CES 2011: Sony Bloggie takes on 3D

The MHS-FS3 High Definition Bloggie 3D camcorder, as it's formally called, will shoot 1080p MP4 HD video as well as 5 megapixel stills in 3D or 2D. It's as slim a device as any other bloggie, but the dual lenses on the front give it away as a less-than-typical compact camcorder.

On the back there's a 2.4-inch screen that will display traditional 2D images and video as well as 3D captures. There's no need for glasses, the display is lenticular. The control layout is simple, with a record button at the middle of a compass switch and a few buttons below the LCD.

The FS3 will be equipped with 8GB of internal memory for storage of up to 240 minutes of HD video recording.

As expected, the 3D effect of the LCD isn't as strong as viewing an image or video on a 3D screen with the appropriate eyewear. Given the nature of its form factor, the FS3 is more of a novelty than the 3D Sweep Panorama mode of Sony's higher end devices.

The simplicity of the device is impressive. The camcorder on display was a demo-only model, so we weren't able to shoot any of our own 3D content. Sony plans to bring the FS3 to market for around $250.

Traditional bloggie camcorders were also on display. The FS2 offers the same 1080 HD video recording without the 3D capability and with a 2.0-inch LCD on the front and a 2.7-incher on the back. It offers just 4GB of internal memory and the FS1 steps down to just one 2.7-inch LCD.