The Early Adopter's Guide to Editing and Sharing 3D Video

09.03.2011
With 3D, cinema has changed forever.

Well, not really, but we are seeing a resurgence in 3D feature films and, for the first time, . The difference this time around is that 3D imaging and playback are no longer the preserve of large studios: The ability to capture and view 3D footage has been incorporated into consumer electronics.

Right now, capturing, editing, and creating high-quality 3D footage is still expensive on the whole, but costs are coming down fast. Several consumer-level 3D cameras are on the market, and their presence has driven software companies to create plug-ins and updates for nonlinear editing (NLE) systems.

At the lower end of the market, you now have . These camcorders retail from $200 up to more than a thousand dollars, and most come with software that allows you to create your 3D film easily. Your options also vary as to whether you want a camcorder mostly designed for shooting 3D footage or a primarily 2D camcorder that allows you to shoot 3D as well.

For example, the ($1400) is a full HD consumer camcorder that has a detachable 3D lens, while the ($1500) and ($1700) both have fixed dual lenses and glasses-free 3D screens. You don't need 3D glasses to see the 3D images while you're filming with the Sony and JVC camcorders, which is a huge bonus.