its camcorder can be watched on 3D TVs from rivals such as Sony Corp and Samsung Electronics Co.
The technology behind 3D works by sending a different image to the right eye and the left eye, just like the human brain constructs an illusion of depth and perspective with images that come in from the left eye and the right eye.
Although some 3D technology doesn’t require special glasses, the one shown yesterday did.
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