Panasonic Canada Inc. has revealed the development of a twin-optic 3D digital lens for its Lumix G-series Micro Four Thirds interchangeable-lens cameras. Panasonic says the 3D lens will be available in Canada before the end of 2010.

"This year, Panasonic has been leading the industry with the launch of 3D-capable VIERA televisions and 3D Blu-ray Disc Players," says Doug Borbath, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Canada Inc. in a prepared statement. "While 3D movie and sports content is expanding, many customers want to enjoy their own 3D shooting. This new lens will respond to such demand, allowing users to shoot landscapes, people, and a variety of subjects in high-quality 3D, to be enjoyed later with their 3D Viera televisions at home."

Until now, 3D shooting with an interchangeable lens system camera has only been possible by using panorama systems, or a combination of two lenses and two CCDs. However, these methods of achieving 3D images have drawbacks including difficulty capturing moving objects and the need for a dedicated 3D camera.

In contrast, 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. These images form a 3D image when processed with a 3D image processing system.

This new compact 3D-capable interchangeable lens allows easier handling and instant 3D shooting with cameras without a special structure for 3D shooting. Panasonic says the new lens produces 3D images without distortion or time lag between left and right images, even for moving objects.

In an interview with marketnews.ca, Borbath said he did not have information beyond Panasonic's official announcement. At this point, it's not clear whether the forthcoming 3D lens will work with all Panasonic G-series Micro Four Thirds cameras, or just select models, or whether it will work with Olympus' Micro Four Thirds cameras. Also not announced were technical details like focal length, or pricing.

While Panasonic has not announced how images will be played, it's likely that users will be able to view 3D images shot with the lens and compatible camera by inserting an SD card containing 3D images into the SD slot on a Panasonic Viera 3D TV, or by connecting a compatible camera to the TV via HDMI. Panasonic has not stated whether images taken with the 3D lens and Lumix G Micro camera will be viewable on other makers' 3D displays, or on PCs with 3D graphics.

Article Tags:  Panasonic, Lumix, G Micro, Micro Four Thirds, 3D, lens, Viera, SD, HDMI, image, digital, camera, Olympus