The Best 3D Camcorders at CES

Sony HDR-T10

With 3D video content still sparse, consumers are being encouraged to paint family members blue and create their own Avatar using a flock of new high-definition 3D camcorders. Or at least that's the impression I got at CES this year.

JVC GS-TD1

Sony and JVC each announced high-end consumer 3D camcorders–the JVC GS-TD1 and Sony HDR-T10–that are more alike than different. Both use two lenses and two sensors to produce Full HD 1920 x 1080 video in 3D. They both have 3.5-inch LCDs that show the 3D effect while shooting, without requiring special glasses. Both have 64 gigabytes of built-in memory, and accept SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards (the Sony also accepts Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick PRO Duo memory, to no one’s great surprise).

These camcorders offer higher resolution than the first high-end consumer 3D camcorder, Panasonic’s HDC-SDT750, which uses a single sensor to deliver 960x1080 resolution. Another key difference: the Panasonic system uses a screw-on conversion lens which doesn’t allow you to zoom while shooting 3D. Both Sony and JVC both let you zoom at will, though Sony has a greater zoom range (10x vs. 5x for JVC).

The JVC GS-TD1 has its own advantages. It has a faster lens (f/1.2 against the Sony f/1.8 lens), so it should be able to shoot more successfully in low light situations. It can also shoot 3D stills, a feat the Sony HDR-T10 hasn’t mastered. When it comes to price, though, Sony is better positioned, coming in at $1,500 versus $2,000 for the JVC. Both camcorders are expected to ship in the spring.

DXG-5F9V

Of course, if the prices quoted here are a little rich for your blood, DXG promises high-def 3D video at under $300 with the DXG-5F9V, due in May. This pocket-size camcorder will shoot 3D video at up to 1080p resolution using two sensors. Like the Panasonic 3D system, no zooming is available when shooting 3D, but there’s a 12x zoom for 2D video. The 3.2-inch LCD will display glasses-free 3D. Built-in memory is a modest 128 megabytes, but SD/SDHC card compatibility provides up to 32 gigabytes of storage. As you’d expect, the lens is less low-light-friendly than the expensive camcorders, but DXG does provide the 3D still shooting (up to 5 megapixels) that Sony forgot. And based on the prototype unit we saw at CES, video quality was more than reasonable for the price.

Sony Bloggie MHS-FS3

Still too pricey? Sony offers an even less expensive solution with the 3D Bloggie HD camera (model MHS-FS3), which will sell for $249.99 starting in April. Like the other unfortunately named Bloggie models, this one is compact enough to fit in a shirt pocket, weighing in at just 4.2 ounces. It uses two lenses and two sensors to capture 1080p 3D video, 2-megapixel 3D stills and 5-megapixel 2D images. The LCD is a relatively petite 2.4 inches, but it does offer 3D display without glasses.

A key limitation here is the zoom lens or, rather, the lack of a zoom lens – only digital zoom is provided, which inevitably hurts image quality. You won’t find any manual controls on the strictly point-and-shoot Bloggie either. There’s no memory card slot; you get 8 gigabytes of internal memory (enough to hold up to four hours of 2D video), then have to upload your files to a computer. Fortunately the upload is easy, thanks to a built-in USB arm that swings out to plug in. And for someone who wants to dabble in 3D video without making a major monetary commitment, it’s hard to argue with the combination of price and portability Sony provides.

Cameras and Photography, News, Camcorders, 3DTV