The Sony HDR-TD10 and JVC GS-TD1 occupy the top two slots in our list of best of 3D video cameras at the time of writing this. That is because both of them have some features that can be considered superior to their main competitor, the Panasonic HDC-SDT750. Previously we have also compared the Sony HDR-TD10 vs Panasonic HDC-SDT750 as well as a comparison of all 3 of these models on our best 3D camcorder review. You will find most features between the JVC GS-TD1 and Sony HDR-TD10 compared on that last comparison mentioned above. However, we will provide another comparison on these two models here given their relatively similar set of technical features.

What’s ‘better’ on the Sony HDR-TD10 compared to the JVC GS-TD1?

1. Two  lenses, two sensors and two processors – Both these video cameras have ‘Double Full HD’ resolution (1920 X 1080) thanks to two different lenses (for the left eye image and right eye image) whose images/videos are processed separately. Both these models have 2 different sensors, one for each lens; but where the Sony beats the JVC 3D camcorder is with its dual image processors. As a result, each image captured by each lens is ‘sensed’ by a separate sensor and processed by its own dedicated image processor. In contrast, the JVC camcorder only has one processor which means that images from the left and right lenses are processed in the same processor.
2. 10 X optical zoom – Both these models are unique in that they both offer optical zooming while recording in 3D video mode. In comparison, the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 does not offer any optical zoom in 3D mode. While the Sony offers 10X optical zoom, the JVC only offers a 5X optical zoom in 3D mode. Therefore, the Sony beats the JVC with regard to optical zooming in 3D mode.
3. Better resolution on the 3D glasses-free 3D LCD display – while both models are equipped with 3.5 inch 3D LCD displays that do not require you to wear 3D glasses for you to appreciate the 3rd dimension, depth, the Sony LCD display comes with a higher resolution at a 1229K resolution vs a 920K resolution on the JVC GS-TD1. Even though this doesn’t seem like a huge difference on paper, people have reported better video quality on the Sony’s display than on the JVC.
4. Better overall 2D video camera - especially considering the 24p and 60p frame rate choices that the JVC does not have
5. Better price – depending on the existing deals at the time of your purchase, the Sony HDR-TD10 may be $100 – 200 cheaper

What’s ‘better’ on the JVC GS-TD1 compared to the Sony HDR-TD10?

1. 3D Still images – Among the 3 leading consumer level 3D camcorders (that we compare elsewhere) the JVC GS-TD1 is the only one that offers 3D still images. With others, you cannot make still images in 3D.
2. More manual controls in 3D recording mode – While you can only change the focus and exposure with the Sony HDR-TD10 in 3D mode (IMPORTANT: 2D mode has more) the JVC let’s you additionally change aperture priority and shutter speed as well.
3. Everio media browser for easy editing and sharing

As you can see, there is no clear winner. It depends on your personal needs to a certain extent. Would you prefer the higher optical zoom of the Sony HDRTD10? Or would you prefer the 3D still images of the JVC GS-TD1? Or would you like the greater flexibility that comes with all the manual controls or the JVC 3D video camera?

Click here to see if the $600 savings on the JVC GS-TD1 are still live!

If you would rather go with the Sony HDR-TD10 because of certain superior features, Click Here

The most popular models of consumer level 3D camcorder models are as follows (in no particular order).

1. The Panasonic HDC-SDT750 3D capable camcorder
2. The Sony HDR-TD10 3D video camera
3. The JVC GS-TD1 HD camcorder
4. 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.

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.

1. Sony HDR-TD10 sale price here
2. JVC GS-TD1 camcorder deal here and
3. Panasonic HDC-SDT 3D capable video camera sale here

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

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….

