Panasonic launches consumer 3D camcorder: HDC-SDT750

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Posted on 15 Feb 2012 at 03:19

After plenty of web leaks, Panasonic has finally unveiled the world's first consumer 3D camcorder, the HDC-SDT750. Expert Reviews was fortunate enough to be at Panasonic's pre-launch event in Stockholm at the beginning of July, so we've had our hands on the camera and seen it in action.

Compared to the company's professional 3D camcorders, the SDT750 is incredibly compact. It's actually a 2D camcorder - an update of the HDC-TM700 - with a 3D conversion lens attached to the front. This means you get the best of both worlds, with the ability to shoot in high-quality 1080p in 2D, and also in 3D at a lower resolution (960x540, or 960x1080i).

The reason for the lower resolution is that the main lens (and single sensor) has to capture the two images from the conversion lens side-by-side. It's the same method that Sky uses for its 3D broadcasts. However, in live demos of the camcorder connected to a 50in 3DTV, the images still looked sharp and - importantly - had a good 3D effect.

Of course, you'll need such a TV in order to see the 3D footage from the SDT750. Currently, Panasonic's Viera TX-P50VT20B costs around £2,100, and the SDT750 will set you back £1,300. Add the DMP-BDT300 3D Blu-ray player for £350 and you're looking at a hefty total of almost £4,000 for the privilege.

Don't forget, too, that you'll need a Blu-ray burner so you can create 3D Blu-ray discs - Panasonic will launch one shortly. Editing video is important if you don't want your audience to be bored, and a copy of HD Writer AE 2.6T is included for this purpose. Currently it runs on Windows only, but allows you to edit 3D footage from the SDT750 as easily as you would with 2D video.

We'll bring you a full review of the HDC-SDT750 as soon as we can.

Author: Jim Martin

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