Film Videos In 3D For Under $250 With Viewsonic's 3DV5

Viewsonic has gone supersonic when it comes to offering new 3D gizmos. On Thursday the company announced a budget-priced 720p camcorder that let's consumers film their own 3D movies. The ViewSonic 3DV5 lists for about $240.

The company's 3D camera had been a rumor right before the massive IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin in September. But then Viewsonic distracted the public with a massive unleashing of new goodies including its Android tablets, its 3D projector, and -- two weeks ago - its second 3D monitor complete with glasses.

The 3DV5 camcorder features an "autosterescopic" 2.4” screen, which means you don't need to use 3D glasses to get the effect when watching the movie playback onscreen. We think you'd go blind trying to watch a 3D movie for more than a few seconds on a 2.4-inch screen, but that's not much of a problem. A pair of 3D anaglyph glasses (the kind with two different lenses) are included, too. With these glasses, users can upload 3D movies to places like YouTube's 3D section and watch them on a 2D display.

Movies can also be played on a 3D TV, should you happen to own one because, naturally, the camera includes a HDMI cable. It also includes 10MB of internal memory expandable via a SD card (thank goodness, because 10MB? you've got  to be kidding!) a Li-Ion battery rechargeable over a USB connection. It films in MP4 format at 720p HD resolution and when you don't want your movies jumping out at you, it can shoot in 2D. And it can snap still images, too.

True, the 3DV5 camera isn't a double-lensed 3D camcorder, such the DXG's 5D7V, released last summer and billed as the very first pocket 3D camcorder. But the 5D7V costs more than double, at $600, albeit that price includes a 7-inch autosterescopic-screened media player and the camera itself has 128MB internal memory, a 3.2-inch LCD display and other comparatively better specs.

For the price, the 3DV5 is appealing.

ViewSonic launches new 3D 720p camcorder that helps anyone create their own 3D movies

28 October 2010, London, UK – To address the difficulty that many are facing in creating their own 3D content, ViewSonic has announced the launch of its easy-to-use 3D HD camcorder.  With an estimated SRP of only £150, the ViewSonic 3DV5 makes it easy for anyone to record their own 3D movies and watch them back on their 3D-ready TV, monitor or projector.

The ViewSonic 3DV5 is simple to use, featuring a one-touch recording function and the ability to quickly switch between 2D and 3D recording modes. Once users have recorded their content, then they can either plug the camcorder into their computer via USB, or plug it directly into a 3D TV using the included HDMI cable.  There is also the option to watch the content in 3D on the device, without the need for 3D glasses, thanks to the built-in ‘autosterescopic’ display.  Videos can also be uploaded directly to YouTube’s 3D channel and watched in 3D using the supplied ‘anaglyph’ glasses, even if using a standard 2D display.  

"Everyone has watched 3D movies at the cinema, and lots of people are considering purchasing a 3D compatible display, whether a TV, monitor or projector.  However, there is a lack of available 3D content, and people want to create 3D content that they will be able to watch for years to come," says James Coulson, European product marketing manager, ViewSonic.  “The ViewSonic 3DV5 makes it easy for anyone to create future-proof, high quality 3D home movies and also shoot in standard 2D.  As well as being easy to use, the camcorder is also excellent value for money, and will make a great gift this Christmas.”

The ViewSonic 3DV5 features an autosterescopic 2.4” screen, as well as a Li-Ion battery which can be charged via USB.  The camcorder is able to film content in MP4 format at HD 720p resolution, and can also take still images.  There is 10MB of internal memory, which can be increased using an SD card. 

Pricing and availability
The ViewSonic 3DV5  will be available from approved resellers in October 2010.  Pricing will be subject to the supplier’s method of sale, but the SRP is estimated to be approximately £150 Inc Vat.