A Panasonic 3D camcorder is displayed during a news conference at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada January 6, 2010. REUTERS/Steve MarcusReuters
The problem of what to watch on a 3-D TV will soon be yours to solve with Panasonic's new 3-D camcorder, one of the first devices of its kind made for the general consumer.
Numerous global electronics companies are racing to get 3-D televisions into the shops, hoping a revival of interest in the technology sparked by blockbuster movies such as the sci-fi epic Avatar will translate into the public wanting the 3-D experience at home. But the relative scarcity of three dimensional content is a stumbling block for the products catching on.
The whole camcorder and lens setup, shown Wednesday, starts at about 170,000 yen ($2,000), far more affordable than professional 3-D camcorders, which have been the only types available up to now for 3-D filming. The camera looks much like a regular digital camcorder but needs a slightly bigger 3-D "conversion" lens that's sold separately.
The 3-D camcorders go on sale in Japan Aug. 20, and will be available in overseas markets later this year, according to the Osaka-based maker of Viera TVs and Lumix digital cameras.
Executive Officer Shiro Nishiguchi said Panasonic sees this year as the opening year for "the 3-D era." Panasonic has been a market leader in introducing 3-D products this year, and now offers eight 3-D TV models, three 3-D recorders and four designs in 3-D glasses.
"Content you create yourself is going to be what you want to watch," Mr. Nishiguchi told reporters at a Tokyo hall.
The 3-D camcorder is expected to help 3-D products for homes spread quickly, he said, adding that Panasonic will start selling a 3-D digital camera for still photos later this year.
Panasonic demonstrated how the camcorder can film a girl playing on swings, and had reporters check out the film through 3-D glasses.
The image was colorful, clear and 3-D but, as a homemade movie, not quite Avatar.
Panasonic said 3-D footage shot on its camcorder can also be watched on 3-D televisions from rivals such as Sony Corp. and Samsung Electronics Co.
The technology behind 3-D works by sending a different image to the right eye and the left eye, constructing for the brain an illusion of depth and perspective.
Although some 3-D technology doesn't require special glasses, the one shown Wednesday requires special 3-D glasses.