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| Panasonic's new AG-3DA1 3D camera is quite cheaper, lightweight and advanced compared to earlier 3D cameras |
Visitors to the Panasonic stand D102 were able to see themselves displayed live in Full-HD 3D via the AG-3DA1 integrated broadcast camera and 1080p Full-HD professional 3D plasma display TH-85VX200W."3D technology is a hot topic at the moment and we believe 3D has a strong future," said Brennan Peyton, General Manager, Panasonic System Networks imaging group. "The technology may also offer new potential for teachers to create exiting lessons, particularly in the fields of science and media studies and we will be demonstrating some of these concepts at BETT 2011."The AG-3DA1 professional 3D camera offers the following core benefits for film schools and educators:
Ease of Use
Previous 3D capture systems are large-scale setups where two cameras are fitted to a rig in parallel, or vertically intersect across a half-mirror. Separate recorders are also required. In Panasonic's Full-HD 3D camcorder, the lenses, camera head, and a dual Memory Card recorder are integrated into a single, lightweight 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, however, will automatically recalibrate without any need for external equipment, allowing immediate 3D image capture.
The new AG-3DA1 camera from Panasonic is quite user friendly as compared to its early predecessors |
More Flexible
The solid-state memory file-based recording system offers greater flexibility to produce Full-HD 3D videos in more challenging shooting environments. The camcorder 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 3D filmmaking projects.
Solid-State Reliability and Workflow
Right and left Full HD video streams of the twin-lens 3D camcorder can be recorded as files on SDHC/SD Memory Cards, ensuring higher reliability than on other tape, optical disc, HDD or other mechanical-based recording systems. This solid-state, no-moving-parts design will help significantly reduce maintenance costs, and the 3D camcorder will be better able to perform in extreme environments and be more resistant to temperature extremes, shock, and vibration.
Film and videography students will benefit from a fast, highly-productive file-based workflow, with instant, random access to recorded content; easy plug-in to both Mac and PC-based platforms; and longer recording capacity.
3DA1 camcorder is available at a much lower price than traditional 3D rigs |
Using a standardised, fully integrated design, the 3DA1 camcorder is available 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 plans to offer a professional-quality 3D Full HD LCD monitor for field use as well as a professional HD digital AV mixer for live 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 theatre systems.
Development Background
Film companies and content producers are eager to produce more 3D content. 3D video is set to become a mainstream motion picture technology. In response to the resurgence of 3D movies, in September 2009, Panasonic proposed the world's first 3D home theatre systems, based around 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc players and Plasma TVs (announced and exhibited at CEATEC 2008). In February 2009, the company established the Advanced Authoring Centre (within Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory) - at which 3D movies are authored for replication on 3D Blu-ray Discs (announced at CES 2009). Panasonic is promoting the production of high-quality 3D video content by accelerating the development of 3D video production systems designed to boost production speed and efficiency.
