Panasonic will offer interchangeable 3D lens for Micro Four Thirds by year's end
By Sean Hollister 
posted July 27th 2010 10:52PM
posted July 27th 2010 10:52PM
PANASONIC ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT OF WORLD'S FIRST* INTERCHANGEABLE 3D LENS FOR LUMIX G MICRO SYSTEM**
SECAUCUS, NJ (July 27, 2010) – Continuing its record of 3D technology leadership, Panasonic today announced the development of the world's first* digital interchangeable twin-lens, making it possible to shoot 3D with an interchangeable lens system camera. As a new member of Panasonic's powerful lineup of interchangeable lenses as part of the LUMIX G Micro System**, the twin-lens will allow high-quality shooting in 3D. Panasonic plans to release this new lens for sale before the end of the year.
"This year will be remembered as the 'First Year of 3D Era' and Panasonic has already taken the lead by launching 3D-capable VIERA™ televisions and Blu-ray™ 3D Disc Players," said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. "With Panasonic's development of a twin-lens capable of 3D shooting, the company is providing consumers with a way to capture their own 3D content, which they can then enjoy watching in the comforts of their own home. Panasonic is dedicated to evolving the 3D ecosystem, letting consumers create and display lifelike 3D images in their homes."
Currently, 3D shooting with an interchangeable lens system camera is possible only by using panorama systems or by combining two lenses and two CCDs. However, these systems are not ideal and have difficulty capturing moving objects. Panasonic's new 3D lens for the LUMIX G Micro System features two optical systems installed within the diameter of the lens mount, creating stereo images from the left and right lenses that are then processed with a 3D image processing system. Thanks to Panasonic's advanced technologies in optical technology, image processing systems, and lens barrel design, the 3D lens will be compact in size.
This new compact 3D-capable interchangeable lens will be easy to handle and allow instant 3D shooting, without distortion or time lag between left and right images – even when shooting moving objects.
*For a digital interchangeable lens of July 28, 2010.
** Compatible models to be announced at a later date.
Its just a gimmick to sell consumers more shit. Fact is digital cameras are really good right now. It would take one hell of a camera to make me want to upgrade from my MKII. What do I really need over a full frame 21MP and full HD chip? 3d??? No way.
The only thing I'd like to see in 3D is porn and the occasional Imax science film.
@giulio
3D is how we see. 3D is here to stay. There is absolutely no reason why you wouldn't want to record all video and imagery in 3D from now on. Yes we need the ability to bridge the shortcomings in display technologies for the general public to really appreciate it, but there is no denying that 3D media content is the obvious next step for two eyed people.
@twellzer
3D has been around for over a century. Every few decades it undergoes a faddish revival, and then goes away again. We may see in 3D, but we don't like watching film that is in 3D. It makes me physically nauseous after about a half hour, and even before it makes me ill, there is nothing about it I find particularly compelling. I'm sure Panny will be able to make a pretty penny exploiting the 3D fad, and as a GH1 owner I'm happy for them. Hopefully they'll use the money they earn on this to invest in sensor technology.
Everyone is going 3D crazy at the moment!
So is this going to force me to finally give up my Stereo Realist? Not until they stop processing Kodachrome!