Panasonic today announced the Lumix DMC-3D1 featuring two newly developed lens units with folded optics design for capturing 3D and 2D photos and videos. The LUMIX 3D1, with a twin-lens design, features 25mm ultra-wide angle lenses with 4x optical zoom that offers 8-megapixel 3D photo and 1920x1080 60i high quality 3D HD video using side-by-side method. The 25mm optics on 3D1 gives user a wider range of composition possibilities with approximately 169% larger viewing space compared to that of 35mm cameras.

“Panasonic continues to lead the industry in 3D entertainment, giving consumers the opportunity to create their own content and then view it within their homes, and the new LUMIX 3D1 is an innovative digital camera that excels with its 3D imaging technologies, but also offers outstanding 2D photo capture options,” said Darin Pepple, Senior Product Manager, Imaging, Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company. “With its twin-lens design, the LUMIX 3D1 can even shoot HD video through one lens and 2D photos from the other – thus getting still and moving content simultaneously, a unique shooting feature which Panasonic provides so users can stretch their creativity.”

With the two lens design, the Lumix 3D1 also allows users to capture 2D images and video simultaneously. The camera can shoot 12-megapixel 2D images and 1080i video simultaneously.

The 12-megapixel MOS sensor along with Venus image engine allow continuous shooting at 8fps (without auto focusing) and 4fps (with auto focusing) in full resolution. The camera has ISO range of 160-3200 and offers usual features such as MEGA O.I.S, AF Tracking, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Recognition and Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Exposure and Intelligent Handheld Nightshot.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 will be available in December 2011 priced $499.99.