Camcorders Hop On The 3D Bandwagon

By Greg Scoblete -- TWICE, 1/6/2011

LAS VEGAS — More camcorder vendors will hop on the 3D bandwagon at International CES. While the models vary widely by price and functionality, all will incorporate LCD displays that allow consumers to view their content in 3D on the display without glasses. Glasses are still required for viewing the content on 3D HDTVs.

DXG continues to evolve its 3D camcorder line with a dual-lens 1080p model that captures both 3D stills and video, in addition to two dimension stills and video. It features a 3.2-inch display and outputs 3D content to 3D HDTVs via HDMI. It will ship in May. Pricing was not announced.

JVC’s 3D entry is the GZ-HM960, which incorporates a built-in, real-time 2D-to-3D converter. It can play back 2D footage and stills in 3D on 3D HDTVs via HDMI or on the camcorders 3.5-inch touchscreen display without 3D glasses. In addition to 3D conversion, the camcorder features built-in Bluetooth, 16GB of internal memory, a 10x optical wide-angle zoom lens (15x dynamic zoom) with image stabilization, built-in LED and flash, and face recognition. It records HD video in the AVCHD format at 24Mbps and offers the company’s smile meter and smile shot functions. It will retail for a suggested $899 and be sold in black.

Sony’s 3D Handycam will integrate a pair of 1,920 by 1,080 frames (instead of the traditional “side-by-side” method which reduces video resolution). It will feature integrated dual-lens optics and a 3.5-inch display.

The company will also offer a 3D version of its Bloggie pocket camcorder. The Bloggie 3D records in 3D or 2D in the H.264 format.

Vivitar will throw its hat into the 3D ring with the 1080p DVR 790HD. It offers a dual lens attachment to deliver 3D recording. It features a 5-megapixel sensor, 2.7-inch display, HDMI output and a 4x digital zoom. It will be sold in 10 colors.