In terms of 3D camera rigs, the Panasonic 3DA1 is very easy to operate and set up on set, however, it is still more complicated than your traditional 2D camera configuration. The 3DA1 combines two cameras into one body, but outputs two separate video streams over HD-SDI. These two video streams can be used for on-set monitoring or to feed a 3D recorder. The 3DA1 also has a HDMI output, which combines the two video streams that can be fed directly into a 3D television. Here are some examples of how the 3DA1 could be used on set.

The simplest setup for monitoring the 3DA1 in 3D would be to run the HD-SDI outputs of the camera directly into a 3D Production monitor. Panasonic makes a 25” 3D production monitor called the BT-3DL2550. Sony and Marshall will also have 3D monitors that can accept two HD-SDI feeds on the market soon. These production monitors utilize polarized glass, which means that passive (polarized) glasses can be used to view 3D.

This can also be accomplished using the HDMI output of the 3DA1, feeding directly into a 3D television. This is a HDMI version 1.4a specification output, which means that the television used must accept that input. Televisions such as Panasonic’s Viera VT25 Series 3D plasmas work very well but do require active shutter glasses.

Another popular alternative for on-set monitoring is using JVC’s 3D television, GD-463D10U. This monitor is polarized like the 3D production monitors, but it does not have HD-SDI input or an HDMI 1.4 input. This means that you cannot feed video directly into it from the 3DA1, however, the two HD-SDI feeds can be combined together with the use of a 3D multiplexer. 3D multiplexers combine the two HD-SDI feeds into one HDMI 3D output that works with the JVC monitor. The AJA Hi5 3D, BlackMagic Design HDLink Pro 3D DisplayPort and the JVC 3D Image Processor are all able to multiplex the 3DA1 video and work with the JVC monitor.

Note: The JVC monitor has an HDMI 1.3a version input. HDMI 1.4 is backward compatible, so it will work with the JVC monitor, however, the 3DA1 HDMI 1.4 output does not work with this monitor directly.

The 3DA1 records on SDHC cards in the highest quality AVCHD format, which works well for many different applications. Other recording options, however, are also available. Using the two HD-SDI outputs of the 3DA1, video can be fed into an external recorder such as the Convergent Design Nano3D. The Nano3D can also be used as a multiplexer, as it accepts two HD-SDI inputs and outputs, one HD-SDI feed with combined signals. The HD-SDI output could then be converted to HDMI with an AJA Hi5 converter. Other recorders, such as the Sony SRW-1, would also work and produce virtually uncompressed recordings.

On a larger set, adding in an HD-SDI distribution amplifier can combine all these elements. The AJA 3GDA, BrightEye 42 HD DA or Gefen 1:4 3G-SDI Splitter will all work to send your signals to the both your monitors and recorders.