Panasonic has announced the LUMIX DMC-3D1, a digital camera that employs two newly-developed lens units with folded optics design in a compact body that can capture r 3D and 2D photos and videos.
The LUMIX 3D1, with a twin-lens design, features 25mm ultra-wide angle lenses with 4x optical zoom that offer the capability to record high resolution 8-megapixel 3D photo and 1920×1080 60i high quality 3D HD video using side-by-side method. The LUMIX 3D1’s optics give users a wider range of composition possibilities with approximately 169% larger viewing space compared to that of 35mm cameras, according to Darin Pepple, senior product manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Featuring a unique shooting option, the new twin-lens system allows the LUMIX 3D1 to capture 2D images and video simultaneously. The LUMIX 3D1 can shoot 12-megapixel 2D photos and record 1920x1080i full HD 2D videos. In conventional standard digital compact cameras, users must shoot in either photo or video mode and when photo mode is selected, video recording is interrupted.
The twin-lens design of the LUMIX 3D1 breaks through these conventional barriers with two separate mechanisms for image capturing, allowing for dual shooting capabilities. Additionally, the two-lens design allows users to record photo or video in different angles of view simultaneously. For example, users can record an entire party scene with one lens while zooming in on and capturing the photo of a specific person with another lens. Users can switch between 2D and 3D mode with the dedicated 2D/3D switch located on the back of the camera.
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-3D1 will be available in December 2011 for a suggested retail price of US$499.99. For more info go to http://www.panasonic.com/lumix .
