New 3DVX3 Camcorder from 21st Century 3D

by James Murray

Published on Jan 18, 2006 3:00 PM
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January 18, 2006 - 21st Century 3D announced today the release of their new 3DVX3, a camcorder in their stereoscopic motion picture camera line. With the introduction of the 3DVX3, 21st Century 3D has unveiled several new important design changes which will separate this model from prior versions released by the company, while maintaining the self-contained design present since the first generation.

Describing the difference between this and past models, Jason Goodman, founder of 21st Century 3D and inventor of 3DVX, explained, “The first stereoscopic camera system developed by 21st Century 3D was the 960p a bulky but high quality system. We worked on a number of systems after that, which were unsuccessful for various reasons - too complex at the time, mostly. Towards the end of 2004, we developed the first 3DVX system. This system was refined in early 2005 and dubbed 3DVX2. January 2006 brought the 3DVX3, our most advanced camera system yet.”

The new 3DVX3 uses two Panasonic AG-DVX100A bodies. It bypasses MiniDV tape, and instead records the RAW CCD data in 4:4:4 RGB color space at 10 bits per channel directly to two modified, onboard Apple Mac Mini computers. This also enables 3D images to be shot at a 1280 x 720 resolution for each eye at a rate of 24 fps. The gunlock synchronized system permit two discreet image channels to be captured simultaneously by 6 CCDs. The modified onboard CPUs run MAX OSX with more than 2.8 GHZ processing, 2 GB of RAM and 8 GB of flash memory. This design modification allows for faster start times and lower operating temperatures. Each “eye” has a maximum recording time of one hour and records to paired sets of 100 GB removable 7200 RPM drives.

 

By using straight-to-disk recording rather than MiniDV, the 3DVX3 is able to avoid the compression and color restrictions which occur with DV compression. This design also allows for higher resolution and full exploitation of the 36 bit color quality provided with these CCDs. The data for the CCDs is transferred analog to digitally and sent over USB 2.0, a process which, according to the press statement, will provide “600% more information than would be recorded to digital tape.” Because image information is never forced to undergo spatial compression or color decimation, the 3DVX3 is able to produce a higher image quality when compared to a number of HD and HDV video systems.

The 3DVX3 comes with a new binocular electronic viewfinder which uses LCOS technology to produce a bright and crisp 800 x 600 (4:3 ratio) SVGA display with 10x magnification in each viewfinder. Other features include a better focal settings for both lenses, which is controlled now by one synchronized optoelectric mechanism, allowing for more accurate control and convenience over past models. The camcorder also has built-in left and right analog VGA ports, analog composite, S-Video, and digital IEEE1349 ports for standard monitoring and alternate/additional output options. An S-Video multiplexer is provided for instant viewing of 3D images in real time.

Viewing options aren’t the only appeal. This video camera engages a dual channel galvanometric system that controls the aperture settings for both lenses, allowing for accurate readings of exposure to occur on both CCD arrays. And on top of all this, the Dionic 160 battery, built by Anton/Bauer, is able to run the impressive power needs of this camera – at the cost of an additional 3.4 pounds. Nevertheless, this and other design considerations have enabled the 3DVX3 to be the lightest and smallest High Definition stereoscopic camcorder on the market, weighing in at an total of 24 pounds.

Who will buy it? This camcorder has a very specific audience, Goodman explained: “The 3DVX3 is not intended for consumer use. It is probably too complex and expensive for the average consumer. There are however several technologies that have recently appeared (and even more on the horizon) that do seem poised to improve mass acceptance of 3D technology. Home theater technology, digital projection and new high quality, low-cost 3D viewing technologies could really expand the 3D market over the next few years.”

Before gadgeteers break open their checkbooks, they should note that the 3DVX3 is not actually for sale. Currently, rentals are the only option. Each version is hand-made, and will be accompanied by a representative of the company who acts as a camera technician and stereographer for the duration of the rental.

More information about the 3DVX3 can be found at their website.