1. 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!)
2. Are looking for a small sized camcorder that fits in your purse/backpack/pocket
3. Prefer a highly portable and easy to carry camera that easily fits in your palm
4. Want something for rough use e.g. sports events, to be used in the playground
5. Want to predominantly use it outdoors under good lighting conditions
6. Are not looking to record Full HD 3D video
7. Are not fussy about it not having a built-in memory

A Panasonic 3D compatible camcorder is best, if you…

1. Want your 3D camcorder to record high quality 2D video as well
2. 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)
3. 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)
4. 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)
5. 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
6. 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…

1. Are prepared to spend over $1,000
2. Want nothing less than the best quality consumer level video camera available in the market
3. 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)
4. Want optical zoom in 3D mode (you have a 5X option or 10X option)
5. Want Double Full HD (1920 x 1080) 3D video (why settle for single or half when you can get a double right?)
6. 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.

Welcome to the JVC GS-TD1 3D Camcorder Review. The Panasonic HDC-SDT750 may have been the world’s first 3D video camera. However, the JVC GS-TD1 wins the honors for being the 1st 3D camcorder with Full HD. The JVC GS-TD1 receives honors for being the 1st consumer-oriented 3D video camera with optical zoom (in 3D mode) as well. The release of the camcorder was announced on January 6th, 2011 and released to the market in March 2011.

JVC GS-TD1 is a Full HD 3D video camera with 5X optical zoom

The GS-TD1 came with two major features the HDC-SDT750 lacked.

1. Optical zoom in 3D mode – with the Panasonic SDT750, the optical zoom could only be used in the 2D mode. The GS-TD1 automatically adjusts the parallax level while zooming so that the 3D depth looks natural.
2. Full HD resolution (1920 X 1080) – the GS-TD1 also has a pair of 3.3 MP CMOS sensors, one for each lens. In contrast, the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 only had one common sensor for both lenses limiting its maximum resolution in the 3D mode to 960 X 1080.

NOTE: The Sony HDR-TD10 improved on both above features by taking the resolution up to ‘Double Full HD’ and improving the optical zoom up to 10X. For more information please read our Sony HDR-TD10 3D video camera review.

JVC GS-TD1 3D camcorder review – other noteworthy features

No 3D conversion lens to worry about with this JVC GS-TD1

Unlike in the case of the Panasonic HDC-SDT750, the JVC 3D TWIN HD GT lens is built-in.

3D still images

Neither the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 nor the Sony HDR-TD10 are capable of taking still 3D pictures. In contrast, this JVC 3D camcorder lets you take up to 2 Megapixel (1920×1080) resolution 3D photos. The GS-TD1 also offers ’3D High-Speed Motor Drive Shooting’. This means that you can shoot up to 12 still images at approx. 12 frames per second (fps) in the 3D mode. Smile meter and Smile Touch are also available in 3D mode.

The JVC GS-TD1 has optical stabilization in 3D mode

Optical Axis Automatic Stabilization System for disparity control gives depth to 3D images.

3D playback on the LCD screen

Similar to the Sony 3D video camera, the GS-TD1 has a 3.5 inch LCD display which is able to playback 3D video and you won’t need 3D glasses to watch the three dimensional video on this LCD screen (aka glasses-free 3D). The LCD panel achieves this by using a parallax barrier to split up the left and right images so that our brains are able to see the illusion of 3 dimensions!

Manual controls during 3D recording

Among the major 3D camcorders available, the JVC GS-TD1 offers the largest selection of manual controls in 3D mode. They are listed below.

• up to 5X Optical zoom – mentioned earlier (up to 10X in 2D mode)
• Focus – using the touch-screen or the adjustment dial at the back
• Exposure – again using the touch-screen or the control dial
• Aperture priority (f/1.2 to f/5.6)
• Shutter speed (1/2 to 1/4000 seconds)

Scenic modes in 3D

Recording in dim-light

Very good recording under low light conditions thanks to ‘Super LoLux’ mode with F1.2 Super Bright Lenses. That is approximately twice as brighter as conventional camera lenses.

