The PDMOVIE 3D AIR was designed to be a lightweight and inexpensive alternative to bulky and cumbersome 3D film equipment. Through the use of integrated AI LiDAR technology, a single user can operate the entire system independently.
According to PDMOVIE, the trend towards lightweight 4K cameras and lenses, along with the increasing availability of AR headsets or wearable devices such as Apple VisionPro, Meta Quest 3, and Rokid Air 2 supporting 3D viewing, inspired them to create a brand-new spatial video intelligent shooting product that adapts to the current popular shooting system.
The 3D AIR integrates LiDAR ranging modules, signal modules, electronic control modules, and power supply modules into a sunshade. Two sets of lenses and cameras can then be attached to the sunshade with locking components.
Although it is possible to shoot 3D videos/spatial videos using mobile phone technology, fixed and non-adjustable optical axis distances, as well as limitations in resolution and frame rate, may result in less than ideal 3D effects or even inability to shoot. However, high resolution, high frame rate, and adjustable optical axis distance are the three key factors affecting the 3D video effect. 3D AIR was made so that users can capture professional and high-quality 3D film shooting in a short period of time with minimal equipment.
How much does it weigh?
The 3D Air weighs 1.16kg / 2.55 lbs, which is significantly lighter than old-fashioned spatial video shooting systems. As well as being lighter, the overall size has been massively reduced. With a low weight and smaller footprint, the 3D Air can be easily transported and used by a single person.
According to PDMOVIE, conventional lenses exhibit rapidly decreasing image clarity above the 70mm focal length, becoming unusable beyond 120mm. Despite appearing smooth, these lenses are still coarse and uneven when viewed on a nanometer scale. To counteract this, 3D AIR’s lenses are stated to be specially crafted using nanometer-level grinding technology to ensure clear and sharp images reflected beyond the 200mm focal length.
Thanks to the vertical optical design, the 3D AIR has an optical adjustment distance of 0-60mm. The precise ranging ability of the LiDAR module can adjust to the optimal state within 30 milliseconds through AI intelligent data algorithms during shooting, adjusting the stereo effect with a claimed accuracy of up to 0.01mm.
In addition to the built-in LiDAR module, PDMOVIE also provide an additional LiDAR ranging controller. By utilizing LiDAR’s fast and high-precision ranging characteristics, it is claimed to achieve stable and precise focusing of two sets of images during synchronous shooting. There are three focusing speeds you can chose from and users can store data for up to 5 lenses.
The optical axis distance of the 3D AIR and the focus of the two sets of lenses can be switched from automatic to manual control. Users can choose the appropriate control mode according to different shooting scenes and needs.
The 3D Air is compatible with quite a few mirrorless hybrids and some small sized digital cinema cameras.
What do you do with the footage?
You can take the footage and use it in Premiere Pro, Final Cut, or DaVinci Resolve. You can then export it and upload to it various streaming or social media platforms where it can be viewed using devices like the Apple Vision Pro, Quest3, or Thunderbird.
The 3D AIR is equipped with AI human eye simulation technology, which is said to automatically adjust to the most comfortable visual distance based on environmental conditions such as venue, lighting, and distance. It can switch between automatic optical axis gears according to different shooting scenes and the demand for 3D effects. Compared to the old-fashioned 3D machines that required at least 5-7 people to cooperate for debugging, the 3D AIR can be quickly debugged by one person and used immediately upon startup.
Price & Availability
The 3D Air isn’t available to purchase just yet. It is expected to retail for somewhere between $2,000-3,000 USD. If all goes well, it should be available sometime in November.
3D never really took off and you could make an argument that spatial reality is 3D just wrapped in a different box. At least in my opinion, until someone can come up with a compelling viewing experience that doesn’t require wearing something then it is going to remain pretty niche.
