NAB News:Panasonic has announced a second integrated 3D camcorder, this time with a larger imager recording to P2 cards, writes Adrian Pennington. Meanwhile its now junior AG-3DA1 predecessor is being taken by NASA to film experiments on board the international space station in June.
Somewhat confusingly assigned the name AG-3DP1, this shoulder mounted camera is said to be able to record 80 minutes of stereo in 10-bit AVC intra to twin 64GB P2 cards. It contains two 1/3-inch, 2.2 megapixel 3MOS sensors. By contrast the 3DA1 contained 2.7 megapixel chips and records AVCHD 4:2:0 to SD cards.
It will be released around the time of IBC, along with details of more members joining Panasonic’s 3D partners programme, and is intended for use in live productions, sports, independent films and documentaries.
As with the 3DA1, the 3DP1 incorporates stereoscopic adjustment controls. It is equipped with 17x zoom lenses, dual HD-SDI outs, HDMI (3D compatible) out, and two XLR connectors.
It also has a variable frame rate option in 720p mode for slow motion capture between 12 and 60 frames per second. A 3.2-inch LCD screen provides the option to switch from Left, Right or overlay image displays. A studio camera kit, already used for P2 productions, will also be made available.
The company said the 3DA1was finding favour as a training tool at film schools for stereoscopic courses and also as a training tool for sports facilities, including at Florida State for college football.
An eye-catching use of the camcorder will be aboard the final mission of NASA’s shuttle Atlantis this June, during which astronauts will use it to document the International Space Station and experiments in orbit.
Panasonic is also supplying NASA with BT-3DL2550 25.5-inch 3D LCD monitors and laptop computers to document the training and preparation leading up to the launch.