Other features of the JVC GS-TD1

1. 3D audio features – JVC’s BIPHONIC Technology; wind cancelling; 2 channel stereo mic
2. 64GB built-in memory
3. Outputs/inputs – HDMI® Output (Mini), USB port, AV-output and SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot (up to 64GB)
4. 3D time-lapse recording
5. Everio MediaBrowser 3D for Windows – allows simple 3D movie editing and easy upload to YouTube™ and Facebook (HD Compatible). Also lets you playback 3D videos on your computer (if you don’t have a 3D TV)
6. Two 3D recording modes
1. 1920×1080 Full HD resolution using the L/R Independent Format
2. Side-by-Side Format – allows you to burn 3D videos to AVCHD DVD or Blu ray discs

Go here for more on the JVC GS-TD1

Hope this brief JVC GS-TD1 3D video camera review was helpful. Expect a comprehensive comparison between the JVC GS-TD1 and the Sony HRD-TD1 and Panasonic HDC-SDT750 soon. The official page can be found on http://everio.jvc.com/gs-td1/

The very first time I watched 3D content on my 3D video camera, I got a funny feeling in my head within like 10 minutes. I thought it was because I wasn’t used to 3D video content. However my first time wasn’t the only time I experienced this. I thought that it must be the small 3D display of the 3D video camera that gave this feeling. But no, I was wrong! Apparently, I’m not the only one and the only thing that causes this is not the LCD displays of 3D camcorders!

According to a study published by the ‘Journal of Vision’ in July 2011, researchers from the University of California-Berkeley found that watching 3D video content can cause ‘extra’ eye strain, eye fatigue and lower clarity of vision compared to after watching 2D content! This study was partly funded by Samsung. A summary of results of this study was also published on CNN with the title “Study: 3D video causes eye strain, fatigue”

But ’3D’ videos shouldn’t be ‘unnatural’!

That’s correct! One could argue that everything humans saw prior to ‘printing’ was in fact 3D and we see 3D ‘content’ from the moment we wake up every single day. If that is so, why are 3D videos suddenly causing all the eye strain? Well the reason is probably because 3D technology is still very new and it cannot be compared to the natural 3D scenarios we encounter every minute.

The study included 24 participants who were asked to watch 2D and 3D content from various distances. After analyzing the answers they provided, the scientists think that there are basically two reasons why 3D viewers are experiencing these discomforts.

1. One was the apparent disparity between the depth of the 3D image and the depth of the screen – in case of regular 2D television there is no ‘depth’; thus you essentially focus at the surface of the screen. In other words, the image and screen are on the same plane. But in case of 3D content (whether you recorded it with your own 3D video camera or Blu Ray 3D video that was commercially produced) the image jumps out of the screen (or is buried deep behind the screen). However the  surface of the screen remains at the same distance. This is where the ‘disparity’ between the depth of 3D image and depth of the screen becomes an issue.
2. The other was the depth of the image and the proximity of the viewer to the screen – this is kind of more obvious

Samsung, a major producer of 3D TVs, who also partly funded this study, later clarified that the purpose of this study was not to prove that 3D video content causes eye fatigue but to identify which aspects of 3D video/3D TV/3D camcorder technology could be improved so that the industry could address these issues and potentially rectify these shortcoming in the future.

Is the content recorded from your home 3D camcorder any different?

The answer is “probably not different” based on personal experience as well as comments made by actual users on various discussion forums. Because most users of these 3D video cameras are not professional videographers, they don’t always get the 3D settings right (when they have the option of manually changing them). On top of that, 3D camcorders are far from perfect, especially those that are labelled ‘consumer level 3D video cameras’. As a result of both these factors, the 3D video quality is far from what is professionally produced. Therefore it can be expected that the eye strain, fatigue and lack of clarity can be an even bigger issue with amateur 3D content produced at home!

The first 3D video camera that was released to the market was the Panasonic HDC-SDT750. This was around summer/fall of 2010. There is no doubt that it remains one of the best camcorders available in the market for that price category. That is considering its technical features as a regular 2D camcorder. But the question is, is it also an equally good 3D video camera? Especially in comparison to the Sony HDC-TD10 3D camcorder? With this Sony HDR-TD10 vs Panasonic HDC-SDT750 3D video camera review, that’s exactly what we intend to answer!

