The most popular models of consumer level 3D camcorder models are as follows (in no particular order).
- The Panasonic HDC-SDT750 3D capable camcorder
- The Sony HDR-TD10 3D video camera
- The JVC GS-TD1 HD camcorder
- Aiptek 3D HD pocket camcorder*
* The Aiptek pocket HD video camera doesn’t quite belong together with the others listed above because it is strictly a pocket camcorder. However, it is extremely popular and we feel it would be unfair not to list it here. We have provided a detailed review of the Aiptek 3D camcorder elsewhere and will focus on the Sony HDR-TD10, the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 and the JVC GS-TD1 on this 3D camcorder review.
What features are worth comparing between different models?
Great question! You need to realize that there are a gazillion features on these camcorders and that rarely would you need to pay attention to all those features. The main features you ought to compare are summarized in the table below.
| Camcorder Model |
Sony HDR-TD10 |
JVC GS-TD1 |
Panasonic HDC-SDT750 |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Resolution | Double Full HD (1920 X 1080) | Double Full HD (1920 X 1080) | Full HD (960 X 1080) |
| Number of Lenses | This is kind of obvious – 3D cameras have to have 2 lenses to record the left eye image and right eye image separately | ||
| Number of sensors | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Number of image processors | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Optical Zoom in 3D mode | 10X | 5X | None |
| Optical Zoom in 2D mode | 10X (12X advanced) | 10X | 12X (18X advanced) |
| Digital Zoom in 2D mode | 160X | 200X | 700X |
| Built-in 3D/dual lenses | Yes | Yes | No |
| Need to attach additional 3D conversion lens for 3D recording | No | No | Yes (VW-CLT1) |
| LCD Panel | 3D glasses-free 3.5” 3D LCD display; 1229K resolution | 3D glasses-free 3.5” 3D LCD display; 920K resolution | 3″ LCD display; 230K resolution |
| Weight with battery | 740g | 675g | 630g with VW-CLT1 3D conversion lens attached |
| Still images in 3D mode | No | Yes | No |
| Manual controls in 3D mode | Focus, Exposure | Focus, Exposure, Aperture priority, Shutter speed | White Balance |
| Internal memory | 64GB | 64GB | None |
| Outputs | HDMI Out (mini); Component Video Out; TypeA, mini-AB/USB2.0 Hi-speed USB ports; Stereo Mini headphone jack | HDMI Output (Mini), USB port, AV-output, Composite (RCA) output, Component output, headphone out | HDMI out; USB; headphone jack; component output |
| Image stabilizer in 3D | Yes | Yes | No |
| Manual controls in 3D mode | Focus, Exposure | Focus, Exposure, Aperture priority, Shutter speed | White Balance |
| List Price | |
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So what’s the Best 3D camcorder?
Now that you’ve seen the features, you probably have no doubt in your mind that the Sony HDR-TD10 and JVC GS-TD1 are way ahead of the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 as far as 3D video recording features go. But they are also approximately $500 – 700 more expensive depending on current sale prices.
The Double Full HD resolution, optical zooming during 3D video recording, the 3D glasses free LCD display and the manual control modes alone makes the Sony HDR-TD10 or the JVC GS-TD1 many times better than the Panasonic SDT750 camcorder provided you are willing to spend $1,200+.
What’s the better 3D video camera out of the Sony HDR-TD10 and JVC GS-TD1?
Definitely a tough question and we’re going to have to say it depends a little bit on what your needs are. For example, the Sony 3D camcorder has some definite advantages over the JVC 3D video camera such as the 10X optical zoom. However the Sony HDR TD-10 does NOT have the capability to make still pictures in 3D while the JVC does. The JVC also has more manual controls if you wish to make use of them. This is a call we cannot make for you!
The last time we checked, all 3 models were on sale with approximately $200 slashed off of the Sony and JVC camcorders and over $600 off the Panasonic. Please check out if those deals are still valid using the links below.
- Sony HDR-TD10 sale price here
- JVC GS-TD1 camcorder deal here and
- Panasonic HDC-SDT 3D capable video camera sale here
