Just as the shift to hi-def production systems required some substantial investments, so to does the move to 3D. While XBIZ has previously profiled budget-friendly solutions to the task of 3D imaging, this latest offering carries a fairly hefty price-tag, but provides a high level of quality and broad range of professional features. It is the new Panasonic AG-3DP1 3D P2 HD Camcorder — which is quite a mouthful — and quite a camera.
This full-size, shoulder mounted 3D twin-lens camcorder boasts full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution and 10-bit, 4:2:2 AVC-Intra recording to high-capacity P2 digital media cards, which can hold up to 80 minutes on each of its dual 64GB cards.
This full-size, shoulder mounted 3D twin-lens camcorder boasts full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution.
According to Panasonic, the 3DP1 incorporates two 1/3” 2.2 megapixel 3-MOS chips along with a 20-bit Digital Signal Processor and stereoscopic adjustment controls, plus a 3.2-inch LCD screen with full monitoring capabilities, to make the package user-friendly.
The twin-lens system allows for convergence point adjustment — including functions for automatic horizontal and vertical displacement corrections — a major improvement over conventional 3D cameras that require a PC or external video processor to make such adjustments, enabling the 3DP1 to perform immediate 3D image captures.
The 3DP1 records video in AVC-Intra 100/50, in either 50Hz or 60Hz, for greater flexibility in servicing international audiences and offers professional interfaces including dual HD-SDI outputs, a 3D-compatible HDMI output and two XLR audio connectors. Genlock and timecode inputs for multi-camera operation are provided as are remote focus iris, zoom, recording start/stop and convergence point controls.
Although it remains to be seen how long (if ever) it will be before consumers wholeheartedly embrace 3D technology given its current immaturity, forward-looking producers will want to begin making inroads into this promising market for adult content.
With Panasonic’s AG-3DP1, those inroads may be highways to a brighter future.
