The world's first 3D consumer camcorder jumps out! Read all about the exclusive Panasonic HDC-SDT750 here.
Here ye, here ye, Panasonic will be the first manufacturer to bring a 3D camcorder to the masses! The Panasonic HDC-SDT750 will record 3D-ready video that can be played back on a 3D-capable television. Now that we've finally seen the ribbon cut, we can only imagine the surrounding manufacturers rabidly licking their lips for a savory piece of the 3D kill. But exactly how long will 3D be popular? Do we have to wear glasses? In our eyes, this digital 3D craze is frighteningly similar to the analog 3D craze of the 70's and 80's, and we fear that this new wave will come crashing down and fade into the same weathered shores. Whatever the case, we have a 3D high-definition consumer camcorder on our hands, so let's jump in to test the water.
"As a result of research conducted through Panasonic Hollywood Laboratory, Panasonic developed a professional 3D system camera and successfully brought high-quality Full HD 3D images to the home for viewing on Panasonic VIERA Full HD 3D televisions. But now, Panasonic has taken it one step further and developed the world's first consumer 3D camcorder, the HDC-SDT750 – creating a 3D ecosystem available for consumers in the home," said Chris Rice, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "Incorporating Panasonic's professional broadcast technology and bringing it to an easy-to-use consumer model, the SDT750 makes high-quality 3D video content a reality in the home."
Panasonic HDC-SDT750 3D Camcorder Joins 3D Viera HDTVs
Basically, Panasonic is looking to fortify its 3D Viera lineup, so the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 is the first member of the company's 3D camcorder family. But take note of the camcorder's actual setup. The HDC-SDT750 camcorder itself bears a strong resemblance to the Panasonic HDC-HS700 we tested earlier this year, but the inclusion of a 3D conversion lens is what sets it apart from every other contending model in its class. In fact, you users can only shoot 3D video with the 3D conversion lens attached. What happens is that the camcorder records right-eye, left-eye 960 x 1080 images simultaneously through its two lenses, resulting in 3D action.
The Panasonic HDC-SDT750 includes a Time Lapse Recording mode, which allows the shooter to record at 1 second, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute or 2 minute intervals, allowing for scenes like blooming flowers or rising sunsets. Our only concern here is the stamina of a consumer-size battery over the course of such a long recording duration. Time Lapse Recording is also accessible when the 3D conversion lens is attached, so that means 3D time lapse action.
For sound recording, the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 will dish out 5.1-channel audio using a five-microphone system we've seen from Panasonic in the past. These mics will pick up sound and map it to a home system, including front, back, and side sound for a surround sound experience. There's also a Focus Microphone function, which picks up sounds in front of the camcorder, whether or not the camcorder is focused on objects in the foreground or background.
What's under the hood? We've got three 2.53-megapixel 1/4-inch MOS sensors bringing a combined 7.59-megapixel imaging resolution in a red, green, blue channel configuration. For low light, Panasonic has given the HDC-SDT750 a large-diameter (46mm) Leica Dicomar lens with a whopping f/1.5 aperture. For soaking up light, the super bright aperture will help, but will greatly reduce the focal length—great for a bokeh effect. The Panasonic HDC-SDT750 has Crystal Engine PRO processing, which is a high-speed processing unit that concentrates all of its energy on boosting the camcorder's light gathering ability, sensitivity, and noise reduction, even in low light. We can't wait to test that claim out.
Panasonic claims that the HDC-SDT750 is a dynamite camcorder on its own, and we can see that becoming reality after having reviewed the most excellent HDC-HS700. We can record in full HD with juicy 60p playback via an HDMI cable, can use a Manual control ring mounted on the lens barrel, and one of the best manual control suites in the consumer camcorder world. Of course the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 will feature the company's Intelligent Auto suite, the new Hybrid OIS shake reduction system, AE/AF tracking, three-inch touchscreen LCD, and Pre-Record.
Keep in mind that if you don't own a 3D compatible TV, the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 might not be a considerably justifiable purchase. It's not possible to view 3D images on the camcorder's LCD screen, and Panasonic does a little 3D compatibility explaining here:
"Users can play back 3D videos recorded on the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 on 3D-capable televisions, such as Panasonic VIERA Full HD 3D televisions, including the TC-P50VT25, TC-P54VT25, TC-P58VT25, TC-P65VT25 and the TC-P50VT20 models. Playback using a VIERA TV is done by connecting the 3D camcorder to the television using an HDMI cable. In addition, it is also possible to play 3D images recorded on SD Memory Cards by using an AVCHD compatible player, such as a Panasonic 3D Blu-ray Disc player – the DMP-BDT350 or DMP-BDT300 models are currently available. When watching 3D content recorded by the SDT750 on any of the Panasonic Full HD 3D VIERA televisions, users can view the true-to-life content and the VIERA television will automatically engage the side-by-side method for smooth viewing of 3D content – no change of settings necessary."
Panasonic HDC-SDT750 Photo Gallery
     
Price and Release Date
If the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 seems like a nice fit into your 3D ecosystem at home, you can buy it in October for $1400.
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