Panasonic Announces Development of World’s First* Interchangeable 3D Lens for LUMIX G Micro System**

*For a digital interchangeable lens of July 28, 2010
**Compatible models to be announced
 
Panasonic is pleased to announce the development of the world's first twin-lens digital interchangeable lens that makes 3D shooting possible with an interchangeable lens system camera.

The 3D lens will allow high-quality shooting in 3D as a new member of the powerful lineup of interchangeable lenses for Panasonic's LUMIX G Micro System. As 3D content becomes ever more popular across a variety of media, Panasonic plans to release this new lens for sale before the end of 2010 and deliver the joy of 3D shooting to interchangeable lens system camera users.

This year has seen Panasonic Australia unveil its first 3D VIERA Plasma TVs, and 3D Blu-rayTM Disc Player, allowing consumers to enjoy the excitement of 3D in their own homes via movies, sports broadcasts and gaming.

Alistair Robins, Group Marketing Manager, LUMIX, Panasonic Australia, said: “The next step is to put 3D technology in the hands of consumers who want to enjoy shooting 3D themselves.  The new lens meets these demands – allowing users to shoot landscapes, people, and a variety of subjects in high-quality 3D, to be experienced later on their 3D VIERA televisions at home.”

Until now, 3D shooting with an interchangeable lens system camera has only been possible by using panorama systems or a combination of two lenses and two CCDs, but these systems have drawbacks including the need for a dedicated 3D camera and the difficulties capturing moving objects.

Panasonic's new 3D lens for the LUMIX G Micro System features two optical systems installed within the diameter of the lens mount, creating stereo images from the left and right lenses, to be processed with a 3D image processing system. Thanks to Panasonic's advanced technologies in optical technology, image processing system, and lens barrel design, the 3D lens still manages to retain an extremely compact size.

This new compact 3D-capable interchangeable lens allows easier handling and instant 3D shooting with cameras without a special structure for 3D shooting. It produces 3D images without distortion or time lag between left and right images, even for moving objects. The 3D images, even close-up shots, taken with this lens are easy on the eyes when viewed on 3D VIERA Plasma TVs.

In the coming months, Panasonic Australia expects to make further announcements on the Australian release schedule and pricing for this exciting new lens. Panasonic has led the industry in bringing a true-to-life 3D experience to its customers, and will continue to expand its lineup of 3D products with innovative technologies.