Hi, my name is Mick Pacifici...  I am the head of the camera department at Evergreen films and I thought I would kick off the Evergreen Films Blog!

Last week, before NAB, I had the opportunity to take an Engineering Prototype of Panasonic's new 3DA1 into the field for a test run! Before taking the camera out I sat down with the Panasonic Engineers and they showed me what worked on the prototype—and what didn't—and from there I was off and running! Being that it was an engineering prototype there was limited functionality, but that didn't stop me from getting some great stuff with the camera!

The camera is essentially two cameras in one body. There are 2 optical paths, 2 - 1/4" sensors, and 2 recording devices—all packed into one compact camera! The camera has a Fixed interaxial distance of just over 2 inches and allows for convergence anywhere from 6 feet to infinity. Weighing in at about 6 pounds, it was a joy to take this camera out for a day of Gorilla shooting (something that is a lot harder with a full size, 70lb rig!)

John Bradaric, an old buddy of mine who was in town for NAB joined me (carried the sticks and doubled as my talent!) as we covered some ground in Nevada.!

We started in Red Rocks Canyon and did a series of Rock Climbing & Beauty shots in and around the Park. The 3DA1 was a joy to hike with; the tripod was more of a burden, but necessity!

From Red Rocks canyon we headed to the Hoover Dam!  Even with the heightened level of security at the Dam we managed to cover some ground in and around the dam.

We also made a quick stop at Lake Mead on the way back to Las Vegas to return the Camera and watch our Dallies

I was a little skeptical about the quality of images we would get from a 1/4" sensor, but watching to footage was an eye opener! John and I—as well as the folks from Panasonic—were amazed at the results.  Not only did the image quality hold up on a 60" screen, but the 3D was also very good!

After using the camera I had the opportunity to provide feedback to the folks at Panasonic and they are doing all they can to incorporate the feedback I gave into the production model of this camera!

I am looking forward to getting the next version of this camera in my hands and will keep you posted on developments!

Mick