The Sony HDR-TD10 vs Panasonic HDC-SDT750 3D video camera review

Consumer level 3D camcorder technology is still in its infancy! There is plenty of room to improve, pretty much just like how it was when 3D TVs came out. 3D TVs have improved tremendously since those early days. This holds true with almost any technology, 3 dimensional or not!

The Panasonic HDCSDT750 is a 3D compatible camcorder. In other words, you need to attach a ’3D conversion lens’ for 3D functionality. However, attaching this conversion lens ‘imposes’ certain limitations on the lens specs. We have summarized these limitations on the table below. For a comprehensive review of the HDC-SDT750 and the comparison we did between this and other Panasonic 3D compatible video cameras, please see the article Panasonic 3D camcorder review.

Panasonic HDC-SDT750 Lens Specs – 2D vs 3D

As you can see, there are some obvious deficiencies with the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 when it comes to recording in 3D mode and the Sony HDR-TD10 3D camcorder overcomes some of them. One of the main ‘complaints’ with the Panasonic 3D camcorder was the fact that it had no optical zooming when you’re recording in 3D mode. Even though it had an optical zoom of 12X, that could only be used in regular mode (2D mode) and not in 3D mode. This was one of the most talked about shortcomings of this Panasonic 3D video camera. The Sony HDR-TD10 ‘fixed’ this by coming with an optical zoom of 10X in 3D mode.

Following is a comparison of the lens specs at 2D and 3D video recording modes for the Sony HDR-TD10

As you can see, the Sony HDRTD10 certainly has some richer features compared to the HDC-SDT750 when it comes to recording in 3D mode.

Following is a more comprehensive comparison of the technical features in 3D mode between the two video cameras

In conclusion, the Sony HDR-TD10 produces better quality 3D videos. There is no argument about that. However, if you also want to pay attention to the 2D features, you may find that the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 is a better camcorder when it comes to recording 2D videos.

The following table summarizes 2D capabilities of the two video cameras.

Conclusion – The Sony HDR-TD10 vs Panasonic HDC-SDT750 3D camcorder comparison

It certainly isn’t an easy one. The Sony HDR-TD10 dedicated 3D video camera has some clear benefits over the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 when it comes to 3D video recording features. However when it comes to 2D video recording, the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 has the upper hand. Therefore, this is our advice!

• If you already have a good quality 2D video camera and you’re exclusively looking to record 3D videos, go for the Sony HDR-TD10
• If you want one camcorder that will function as both a 2D camcorder and a 3D camcorder and you don’t mind sacrificing a little on the 3D features, go for the Panasonic HDC-SDT750. After all, you will predominantly be shooting 2D video and not 3D videos. The 2D videos you will shoot with this ’3D ready’ video camera will be as good as you will get from any regular camcorder available in the market while the 3D videos will have certain limitations. But you will also be saving around $750 because the Sony HDR-TD10 is priced at approximately $1,500.

Hope this Sony HDR-TD10 vs Panasonic HDC-SDT750 3D camcorder review was useful to you. For more 3D camcorder reviews, please visit our homepage at http://3d-videocamera.org/.

This conclusion of ours is also consistent with that of Camcorderinfo.com

The Sony HDR-TD10 is one of the hottest 3D video camera models available in today’s market. Why do we say that? Keep reading to find out.

The Main Features of the Sony HDR-TD10 3D Video Camera

The features listed below makes this Sony 3D camcorder the best devoted 3D video camera available in today’s market.

No  3D lens attachments on the Sony HDR-TD10

One of the main benefits of the Sony HDR-TD10 video camera is that you don’t need to attach a 3D conversion lens to record 3D video in contrast to some of the 3D video cameras by Panasonic for example. You can still record regular 2D video thanks to the 2D/3D switch at the back of the camcorder.

