We got some quality hands-on time with the world's first consumer 3D camcorder. Check out our video of the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 here.
We finally got our paws on the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 after a press conference held at the US Open in Flushing, Queens. Panasonic also gave us a demonstration of the camcorder on a 3D-capable Viera television, and the quality was not too shabby.
Recorded in optimally lighted environments, we saw a little girl blow bubbles right in our faces, a Karate master wield an intimidating broom, and an up close and personal view of a pretzel vendor in action. Since the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 is based off of the widely popular HDC-HS700 (one of our top camcorder picks), we already know that the 2D quality will be exceptional. But the 3D demonstration reassured us that quality is still retained with the addition of another dimension. Here's a closer video look of the Panasonic HDC-SDT750.
Now, let's take a few things into consideration. In order to maximize your 3D experience, Panasonic recommends keeping at least a 1.2 meter distance between the camcorder and the subject. If you get any closer, the 3D effect is akin to this--take your finger and slowly bring it toward your face. After a certain point, you have to cross your eyes to keep it focused, and nausea sets in.
The same principal is applied with 3D imaging, so while your eyes may require a 4-inch minimum distance, the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 requires a 1.2 meter minimum distance. Also, fast action does not work well with 3D, or else action will exhibit ghosting. So, the best content to shoot is layered depth of field content with subdued action. Let's just say strapping it to our motorcycle might be out of the question.
Also, how does the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 work? Well, everything is taken care of within the detachable 3D lens, which features two lenses that record left and right images. The images are then stretched vertically and horizontally before blending them together using processing. We asked Panasonic if this was sheer interpolation, given that the resolution of the left and right images was around the 500 range x 960, but they said that the processing is just stretching the image, rather than reconstituting pixels. We'll have to investigate this further.
Also, the lens itself has to be calibrated manually, as shown in the video above. That means vertical, horizontal, and a sort of Parallax control that enables a certain portion of the frame to be synced together, just like we saw with the Fujifilm Finepix Real 3D W3. Panasonic showcased the latest Hybrid OIS, which will be featured on the HDC-SDT750, which is about as good as you can get for image stabilization in the industry. The camcorder also has a 12x optical zoom, though the zoom cannot be used while filming 3D--yet another constraint. The HDC-SDT750 can capture 14-megapixel stills, though not in 3D, and is equipped with Panasonic's latest 3MOS imaging system (check out more features and specifications here).
We have to admit that the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 produced excellent 3D videos, though we'd have to say that there are too many rules and regulations for the average consumer to handle. You can't shoot too close, you can't move around too quickly, and you have to stay in one spot because you can't zoom. Make sure your lens is manually conifgured before you shoot, as well. Then, you have to have a 3D television and HDMI cable to view the footage. The Panasonic HDC-SDT750 will take some time to get used to, but we have to give it credit for being the first in its class to jump on the consumer 3D bandwagon.
Price and Release Date
The Panasonic HDC-SDT750 will be available in October 2010 for $1400.
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