August 16, 2010
Although Fujifilm was one of the first manufacturers to have a consumer-focused camera for capturing 3D photo and video with the FinePix Real 3D W1, it didn’t seem to be all that popular–at least in the U.S. Maybe that’s because it cost nearly $600 and the results could only be viewed on a special 8-inch digital frame that was nearly as expensive; through a computer using an Nvidia 3D vision-ready graphics card while wearing glasses; or $7 lenticular prints. However, that was 2009. The company is back with the follow-up, the Real 3D W3, and not only does it look like a pretty great product, there are now plenty of 3D-ready HDTVs available on which to start enjoying your content .
The biggest feature upgrade from the W1 is the W3’s capability to capture 3D video at an HD-quality resolution of 720p in 3D-AVI format done with the ease of using a point-and-shoot camera. Plus, the built-in Mini-HDMI output lets you connect directly to your HDTV for playback. And it’s small enough to fit in your pocket and weighs only 8.5 ounces.
The camera uses twin 10-megapixel CCD sensors paired with dual Fujinon 3x f3.7-4.2 35-105mm lenses spaced about 3 inches apart that approximates human-eye spacing for a natural 3D effect. A manual Parallax Control lets you fine-tune the effect, too, as well as eliminate image ghosting. Fujifilm also used a 3.5-inch autostereoscopic LCD with 1,150K-dot resolution that has a lenticular system using rows of convex lenses, which produces “a realistic 3D image with less cross-talk and flicker” for seeing and sharing photos and video in 3D without glasses.
The two-lens, two-sensor design allows for some cool 2D-shooting options as well, basically putting two digital cameras in one body. This includes taking simultaneous photos at different zoom ranges or color tones. A 2D/3D button lets you quickly switch your shooting, while a one-touch movie record button takes you from stills to video capture.
All this fun doesn’t come cheaply, though; when the FinePix Real 3D W3 is released in early September it’ll be at a retail price of $499.95. This is still “enthusiast” pricing (which was the W1’s target user), but now with more viewing options available, the W3 might have a broader reach.