The Sony HDR-TD10 has up to 10X Optical Zoom in 3D mode

That’s a first! Yes, the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 may be the world’s first 3D video camera, but the Sony HDR-TD10 is the world’s first 3D camcorder with optical zoom while recording in 3D mode. The Panasonic HDC-SDT750 (and many other 3D compatible Panasonic camcorders) do have built-in optical zoom; however you cannot use it when you’re recording video in 3D. This is a clear advantage of this Sony camcorder over the Panasonic range of 3D cameras.

Just like optical zoom in 3D mode, the optical image stabilization also works in 3D video recording mode!

Double Full HD resolution

First there was HD, then there was Full HD and now it’s Double Full HD! WTH? Well it’s not that complicated… “Double Full HD” is what you get when you have two lenses recording Full HD. As you know, recording in 3D requires two lenses to mimic the left and right eyes and essentially all 3D video cameras should have a pair of lenses, yes that includes even pocket 3D video cameras like the Aiptek 720p 3D HD video camera. In case of this Sony 3D video camera, both lenses are capable of recording at 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution, thus the phrase ‘Double Full HD’. By the way, the Sony HDRTD10 is not the only one that can record ‘Double Full HD’ video clips. The the JVC GS-TD1 is the other model that boasts this capability right now (just like its 5X optical zoom in 3D).

This Sony 3D camcorder comes with dual CMOS sensors

This double is also part of the “Double Full HD” resolution we talked about earlier. Some of the earlier models were equipped with only one sensor in spite of the two lenses. However, Sony has been able to squeeze in two “Exmor R” CMOS sensors, one for each wide angle Sony G lens.

Dual processors – another double!

What was seen with the two lenses and sensed with the two CMOS sensors now has to be processed. Again, some of the earlier 3D camcorders came with just one processor while modern ones like the Sony HDR-TD10 comes with two powerful “BIONZ” image processors in spite of its ultra compact size. It is these features that enable the HDR-TD10 to ‘see’, ‘sense’, and ‘process’ two Full HD video clips simultaneously which will be overlapped in order to produce the illusion of the 3 dimensions.

3D glasses-free auto-stereoscopic 3.5” 3D LCD touch panel display

That’s correct! You can watch 3D videos you just shot directly on the LCD touch panel display without having to put on 3D polarized glasses. This is NOT a first from Sony HDR-TD10 as this feature was available on the Fuji FinePix REAL 3D W1. With its “Parallax Barrier System”,  the LCD display was able to produce the ‘visual disparity’ of left and right eyes enabling you to appreciate the 3D effects without the need to wear 3D glasses.

Manual controls of the Sony HDR-TD10 3D video camera – exposure and focus in 3D mode

There are many other noteworthy manual controls (e.g. shutter speed, aperture), however, they only work with the 2D mode.

Like what you’re reading about the HDR-TD10? Check out the latest deals on this HD camcorder here

5.1-channel surround-sound audio, zoom mic and wind noise cancelling

The Sony HDR-TD10 Full HD 3D handycam has some cool audio features as well. You can either record in 5.1-channel surround sound audio or just the regular 2-channel stereo. The choice is yours. Just like the Panasonic 3D camcorders that we reviewed, the Sony HDR-TD10 also features a zoom mic and wind noise cancelling.

Internal and Expandable memory are also commendable!

64GB internal flash memory optionally expandable with a SD/SDHC/SDHXC/Memory Stick PRO Duo.

Availability of compatible 3D editing software

Another feature that should not be left out is that the 3D movies you shoot with the HDR-TD10 can be edited (in 3D) using software such as Vegas Pro 10. This is a professional HD video editing software that allows editing of 3D video as well as creating Blu-Ray discs.

What is it that makes the Sony HDR-TD10 our top recommended 3D video camera?

