Sony Bloggie 3D review

For 3D videos, the left and right images are encoded to the corresponding sides of the 1080p frame, halving the horizontal resolution. That’s the same technique used by YouTube’s 3D mode, so uploads couldn’t be easier. Switching to 2D produced significantly smoother details in videos, as well as raising the photo resolution from 2 to 5 megapixels. Photo quality was still no better than from a mid-price smartphone, though.

The 3D effect was extremely convincing, especially once we’d got the footage onto a 3D TV. The twin lenses are calibrated so that subjects further than one metre away appear to extend beyond the screen, while nearer subjects seem to come out into the room. This effect broke down nearer than 50cm, and shaky handheld walking shots were quite uncomfortable to watch in 3D, but the vast majority of 3D clips worked superbly.

Opinions about 3D video vary, but for us, it’s a bit of light-hearted fun. As such, this camera’s relatively low price and simple operation make more sense than pricier 3D cameras’ zoom lenses and advanced controls. Quality is fit for purpose, and the screen is the only real disappointment. If you own a 3D TV and have run out of 3D Blu-ray films to watch on it, the Bloggie 3D should provide plenty of entertainment.