With this seemingly sudden flood of interest in 3D movies, many are wondering if movie marketers are just jumping on the bandwagon and trying to appeal to the public fascination with a new fad. But 3D camera work is not necessarily a new fad, with 3D films being heavily marketed throughout North American pop culture beginning in the 1950s and seeing a broad resurgence in the 1980s.
Critics are torn as to whether consumers will wake up to an overhyped fad or embrace the technology and look forward to all of the things that can be done with it.
3D Cameras to 2010
Since Avatar’s arrival in 2009, it seems that more and more films are being made with innovative 3D cameras and technology.
It was only just over a year ago that there were no 3D cameras available to or mass marketed to consumers, whereas these days there are a series of cameras and video cameras that consumers can buy, along with interchangeable 3D lenses to create their own 3D works as well as software that will turn your regular content to 3D content.
Some require special glasses (specially made, stylish black ones or the standard red and blue) or a 3D TV to view the content, but that may not always be the case.
3D Cameras in 2011 and Beyond
While that one aspect of 3D seems ever-present – those bulky glasses – 3D televisions are in development that eliminate the need for glasses at all. And since the end of last year, 3D cameras have been available that allow for the viewing of 3D content without the glasses. All of this sudden interest in 3D may make camera manufacturers and engineers of both cameras and video cameras focus on making the cameras more affordable and convenient for everyday use, replacing conventional digital cameras and video cameras.
In turn, 3D film may become more mainstream and in fact, the norm – rather than just a fad or something new and interesting. Would you ever buy a 3D camera?
(image from http://www.21stcentury3d.com)