The AG-3DA1 was announced earlier this year at CES by Panasonic. As some may know, this is not the world's first 3D camera, but, per Panasonic, it is the "world’s first* professional quality, fully-integrated Full HD 3D camcorder offering SD media card recording." Of course this is probably the most solid system, at least as far as convenience and work-flow. And since the release of HD DSLRs what does everyone crave? Portability.
The AG-3DA1 is however the first of it's kind on a manufacturer level. On the exterior it sports dual lenses, wrapped around two 1920 x 1080 2.07 megapixel 3-MOS sensors. It records at the basic frame-rates as well as 720/60p and 50p. They also give us HD-SDI and HDMI out, which is now a standard on most mid to pro level cameras. All this in a body weighing only about a pound more than your standard DV system.
When the curtains open, you might think it's looks couldn't be mistaken, but it really looks similar to this RCPRI setup from a couple years back:
Prior to the Panasonic, you would have to work with a custom, dual camera rig, or something similar to the 3ality system pictured here:
img courtesy of Stephen Shankland/CNET
Truth is for the moment, there just isn't another way to design such a system better crafted than what Panasonic has done. Will other manufacturers join in? Eventually. Sony has announced it's development of a 3D system with joint efforts of none other than Discovery. This speaks highly of the future of their relationship. On the consumer level, the electronics company DXG said that it would be releasing a small camcorder that will record two separate streams. Will there ever be a "3D war?" No. And Panasonic is only building these to order, which is why you are charged a non-refundable deposit. So what it is going to come down to is functionality, which is the way it should be. Film cameras will always look more glorious anyway.
Suggested Retail Price: $21,000USD (including $1,000 deposit)
Should you get one? Well, it seems that Panasonic's major hype this year surrounds the AG-AF100. It can be fun to build your own 3D rig and a lot cheaper, but that depends on the nature of the project.
PRESS RELEASE
Other points of interest:
Hi-end 3D alignment products
Fujifilm "FinePix" prototype at Photokina 2008
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