If you’re interested in shooting 3D but don’t want to go to the expense of shelling out cash for a new camera then Panasonic could have just the thing – provided the camera you’ve got is compatible with Panasonic’s Lumix G Micro System. The company has announced it will offer the first digital interchangeable twin-lens before the end of the year, making it possible to shoot 3D with an interchangeable lens system camera.
Currently, 3D shooting with an interchangeable lens camera is possible only by combining two lenses and two CCDS or using panorama systems like that offered in Sony’s NEX digital cameras. However, Panasonic points out these systems are not ideal and have difficulty capturing moving objects.
Panasonic's new 3D lens for the LUMIX G Micro System (a system based on the Micro Four Thirds System standard) 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.
Panasonic says that thanks to advanced technologies in optical technology, image processing systems, and lens barrel design, the 3D lens will be compact in size – if the above prototype images of the lens are any indication, this is most certainly true. It will also allow instant 3D shooting, without distortion or time lag between left and right images – even when shooting moving images.
“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,” said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company.
Panasonic plans to release the new interchangeable twin-lens before the end of the year and will announce pricing and details of compatible camera models at a later date.