Panasonic Previews Its New 3D Camera

At the Consumer Electronics Show in January, we introduced Panasonic's new, light weight and reasonably priced 3D professional camera, the AG-3DA1. And at this month's NAB (that's National Association of Broadcasters) show in Las Vegas, the industry got its first chance to play with it.

As Panasonic's CEO said, we're creating 3D solutions from the camera to the couch, providing an entire 3D infrastructure that will enable program creators to make the best 3D content, and consumers to see it on the best possible 3D displays.

Today, if you want to shoot in 3D, it typically means hauling around a huge rig. With the new AG-3DA1, we've shrunk the entire package into an easy to handle body that contains two lenses that includes convergent point displacement and automatic correction for horizontal and vertical displacement.

If you're not familiar with these terms, in essence it means that we have "democratized" 3D production. By offering a small-sized reasonably-priced camera (it's $21,000, a very compelling price for a professional camera) we're bringing the ability to shoot in 3D to many more individuals. Imagine the difference between hauling an 80 pound 3D rig compared to carrying our new one that weighs just 6.6 pounds!

One NAB attendee gave a real-world example of what that means: with a traditional 3D rig, he was able to shoot in only a few locations in one day. Using a prototype AG-3DA1, he did 15 separate locations and covered 100 miles in the same amount of time.

What this means for the consumer is that the production community is now able to create a wide range of programs in 3D, including nature documentaries, live mega-events, concerts, sports, and any others that take place where a small, nimble camera is needed. Great 3D programming will be coming to viewers sooner than ever thought possible.

You can learn more about the camera by watching this YouTube video.