March 16, 2010 - by Panasonic Broadcast & Television Systems Company
Panasonic Announces HD 3D Camcorder
Panasonic Canada Inc. announced today it will begin taking orders for the AG-3DA1, the world’s first* professional quality, fully-integrated Full HD 3D camcorder offering SD media card recording. Built to order and sold directly by Panasonic Canada Inc., video professionals will now have the opportunity to reserve an AG-3DA1 camcorder ($21,000 USD**). First deliveries of the camcorder will be made in this Fall.
“The AG-3DA1 will open up 3D production by allowing professional videographers a more affordable and simple solution for capturing immersive content as well as to provide a training tool for educators,” said Terry Horbatiuk, National Sales Manager, Professional Imaging and Display Solutions, Panasonic Canada Inc. “As the product is positioned in a more mainstream budget category, Panasonic camcorder owners will help to accelerate the amount of 3D content being created for distribution on Blu-ray discs and future cable channels.”
At just three kilograms, the AG-3DA1 is equipped with dual lenses and two full 1920 x 1080 2.07 mega-pixel 3-MOS imagers to record 1080/60i, 50i, 30p, 25p and 24p (native) and 720/60p and 50p in AVCHD. It can record for up to 180 minutes on dual 32GB SD cards in Panasonic’s professional AVCHD PH mode, and offers professional interfaces including dual HD-SDI out, HDMI (version 1.4), two XLR connectors, built-in stereo microphone and twin-lens camera remotes.
This Full HD 3D camcorder will offer the following core benefits:
Current 3D systems are large-scale setups in which two cameras are fitted to a rig in parallel, or vertically intersect across a half-mirror. Separate recorders are also required. In the AG-3DA1, the lenses, camera head, and a dual memory card recorder are integrated into a single, light-weight body. The camcorder also incorporates stereoscopic adjustment controls making it easier to use and operate.
The twin-lens system adopted in the camcorder’s optical section allows the convergence point*** to be adjusted. Functions for automatically correcting horizontal and vertical displacement are also provided. Conventional 3D camera systems require these adjustments to be made by means of a PC or an external video processor. This new camcorder will automatically recalibrate without any need for external equipment, allowing the user to capture 3D images immediately.
The solid-state memory file-based recording system offers greater flexibility to produce Full HD 3D videos reliably in more challenging shooting environments. The AG-3DA1 is lighter weight and smaller than current 3D rigs, while providing the flexibility of handheld-style shooting. Setup and transportation is simplified, making it ideal for sports, documentary and filmmaking projects.
Right and left Full HD video streams of the twin-lens 3D camcorder can be recorded and distributed as files on SDHC/SD Memory Cards, ensuring higher reliability than tape, optical disc, HDD or other mechanical-based recording systems. This solid-state, no-moving-parts design will help significantly reduce maintenance costs.
Users will have access to fast, highly-productive file-based workflow with instant, random access to recorded content; additionally, the camera is compatible with Mac and PC-based platforms; and features a longer recording capacity.
Using a standardized, fully integrated design, the AG-3DA1 is being offered at a much lower price than traditional 3D rigs. Transportation expenses for this handheld unit will be less and faster setup times reduce labour costs. Using standard, re-recordable SDHC/SD Memory Cards available already everywhere, media costs become almost insignificant.
In addition to a camcorder, Panasonic also announced the BT-3DL2550, a 25” professional-quality 3D LCD monitor for field use, and the AG-HMX100, a professional HD digital AV mixer for live 3D event production. Panasonic will offer professional production equipment to allow video professionals to efficiently create 3D content, so consumers can enjoy 3D video using Panasonic 3D home theater systems.
*As an integrated twin-lens Full HD 3D camcorder capable of recording Full HD 3D video to Memory Cards. As of January 2010 (based on our investigation)
**This program and contact information is limited to customers in Canada only. Customers outside of Canada may contact Panasonic Sales Companies in their region by looking for information at the website: http://pro-av.panasonic.net/en/3D/
***The point at which the left and right-camera lenses’ optical axes converge
Product specifications and pricing are subject to change without notice.