Walnut, Calif. –
this week entry into the digital camcorder market by unveiling one of the
industry’s first pock-sized models capable of capturing images in 3D.
The ViewSonic 3DV5 ($180 suggested retail) will produce 720p HD video images in both 2D and 3D, and will capture JPEG still images. It also includes built-in software to make it easy to upload clips to YouTube and Facebook.
ViewSonic, which already offers 3D-capable video projectors and monitors compatible with the 3D recordings from the 3DV5, will use the new video capture device to help address the relative dearth of available 3D content, by giving consumers the chance to make their own.
The 3DV5 Pocket 3D HD Camcorder essentially encapsulates two fixed-focus 5-megapixel video cameras with dual (left, right) lenses to capture stereoscopic 3D content at 720p resolution.
The camera saves video in MP4 format, has a 4x digital zoom and a built-in stereo microphone.
Users can also switch to recording 2D HD video with the push of a button.
Other features in the 3DV5 camcorder include 10MB of internal memory, an SD/SDHC card slot with support for up to 32GB cards, mini HDMI output and USB port.
To view recorded scenes, the camera features a 2.4-inch monitor that will display 3D images that are viewable without glasses. In addition, viewers can watch 3D recordings on standard computer monitors using special passive red/cyan glasses that ship with camcorder.
The content is also viewable on Nvidia 3D enabled PCs using Nvidia 3D kit glasses, and on most new 3D TVs using glasses supplied with that equipment.
Also supporting the camcorder and other 3D content is ViewSonic’s new 8-inch 3D multimedia digital photo frame (model 3DPF8), which the company just made available at a $180 suggested retail. The frame will display 3D photos and videos without special glasses, and will automatically convert standard 2D photos and videos to 3D.
In addition to customized slideshows with music, the frame offers calendar, clock and alarm functions, and includes a rechargeable built-in battery and hidden touch panel controls.
“3D is without argument a growing trend,” stated Adam Hanin, ViewSonic Americas marketing VP. “In order for 3D technologies to live up to their true potential, there must be an available offering of content, including self-created content. ViewSonic is providing several new offerings that put ViewSonic anywhere consumers want to create and enjoy 3D, as well as traditional 2D content.”
