Panasonic Unveils 3D Camcorder

Panasonic (PC) debuted a 3D consumer camcorder Tuesday, tying its latest device to its growing product line of 3D electronics. The move couldn't come soon enough, as the marketplace for 3D electronics is rapidly growing. Last fall at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, 3D televisions dominated conversations and there's been a steady stream of product developments since.

The latest one has the electronics giant pulling the curtain back on its Panasonic HDC-SDT750 camcorder, which comes with a 3D conversion lens attachment. The device, slated to hit Japanese stores Aug. 20, is designed to work with Panasonic's Viera 3D plasma TV and its 3D Blu-ray disc players. The camcorder will ship to United States stores in October and will be priced at $1,400. A compatible version of the Viera 3D TV and the Blu-ray players will be announced at a later date, the company said.

Consumers can also use the camcorder without the 3D lens. The camcorder comes with such features as noise reduction enhancements and the capability to record dimly lit images.

While Panasonic has a jump on the competition with its consumer 3D camcorder, its facing a number of rivals in the 3D TV market from the likes of LG and Samsung. Additionally, electronics makers are also unveiling a number of other 3D-related devices. In April Sharp (SHCAY) unveiled its 3D touch screen for mobile devices, Nintendo debuted its Nintendo 3D DS handheld game player in March and this month DirectTV announced a 3D tour of the solar system on its new 3D channel.