Panasonic LUMIX DMC 3D1 Review | 108 Data compared

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 is a highly innovative compact camera featuring a unique dual-lens setup that allows users to shoot true 3D photos and video seamlessly without changing angles. In 2D mode, this design allows the two lenses to operate independently, enabling simultaneous wide-angle and close-up shooting or capturing 9-megapixel still photos while recording full HD video. Image tests reveal impressive performance in demanding conditions, delivering vivid colors, sharp details, a pleasing bokeh effect in macro mode, and a well-balanced exposure across tricky highlights and shadows. The camera also performs well in low-light environments by managing noise efficiently up to ISO 800. However, the camera has notable limitations, primarily its expensive price tag of over £400 for a non-interchangeable lens model, which is attributed to the duplicated technology under the hood. Its physical design restricts the zoom capabilities to a modest 4x optical zoom, and testing revealed a slight green color fringing on macro shots as well as minor focus fall-off in the lower corners under ambient light. Additionally, while using the built-in flash speeds up exposure, it can noticeably...

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 features a unique dual-lens, dual-sensor design in a solid, pocket-sized body with internal lenses, a responsive 3-inch screen, and battery life that exceeds its CIPA rating. Key pros include its portability, simple 2D/3D mode switching, and robust build quality. However, the camera is surprisingly heavy for its size and relies heavily on a complex touchscreen interface for settings, which can make adjustments tedious. Cons also include a menu system with difficult-to-understand icons, according to the review.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 is an engineered pocket camera that captures true stereoscopic 3D stills and video using two distinct lenses and two sensors, while maintaining a remarkably compact, pocket-sized chassis. In standard 2D mode, it operates like a regular point-and-shoot but introduces a unique dual-lens feature where users can simultaneously shoot a wide-angle scene with one lens and a zoomed-in perspective with the other, monitoring both views side-by-side on its 3.5-inch touchscreen LCD. It shoots 12.1-megapixel 2D photos, 8-megapixel 3D photos in a widescreen format, and Full HD 1080p videos. However, a major limitation is that the camera’s built-in 460k-dot display cannot actually display images in 3D; users must connect the device to a 3D-compatible television via an HDMI cable to view their 3D creations. The review highlights distinct pros and cons regarding its real-world performance and pricing. On the positive side, its primary strengths are its highly compact, portable design for a 3D camera, its ability to capture rich and vivid daylight colors in 2D, and its clever dual-lens setup that allows for independent zooming. On the downside,...

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 is reviewed as an impressive marvel of miniaturization that crams a true stereoscopic system—featuring two 4x optical zoom lenses and two sensors—into a pocket-sized body. It provides a straightforward, user-friendly interface dominated by a large 3.5-inch touchscreen and a dedicated 2D/3D toggle switch. The camera offers high versatility when shooting in 2D mode, allowing users to use the independent lenses simultaneously to capture a wide-angle and a zoomed-in shot of the same scene. However, this innovative tech comes with a hefty retail price of £449.99, putting it in direct financial competition with significantly more creative DSLRs and compact system cameras. Several drawbacks hinder the camera's overall convenience, most notably the lack of a 3D-enabled or lenticular preview screen. This forces users to view their 3D MPO files exclusively on a separate, compatible 3D television, removing the instant satisfaction of checking a shot on the go. Additionally, battery life is weak, yielding only about 200 shots per charge. Image resolution also drops from 12.1 megapixels in standard 2D down to 8 megapixels in 16:9 3D mode. Finally,...

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 is a dedicated "true" 3D compact digital camera featuring a dual-lens system paired with twin 12.1-megapixel sensors. Unlike traditional single-lens cameras that rely on software tricks and camera movement to simulate depth, this device simultaneously shoots two offset views to deliver an enhanced, authentic stereoscopic effect for both 3D photos and 1080i HD video. The camera boasts a highly compact, lightweight frame, making it noticeably less bulky than older competitors like the Fujifilm Real 3D W3. It is built around a large, simple touchscreen interface for most controls, features a 4x optical zoom, and includes MEGA O.I.S. optical stabilization to keep imagery steady. Pros and Cons At a Glance Pros Cons True 3D capture with twin lenses No 3D playback on the camera screen Great touchscreen interface Poor battery life Efficient multitasking performance Limited manual controls Highly lightweight & simple build Small sensor size (1/2.3-type) While the camera succeeds at capturing industry-standard 3D MPO files that can easily be viewed on 3D-compatible televisions, it suffers from several functional drawbacks. Its primary weakness is the inability to...