The DXG-5D7V creates an anaglyph image inside the camcorder by shooting with a pair of lenses. The camcorder’s 3.25-inch display has a parallax overlay so you to see the DXG-5D7V’s 3D video without special glasses.
The DXG-5D7V is also capable of shooting 2D video. However, all video (3D and 2D) is shot at 640 by 480 resolution—the camcorder does not shoot high-definition video.
To watch the DXG-5D7V’s 3D video outside of the camcorder, DXG includes in a bundle its 3D Media Player, a 7-inch TFT display with a parallax overlay; no special glasses are required. The 3D Media Player looks like a digital picture frame, with control keys on the right side of its bezel. The 3D Media Player also has speakers and includes a remote control.
Prototypes of the DXG-5D7V have made the rounds at trade shows, and early reports of the camcorder can be found on the Web. I had a chance to see a preliminary version of the DXG-5D7V during a DXG press event in May. During my very short time with the two devices, I saw a few images on the small displays. When I looked at 3D images on the camcorder and on the 3D Media Display, the experience reminded me of those plastic 3D image toys you’d get out of a box of Cracker Jacks. Also, the viewing angles on both displays were very limited, and shifting yourself or the display slightly from the center of your field of view resulted in unclear images.
DXG didn’t have a demonstration of how the DXG-5D7’s 3D video on a 3D TV, which the company says is possible.
Until we see video from a shipping product, we’ll hold back on making a definitive judgment on the DXG-5D7’s 3D image quality. But the DXG-5D7 looks like it could be less for serious 3D video movie making and more for the gadget enthusiast who wants a new plaything.
The DXG-5D7 will be available in August. Pre-orders can be made through Hammacher Schlemmer. The DXG-5D7 product Website was not yet available at the time of this writing.
DXG-5D7