Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W1 is world's first 3D camera

Posted by David Walker on Wed 22 Jul 2009

Watch photos jump out of the back of your camera, writes David Walker

Right, we've checked the calendar and it isn't April 1st, so we'll have to assume that the FujiFilm FinePix Real 3D W1 camera is indeed the world's first 3D compact camera. Not only that, Fujifilm has also produced a 3D viewer for your living room and the means to print out 3D snaps. Yes, tomorrow's technology is here today - and your current compact could be in the bin this time next year.

How is this possible? Well, hold onto your hat, the technical details are incoming. Firstly, Fujifilm has developed the 'Real 3D Lens System', essentially two Fujinon lenses held in place by an aluminum die-cast frame to protect the lenses from vibration and impact, along with two CCD sensors. Data from these is passed to the RP (Real Photo) 3D Processor, blending the information into a single symmetrical image or movie. That's your 3D - and it's visible on the 2.8-inch 3D/2D LCD monitor on the rear of the camera. With features like interval shooting, manual editing and parallax control, you can even play with the 3D to create something unique and creative, especially with moving and distance shots.

Obviously it takes 2D photo too, but with a twist. With two cameras in one, you can take the same shot in different ways, a close-up and one with a wider span for example. Or maybe you want to use different settings, choosing the one that came out best later for printing.

Ok, that's all well and good, but once off your camera, what do you do with all that 3D magic? Simple, you invest in the FinePix Real 3D V1 picture viewer. Yes, accessories too, in this case an 8-inch screen that shows off your 3D images without the dodgy specs. Just save your images onto SD card, stick it in the viewer and watch as your friends and family marvel at the wonders of 3D. Want to show off your snaps out and about? Fujifilm has that in hand too. Mixing high precision prints with lenticular sheets, high resolution 3D images 'with incredible detail and beauty' can be printed out. Although it's not clear whether this will involve handing over your SD card, uploading images off it, heading to a camera shop or buying more kit.

Regardless of the printing issues, we can't wait to get our hands on the FinePix Real 3D W1 and indeed, the matching frame. But as yet, we haven't got either a date or a proposed price for either. Saying that, both are finished products, so there's every chance we'll see them on the shelves before Christmas. However, as the camera is a 'first', we also suspect you'll need some pretty generous relatives if you've a hope of getting one in your stocking. More specifics on price as soon as we have it.

Link: Fujifilm

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