1. Double Full HD – the 2 CMOS sensors + the 2 BIONZ image processors
2. 10X optical zooming in 3D video recording mode
3. Optical image stabilization in 3D mode
4. 3D glasses-free 3.5” 3D LCD display
5. Manual control of focus and exposure in 3D mode

The Sony HDR-TD10 beats its competition hands down as far as above features are concerned. If you already have a regular video camera (2D video camera) and looking to record 3D video clips, this is what you need. However, if your camcorder is outdated and you want your new video camera to shoot predominantly 2D video, and also want a little 3D as a side-project, then there are other video cameras that have better 2D features than the Sony HDR-TD10. If the latter is what you would rather have, you should probably get yourself one of these Panasonic 3D video cameras rather than this Sony 3D camcorder.

Before we talk about 3D vision of 3D video camera technology, let us briefly touch on 3D vision in nature. Why was there ever 3D vision, why wasn’t 2D vision good enough for animals?

3D videos in nature

There would be no 3D HDTVs, 3D cameras, 3D camcorders or 3D movies if a 3rd dimension in the form of depth did not exist in nature. Fortunately god created a 3rd dimension so that there could be all this good stuff and you could go online today and spend thousands of dollars to buy a 3D video camera!

Why would 3 dimensional vision be important in nature?

As you may have already heard, not all animals have 3D vision. All the carnivores (animals that have to hunt) and some omnivores like you and I are gifted with 3 dimensional vision. Why? Because we have (had) to hunt! Imagine a Cheetah chasing Gazelle without 3D vision! The Cheetah would know his left and right, up and down but would not have an idea about depth (or what is closer and what is further from it). If Cheetahs had 2D vision, their hunting Gazelle would look like Tom missing Jerry every time Tom tries to catch Jerry! The world would be a lot different.

Animals with 3D vision or binocular vision have their eyes placed at the front of their faces. Forward eye placement provides the carnivorous animals with a greater degree of binocular vision. With binocular vision, both eyes can focus on a single object at the same time providing a greater ability to judge distance (depth perception). However, these two images are not the same because the two eyes are located at slightly different angles and slightly different positions. This produces something called binocular disparity. It is this ‘disparity’ that helps the brain to Photoshop a 3D image!

In contrast, herbivores such as cattle have 2 dimensional vision. Their perception of depth is poor. Animals with 2D vision or monocular vision (meaning they may only see objects with one eye at a time) have their eyes placed laterally on their heads. The two images of the Cheetah and Cow shows this clearly! The yellow spot on the image is to show that animals with monocular vision will see a lot of things only with one eye!

3D images – 2 images of the same thing from 2 slightly different angles

When a Cheetah or for that matter you and I see an object, we see it with both our eyes at the same time. Even though we see the same image, the two eyes receive two slightly different images coming from two slightly different angles (binocular disparity as explained earlier). The brain needs these two slightly different images to process a 3D image.

If 3D cameras or 3D camcorders were to be produced (which already did happen), it was necessary that technology was able to produce two slightly offset images just like our two eyes did.

Stereoscopy – the magic of 3D video camera technology

In nature, when we perceive depth, it is no illusion. We perceive depth that actually exist! However, when you’re watching a 3D movie on a 3D TV or 3D movie theater, you’re seeing 3D on a 2 dimensional/planar surface. Therefore for you to perceive a depth that in actuality doesn’t exist, the brain needs to be fooled! Using two lenses, 3D cameras (still or video) are able to capture two slightly different images and make our brains believe that what you’re seeing is 3 dimensional. This is known as stereoscopy or stereopsis. Everybody knows about stereo music right? That’s music heard from both your ears, each slightly different. Simply put, stereoscopy or stereo vision is seeing with both eyes, two slightly different images. These are not exact definitions, then again this is not a scientific document either. Our intention is to make people without a hard core science/technology background understand the principles of 3D video camera technology.

Two lenses of 3D camcorders capture two different images

As you can see from this image, 3D cameras have two lenses. It is these two images that make 3D video recording possible. Every 3D camera including the first Panasonic 3D video camera or the latest Aiptek pocket 3D HD 720p video camera has two lenses. Once 3D video is recorded, it has to be played on a 3D source (3D blu ray player), the signal has to be sent to a 3D display device (3D TV or 3D projector) and watched using 3D glasses. That’s a whole new topic and will be covered elsewhere.

