Panasonic’s push into 3D just took another step forward. Recently, they made several announcements about their 3D product lineup including details on their 3D camera (AG-3DA), a new 3D production monitor (BT-3DL2550) and a new 3D mixer (AG-HMX100). Panasonic is moving to bring 3D to a broad community of filmmakers and these new tools certainly show their commitment. We can’t wait to see all of these new products at NAB 2010. Learn more about these new devices after the break.

AG-3DA1

Panasonic’s integrated 3D camera is officially called the AG-3DA1, though I’m quite sure it will just be called Panasonic’s 3D cam for sometime. We first heard about this camera at last year’s NAB, but now we are finally getting more details. Here are the specs:

• Twin lens system
• Two 1920×1080 2.07 Megapixel 3-MOS sensors
• 1080 60i, 50i, 30p, 25, and 24P (native) recording
• 720 60P, 50P recording
• AVCHD recording format
• Dual SD/SDHC memory slots
• 2x 32GB cards give you 180 minutes in AVCHD PH (highest quality) mode
• Dual HD-SDI output
• HDMI (version 1.4) output
• 2 XLR audio inputs
• Built-in microphone
• Includes lens remote
• Weighs less than 6.6 pounds

The twin-lens system allows the convergence point to be adjusted by an operator. The camera also has automatic horizontal and vertical displacement built-in, which eliminates some of the headaches associated with traditional 3D video processing. We have not yet seen this system in action, but it sounds like they are trying to make the system as easy to use as possible.

The resolution of the camera sensors is excellent, though there is no mention of sensor size in the announcement. The form-factor of the camera points to 1/3″, which is a good thing in 3D because of the increased depth-of-field. The dual HD-SDI outputs on the camera is exciting news. Not only does the camera offer AVCHD recording, but with uncompressed outputs it can be combined with external recorders such as the Panasonic HPG20.

The camera will be available this Fall for a list price of $21,000, and $1,000 pre-orders are now open as well. Read the full press release here.

BT-3DL2550

To capture 3D video you really need a 3D monitor to view it on. Up to now there has only been a handful of consumer 3D LCDs available, which aren’t exactly built for field production, but thankfully Panasonic has announced a 3D production monitor as well. The BT-3DL2550 is an updated version of their 25″ production monitor with support for 3D input. It features two HD-SDI inputs, and a DVI-D input for displaying 3D images. The two HD/SD-SDI inputs can simultaneously display the Left image, Right image, and 3D signals. 3D signals can also be in line-by-line or side-by-side modes, which a variety of 3D signal processors support.

Like the BT-LH2550, the monitor features pre-installed calibration software, Cine-gamma Film-Rec compensation, Standard Markers and Blue-only, H/V delay display, monochrome and Cross Hatch overlay display, and split-screen/freeze frame (live input vs. freeze frame).

The BT-3DL2550 3D production monitor will be available this September at a suggested list price $9,900. See the full press release here.

HMX-100

Finally, Panasonic has announced a new mixer, the AG-HMX100. It offers an array of interfaces including four HD/SD-HDI inputs/outputs, two HDMI inputs, and two analog composite inputs. These inputs allow for mixing from a variety of sources, and 3D video is supported as well. This is a unique option, making it the first affordable live switcher for use in 3D production.

Additionally, it includes a DVI-I input for computer use, two DVI-D outputs, a microphone input, dual aux in and audio outputs, a headphone jack, as well as connections for genlock, GPI, RS-232C and tally output. In addition to the ability to mix embedded audio from HD/SD-SDI camcorders and other sources, the HMX100 offers eight XLR and 2 RCA connectors for line level audio inputs, as well as embedded audio output and two channels of analog audio out.

The HMX-100 will be available in June. Read more about the Panasonic HMX-100 here.