3D camcorders - are they really worth it?

Monday 02 August

Is Panasonic's new 3D cammie worth nabbing now?

Panasonic was prouder than a Mum on graduation day when it announced its new 3D camcorder last week. The snappily titled SDT750 can film in 3D using a dedicated dual lens, pumping out pics in a quality just shy of HD. Meanwhile, US gadgeteers can lay their hands on the Flip-like DXG-5D7V, which films shots in VGA resolution. Question is, is it worth grabbing a 3D cammie now?

The options are, of course, limited, but with Panasonic in the game, big hitters like Sony and Samsung are bound to follow suit soon. But there’s a problem. You need a 3D TV or compatible laptop to play your high-end footage back (the 5D7V does come with a 7-inch 3D viewer though).

Then there’s the question of being able to edit properly in 3D. It can be done, but you’ll need some decent equipment to check out your three dimensional work before packaging it up. At $1,399 (£897), the Panasonic effort is eye-wateringly expensive and will doubtless be outdated in a matter of months.

So, is this a 3D gadget worth buying now? Or one to put on the back-burner and nab once you’ve upgraded your TV and computer? Tell us what you think now.