So you are interested in treating yourself with a 3D video camera! But which one should you choose? With this 3D camcorder review, that is exactly what we want to try and answer.
RED HOT ALERT!
- JVC GS-TD1 – $400 in savings
- Sony HDR-TD10 - over $200
- Panasonic HDC-TM90K 3D Compatible Camcorder – 50% off (because this is 3D compatible you will need an additional 3D conversion lens)
Which 3D Video Camera suits you best?
Before we go into fine details, you need to know that there are mainly 4 types (based on our classification). They are as follows.
Pocket models |
3D compatible video cameras |
Devoted 3D camcorders |
Professional 3D video cameras |
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If you already know which kind you want, please click on the relevant image and you will be taken to a page that reviews and compares the available models in that particular 3D video camera category. If you don’t know which kind you want yet, keep reading and we will try to guide you through your decision making!
Which type of 3D camcorder do we recommend most?
There is no straightforward answer to that question. We can give you a conditional answer though i.e. if you belong to this category, then this type probably suits you best.
A pocket 3D video camera is best, if you….
- Don’t want to spend a lot of money (the Aiptek 3D HD 720p camcorder is priced at less than $150. We have provided an Aiptek 3D HD camcorder review elsewhere and you’re welcome to check it out!)
- Are looking for a small sized camcorder that fits in your purse/backpack/pocket
- Prefer a highly portable and easy to carry camera that easily fits in your palm
- Want something for rough use e.g. sports events, to be used in the playground
- Want to predominantly use it outdoors under good lighting conditions
- Are not looking to record Full HD 3D video
- Are not fussy about it not having a built-in memory
A Panasonic 3D compatible camcorder is best, if you…
- Want your 3D camcorder to record high quality 2D video as well
- Don’t mind carrying the extra baggage of the 3D conversion lens (these camcorders are NOT devoted/dedicated 3D video cameras. They are very good 2D camcorders, and when you attach a Panasonic 3D conversion lens, it will also shoot 3D video. However, the 3D picture quality is not as good as that recorded using a dedicated 3D camcorder)
- Don’t mind it not having optical zoom while recording in 3D (you will have up to 40X optical zoom on some of the models, however this optical zooming function only works with 2D video recording)
- Don’t mind it not having Double Full HD (3D camcorders such as the Sony HDR-TD10 and JVC GS-TD1 are capable of shooting what’s known as Double Full HD because each of the two lenses (corresponding to the left and right eyes) have their own sensor and processor which helps generate this Double Full HD quality 3D video)
- Don’t mind it not featuring a 3D glasses-free 3D LCD display – that’s right some of these models come with auto-stereoscopic 3D LCD displays where you can appreciate the 3D effect right away even without connecting it to a 3D TV
- Want to spend no more than $800 – $1,000 on your camcorder
In summary, a 3D compatible video camera such as the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 (or any other 3D compatible Panasonic camcorder) will suit you best if you predominantly want a HIGH QUALITY 2D camcorder that also shoots 3D video. As you can see from the above short list, their 3D features are NOT outstanding. Yet they will be sufficient for most people’s 3D needs.
However, if you already have a decent 2D camcorder and want a good quality 3D camcorder regardless of its 2D functions, then you need a ‘devoted’ 3D video camera.
A devoted 3D video camera is ideal for you, if you…
- Are prepared to spend over $1,000
- Want nothing less than the best quality consumer level video camera available in the market
- Are not necessarily looking for the best 2D camcorder in your 3D camcorder (these will also shoot SUPER good 2D videos. However if you predominantly want the 2D features more than the 3D features, some of the Panasonic 3D compatible video cameras may suit you better)
- Want optical zoom in 3D mode (you have a 5X option or 10X option)
- Want Double Full HD (1920 x 1080) 3D video (why settle for single or half when you can get a double right?)
- Want to manually control features such as exposure and focus when recording in 3D
You can read Sony HDR-TD10 3D video camera review and decide for yourself if it’s the right one for you!
You need a professional 3D video camcorder if you…
Don’t fit in to any of the above categories! These professional ones can be up to 5 pounds in weight and are not for the average videographer. There are a few models available from Sony and other brands and we will provide a professional 3D camcorder review in the near future.
Hope this review was helpful to you and you have at least been able to decide which type of 3D video camera you need (out of our 4 hypothetical categories). Once you have made that decision, your next step is to decide which model you want to buy and you should find that information on this page.
