Sony has shown off a new single-lens camera able to capture 3D images.
The majority of existing 3D set-ups use two-camera systems to record images tailored specifically for the left and right eye of the viewer.
The new camera takes a single image that is split by mirrors and recorded on two sensors, resulting in a "smoother" picture, according to Sony.
The prototype camera will be unveiled at next week's Ceatec electronics show in Tokyo, Japan.
Viewers will be able to watch the 3D images using special polarised glasses. Without them, they will just see normal 2D television, according to the firm.
The firm said the camera, which is able to capture images very quickly, is especially suited to sporting events.
Long shot
The new camera is one of a number of developments being put forward by the firm, which hopes that 3D TV is about to take off.
This week, the firm also opened the doors to its European research labs to show off a different 3D camera technology for recording football games.
 Broadcasters are focusing efforts on 3D sporting events |
The technology uses three fixed cameras to record the entire football pitch. The images can them be mapped and, using software, create a 3D view.
"Each camera films a third of the pitch," explained John Stone, general manager of research and development at Sony Professional.
"Because those cameras are set up at the same focal point, they can be stitched together.
"And because we have the depth information for every shot we can a synthesise a 3D impression be effectively positioning the pixel to different depth positions in the 3D composition."
Mr Stone stressed that while the technology to display images in 3D was in place, it would be some time before it would be common place.
"I'm not sure we're quite at the stage now where we're going to have 3D Match of the Day," said Mr Stone. "But i'm hoping that there's going to be live events televised in 3D from 2010, and that can be edited down into shorter 3D highlights."
I think that's an awesome new invention. It combines 2-d and 3-d versions of a movie. Sony is discussing it as though it will produce great quality film. This could revolutionize Hollywood. What if studios filmed all their movies like that? All you need are polarized glasses to make the film 3-d!
ReplyDeleteIt also sounds like 3-d television will become a reality soon too. That just sounds so cool, imagine watching the Super Bowl or the Oscars in 3-d!
I think 3-D is a cool way to watch movies an it makes it look realistic like you are apart of the movie. It makes the movies better to me.
ReplyDeleteWell I suppose itf you are going to watch something, why not make the visual experience an extra enjoyable one? Hopefully, the focus of this 3-D viewing is not going to be happening in television too soon. Enough people watch way too much TV in the first place, I can't imagine how that would multiply if you could watch it in 3-D with special 3-D polarised glasses. But with all the new technology, this was only to be expected.
ReplyDeleteI think that this would be a cool invetion as well. Imagine sitting in your living room and watching a football game and a player basically hops out the screen right in your face! That would be exciting, makes you feel like your right on the field with your favorite team. This would also my sci-fi and scary movies alot more intense
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great idea not only is it in 3D but if you dont have the glasses you can still watch in 2D. Hopefully soon it will be in households everywhere!
ReplyDelete