Image showing the two lenses, two sensors and two processors of the Sony HDR-TD10 High Definition 3D Handycam Camcorder

]]> http://3d-videocamera.org/3d-vision-and-3d-video-cameras/feed/ 0 http://3d-videocamera.org/aiptek-3d-hd-720p-camcorder-review/ http://3d-videocamera.org/aiptek-3d-hd-720p-camcorder-review/#comments Sat, 30 Jul 2011 06:49:41 +0000 dvideoca http://3d-videocamera.org/?p=90 To learn more about Review of BEST 3D Video Camera models please visit Aiptek 3D HD 720p Camcorder Review – Aiptek 3D Video Camera Reviews

Among the many different Aiptek 3D video camera models available, the Aiptek DDD11X 3D HD 720p 3D camcorder is one of the most popular 3D camcorders available. Any Aiptek 3D camcorder review would be incomplete without addressing the Aiptek DDD11X. The main features of the Aiptek DDD11X 3D video camera The Aiptek DDD11x is a [...]

If you search for information on the world’s first 3D video camera, you will find two different answers. Some sites will tell you that it is the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 while others will say it is the Fuji FinePix Real 3D W1. There cannot be two firsts! What is the correct answer? What was the first 3D digital video camera to be launched?

Fuji FinePix Real 3D W1 was the first 3D digital camera

The FinePix Real 3D W1 was indeed the first consumer 3D digital camera to be launched. This 3D camera did have 3D video recording capability. However, it could not be considered a proper camcorder or video camera. Nevertheless, it was the first camera of any sort to come with 3D video recording capability and 3D video playback functionality! It was launched in July 2009; that is more than a year before the Panasonic SDT750 launch.

It was a 10MP (Mega Pixel) digital camera with an optical zoom of 3X (each lens – two Fujinon lenses and two CCDs). The Fuji W1 could record HD movies at a 640 x 480 pixel / 320 x 240 pixel resolution. Another first about this 3D camera was that it had an auto-stereoscopic LCD monitor that displays 3D still pictures and 3D movies without dedicated 3D glasses. Recorded 3D video format was AVI.

In conclusion, the FinePix Real 3D W1 was more of a 3D digital camera with 3D video recording capability and was not a dedicated 3D video camera!

First 3D video camera – Panasonic HDC-SDT750 3D Camcorder

It is the Panasonic HDC-SDT750 that can be considered the first true camcorder with 3D video recording. However, this camcorder was also a little bit strange in that you had to attach a separate 3D conversion lens if you wanted 3D recording. This Panasonic 3D video camera is not just meant for 3D recording. For regular 2D recording, you could take out the 3D conversion lens and use the regular built in Leica Dicomar lenses. This is why it is often referred to as a 3D compatible video camera. You can find out about other Panasonic 3D camcorder models by reading the Panasonic 3D camcorder review we have provided.

What gives animals (the ones with 3D visibility) 3D vision is something called visual disparity. Only animals (including humans) that have their eyes at the front of the face have 3D vision. Others that have their eyes on either side of the face do not get to enjoy 3D vision. That is because both eyes have to see the same image at a different viewing angle (visual disparity) for the brain to perceive depth (3^rd dimension). When the two eyes are placed on completely opposite sides of the head, the two eyes see two different images. You can read more about the biology of 3D vision or binocular vision on this page.

3D digital cameras as well as 3D camcorders are able to produce this visual disparity by artificial means. The Panasonic SDT750, with its two lenses, is able to capture the right and left images separately and recorded using the side-by-side method.

The launch of the Panasonic 3D video camera

This Panasonic 3D video camera was launched in August 2010. The 3D world has seen many different and more advanced 3D video cameras since the SDT750. For best 3D video camera reviews, please visit our homepage.