Panasonic HDC-SDT750

The HDC-SDT750 ($1399 MSRP) is an extraordinary camcorder for capturing regular 2D content, but its 3D features are definitely limited. Performance-wise, we were definitely impressed with how well the camcorder recorded footage in 3D, but we were consistently disappointed by the lack of manual controls in 3D mode. You cannot use zoom, manual focus, manual shutter speed, or manual aperture while the 3D conversion lens is attached.

We also wonder how many people will really be able to take full advantage of the HDC-SDT750's 3D features. For starters, you'll need a 3D HDTV so you can view your recorded content. You'll also need time and patience because shooting 3D video with the HDC-SDT750 isn't nearly as simple as picking up the camcorder to shoot regular 2D video. 3D content shot with the SDT750 can look very good and effective, but we found the camcorder worked best when it was kept perfectly still or mounted to a tripod (you also need plenty of light to get top-notch 3D images).

For recording 2D video, the HDC-SDT750 is one of the best camcorders we've ever seen. Of course, the model really isn't any different than its predecessor, the Panasonic HDC-TM700. If you have no desire to record 3D video, by all means you should seek the TM700 instead of the SDT750. We say this for one reason: price. The HDC-TM700 can be found for anwhere between $400 - $700 less than the HDC-SDT750, and it is basically the same exact camcorder except it cannot shoot in 3D. An added bonus of the HDC-TM700 is the fact that it comes with 32GB of internal flash memory, while the HDC-SDT750 only records to memory cards.

We're a bit disappointed that Panasonic hasn't released the 3D conversion lens (modelname VW-CLT1) on its own. It is clear that Panasonic is trying to cash in on the novelty of 3D recording by jacking up the price of the HDC-SDT750 well beyond the cost of the HDC-TM700. So, if you are considering the HDC-SDT750, you really have to think about how much 3D recording is worth. If it isn't something you desperately want or seriously need, then you should save yourself oodles of cash and purchase the HDC-TM700 instead.