Panasonic 3D Interchangeable Lens for Micro Four Thirds

Panasonic has officially announced that they will be releasing a 3D lens to cater to the Micro 4/3 format. Its' design will probably be similar to the Loreo [minus the Viewmaster™ appearance] which was released earlier this year:


Loreo 3D Lens in a Cap 9005

PRESS RELEASE:

PANASONIC ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT OF WORLD'S FIRST* INTERCHANGEABLE 3D LENS FOR LUMIX G MICRO SYSTEM**

SECAUCUS, NJ (July 27, 2010) – Continuing its record of 3D technology leadership, Panasonic today announced the development of the world's first* digital interchangeable twin-lens, making it possible to shoot 3D with an interchangeable lens system camera. As a new member of Panasonic's powerful lineup of interchangeable lenses as part of the LUMIX G Micro System**, the twin-lens will allow high-quality shooting in 3D. Panasonic plans to release this new lens for sale before the end of the year.

"This year will be remembered as the 'First Year of 3D Era' and Panasonic has already taken the lead by launching 3D-capable VIERA™ televisions and Blu-ray™ 3D Disc Players," said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "With Panasonic's development of a twin-lens capable of 3D shooting, the company is providing consumers with a way to capture their own 3D content, which they can then enjoy watching in the comforts of their own home. Panasonic is dedicated to evolving the 3D ecosystem, letting consumers create and display lifelike 3D images in their homes."

Currently, 3D shooting with an interchangeable lens system camera is possible only by using panorama systems or by combining two lenses and two CCDs. However, these systems are not ideal and have difficulty capturing moving objects. Panasonic's new 3D lens for the LUMIX G Micro System features two optical systems installed within the diameter of the lens mount, creating stereo images from the left and right lenses that are then processed with a 3D image processing system. Thanks to Panasonic's advanced technologies in optical technology, image processing systems, and lens barrel design, the 3D lens will be compact in size.

This new compact 3D-capable interchangeable lens will be easy to handle and allow instant 3D shooting, without distortion or time lag between left and right images – even when shooting moving objects.

*For a digital interchangeable lens of July 28, 2010.
** Compatible models to be announced at a later date.

Panasonic HDC-SDT750 Consumer 3D camcorder

In just a few days, Panasonic will be introducing the world to the "World's first 3D Shooting Camcorder." If you remember, just a few months ago they released the AG-3DA1. With the 3DA1's $20K price-tag, the release of a consumer camera was in line. It is obvious that they are trying to get a jump on the 3D movement.

Sean at Engadget suggested that the camera is probably not so much "new" but rather a modification of a previous model. This is not out of the question, and many similarities can be seen when comparing to other models. The camcorder, which is expected to shoot 1080p AVCHD at 60fps, will be officially announced at a private exhibition in Tokyo this Wednesday [7/26/2010]. No pricing information has been released.