Panasonic 3D Lumix Camera, HDC-Z10000 Camcorder in the Works

Panasonic announces today plans to develop a 3D Lumix compact camera and a likewise 3D-capable HDC-Z10000 camcorder. Both feature twin lenses designed to capture 3D still images and video. This announcement comes at the IFA show in Berlin, Germany.

Panasonic Lumix 3D Digital Camera
In early stages of development, the Panasonic Lumix 3D compact camera is designed with two 4x optical zoom lenses developed with folding optics. The system will capture 2D and 3D still images as well as HD video in AVCHD format.

Very few details are available about the Lumix 3D camera, though Panasonic's press materials mention that it will be capable of recording 2D photos and video simultaneously. The system will include optical image stabilization and will (naturally) be compatible with Panasonic's VIERA 3D TVs via HDMI cable or SD memory card slot.

Panasonic HDC-Z10000 Camcorder
Appearing to be further along in development, the HDC-Z10000 will similarly use dual lenses for 2D and 3D HD video. Behind each f/1.5 lens is a 3MOS System sensor, totaling 6.57 megapixels each. Keeping the whole system chugging is a new Crystal Engine Pro II processor. The lenses extend to a 10x optical zoom while shooting 3D video and 12x in 2D.

Video recording is available at 1080 resolution in AVCHD 3D at 60i, 24p or 30p. Users will be able to see the 3D effect of their videos immediately on the camcorder's 3.5-inch LCD. With a 1,152,00-dot resolution the display does not require the use of 3D glasses thanks to a parallax barrier. This effect can be turned off and the LCD panel will also display video and images in two dimensions.

Expect to see these HDC-Z10000 features as well:

• Built-in Dolby Digital 5.1-channel microphones
• Two XLR audio inputs for use with an external microphone
• Power O.I.S. stabilization in 3D mode; Hybrid O.I.S in 2D mode for added control over shaking hands and jarring movement due to walking
• A 0.45-inch Live View Finder with 1,227,000-dots of resolution
• Dual SD memory card slots

Pricing and availability
Panasonic isn't giving up any information about pricing. The HDC-Z10000 will be available in all-black and pricing will be formally announced 30 days before the product is available to ship to consumers.