Sony EX3 3D Camcorder Prototype Breaks Cover

A live shot and initial specifications of what's said to be Sony's EX3 3D camcorder prototype has emerged, together with the promise that a commercial version is on its way.  According to Engadget's sources, the Sony EX3 has six CMOS chips – three for each lens – taken from a pair of PMW-EX3 studio cameras, each capable of recording 35Mbps 1080p 4:2:0 MPEG-2 video.

That's if you're recording to an SxS memory card onboard the EX3; if you're filming in a fixed position then the donor cameras can also output uncompressed 4:4:4 video via a pair of HD-SDI outputs.  According to Engadget's 3D-knowledgeable tipster, the gap – or lack of it – between the two lenses is also impressive, potentially an "industry-first 1.5-inch interocular distance."

All impressive stuff – if more than a little out of the realm of home users – but there's no sign of a release schedule or pricing.  Given a Sony PMW-EX3 will set you back $9,990 on its own (and remember there's the magic of two of them in this prototype) we're not holding our breath for a cheap camcorder.