WALNUT, CALIF. –
ViewSonic entered the digital
camcorder market last week 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 You-
Tube 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 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 and 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 include 10MB of integrated 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 has 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 those 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 touchpanel
controls.
“3D is without argument a growing trend,” stated Adam
Hanin, ViewSonic Americas marketing VP. “ViewSonic is
providing several new offerings that put ViewSonic anywhere
consumers want to create and enjoy 3D, as well as
traditional 2D content.”
