In theaters, a number of 3D movies have been a big draw. Avatar being one of the favorites. These films are greatly enhanced by the 3D effects. In 2010, home entertainment began changing in view of this popularity of 3 dimensional viewing.

Since the beginning of 2010, many major manufacturers have begun offering 3D televisions, sets that are capable of displaying not only traditional 2D programming, but 3D as well. Broadcasters have also begun to respond to this call, providing some programming in 3D and indicating that 3D channels may be on their way. Samsung, Sony, and Mitsubishi are just two of the manufacturers to lead this change.  Of course, viewing 3D requires viewers to also have special 3D glasses as well as a 3D Blu-Ray player or something similar when viewing DVD’s. But all of that is readily available as well.

Around mid-year, Fujifilm introduced their W1 3D and Sony rolled out their Cybershot DSC WX5, both a form of 3D digital cameras. The W1 3D is probably the easiest to use as it has two lenses and two sensors for capturing the stereo images necessary to create a 3D effect. Sony’s version merely has the user making use of “sweep panorma” to create a similar effect; sweeping back and forth while shooting.  The Fujifilm model allows you to view 3D images on the built-in LCD screen and on the optional 3D digital photo frame, the Finepix V1. Sony’s model  gives you the possibility of enjoying your 3D creations on one of their 3D televisions.

Then by late summer, consumer level 3D camcorders emerged. Panasonic introduced their HDC  SDT750k which is a high end camcorder with 18x optical zoom, optical image stabilization, a high end Leica Dicomar lens, 3MOS sytem, a 3″ touch screen, and 1080 video recording at a phenomenal 60 frames per second. However, what’s of interest is the conversion lens that comes with it. The lens allows you to record left and right eye images simultaneously for the 3D effect. It allows users to enjoy their own 3 dimensional videos on a 3D television.

The other camcorder with 3D capabilities is actually a budget device. Aiptek has a 3D pocket camcorder. It records at 720p, has a 2.4″ color display, as well as 2 lenses and 2 five megapixel sensors. Red/cyan glasses come with the Aiptek model to allow users to view their 3D video on their PC. On the other hand they can watch on the devices display or on the optional 3D digital picture frame.