Panasonic Shows Prototype 3D Lens for Lumix Cameras

From PC World: Panasonic showed for the first time on Wednesday a prototype lens for its Lumix DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) cameras that will give them the ability to capture 3D still images.

The lens actually contains two small lenses side by side, which each transmit light to the camera's image sensor. The image coming through each lens will be from a slightly different viewpoint and it's that difference that will allow resulting images to exhibit the illusion of depth and appear to be in three dimensions.

It will be compatible with Lumix cameras that use the "G Micro System" mount and should be available by the end of 2010. Panasonic didn't provide any more details about pricing for the lens or regional availability.

Panasonic presented a prototype of the lens at a Tokyo news conference where it also announced its first 3D camcorders.

The Lumix lens appeared to be around a centimeter deep and the two lenses were contained within the diameter of the lens mount.

Several rival camera makers have already launched their first 3D photography systems. FujiFilm has a camera with dual lenses and dual image sensors while Sony uses a single lens and image sensor but requires the photographer to swing the camera in an arc to capture a 3D panorama.

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