Panasonic HDC-SDT750

Features

By far, the most exciting new feature for the HDC-SDT750 is its 3D recording capability with the VW-CLT1 conversion lens. The lens screws into the front of the camcorder, but it is not compatible with previous camcorders from Panasonic because it also has to fit into two small slots on each side of the lens. As soon as you connect the conversion lens to the camcorder, a message appears on the LCD that tells you to calibrate the lens for 3D recording (and the camcorder switches to 3D record mode).

The three-part calibration setup can be confusing...		... but Panasonic does a good job providing instructions.

The conversion lens creates 3D video by recording two separate images (left and right), each at a half resolution of 960 x 540. These two images are then recorded by the camcorder, and, through a complex overlay and convergence process, are pulled together to produce 3D content.

Calibrating the conversion lens is a tricky 3-step process, but the camcorder's menu gives a good amount of detail each step of the way. Even if you have a lot of experience with video, however, calibrating the 3D conversion lens is going to be a unique experience. You'll definitely need to do it a few times before you can really get the hang of it and figure out the best calibration for capturing 3D content.

These three dials are used to calibrate the 3D conversion lens.

In 3D mode, the camcorder basically functions with entirely automated controls. You can't take still images, use the 60p setting, zoom, focus, or access any manual controls—other than white balance—when the 3D conversion lens is attached. You can, however, use faders, time lapse record, backlight compensation, audio controls, zebra patterns, and image stabilization when recording 3D on the SDT750.

The HDC-SDT750 without its conversion lens attached.		The conversion lens fits into the front of the camcorder and is tightened via a ring on the top.

In our time with the camcorder we were rather impressed with its ability to record 3D video. However, this statement comes with some caveats. To get a solid 3D image with the SDT750, you must record with ideal settings. This means you need lots of light, good lens calibration, and the appropriate distance: you should shoot subjects that are between 1.2m and 4m from the camcorder.

When we say lots of light, we mean that you should either shoot outdoors or in a very well-lit setting. Panasonic lists the minimum illumination for 3D shooting at 28 lux, but that's when using a 1/30 of a second slow shutter setting. If you want a noise-free image with a regular shutter speed of 1/60 or higher, you are definitely going to need plenty of light. Why? The 3D conversion lens alters the aperture to a fixed f/3.2, which isn't very wide and doesn't allow much light to hit the camcorder's CMOS sensor.

Despite all these complications, the HDC-SDT750 is very capable of recording a splendid 3D image, as long as you shoot under the ideal setting. Panasonic lists the effective focal range of the conversion lens as 1.2m to infinity, but you must realize that anything farther away than roughly 4m won't seem like it's in 3D. So, if you're shooting a football game from the stands, don't expect any of the players to appear in 3D. Same goes with close-up macro shots that are less than 1.2m. There's a small focal range where the 3D effect really takes hold and looks effective; you simply have to play around with the camcorder to get the hang of it.