The PMW-TD300 XDCAM EX Shoulder-Mount 3D Camcorder from Sony is a dual-lens, shoulder-mount camcorder that records left-eye/right-eye full HD video to SxS cards (not included). The camera uses the familiar XDCAM EX workflow; the only wrinkle is that dual lenses and dual Exmor 3xCMOS sensors are capturing dual synchronized streams of HD video, which are recorded as separate MPEG-2 files (35 or 25 Mb/s) to cards that are dedicated to either the left or the right eye.
The PMW-TD300 ushers in a distinct class of camcorder: The professional workhorse, shoulder-mount, integrated-lens 3D capture device. It features an innovative multi-control dial that offers manual control over convergence, focus, and zoom. With a minimum convergence distance of 3.9', the PMW-TD300 is able to capture 3D shots that other single-body 3D cameras simply cannot. For operator convenience, the 3.5" LCD screen offers glasses-free playback of 3D video.
The camcorder is sure to find a warm reception from production companies doing high-end 3D work that need a mobile, compact camera for certain shots while they use mirror rigs for first-unit work. The PMW-TD300 also deserves serious consideration from freelancers who work on stereoscopic documentaries, music videos, and more. And for 2D productions or for EPK work on a 3D project, the camera of course captures standard two-dimensional HD video as well, shining as a professional, shoulder-mounted XDCAM EX model.
As it records separate video channels to separate professional SxS cards, the PMW-TD300 integrates well with professional workflows that also use dual-camera rigs for left-eye/right-eye capture. There's no de-muxing to slow down the post-production process, for instance. The camera features dual HD-SDI outputs for separate-but-synchronized 3D output, and for quick playback to consumer 3D screens, there's also HDMI output (side-by-side).