Twin-lens supports consumer 3D video cameras

Panasonic reports it has developed a digital interchangeable twin-lens that can shoot 3D with an interchangeable lens system camera. Part of the company's LUMIX G Micro System, the twin-lens is planned for release before the end of the year.

"This year will be remembered as the first year of the 3D era and... 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," said Darin Pepple, senior product manager, imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co.

Currently, 3D shooting with an interchangeable lens system camera is possible only by using panorama systems or by combining two lenses and two CCDs. These systems, however, have difficulty capturing moving objects. To address this difficulty, Panasonic's 3D lens 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.