Fujifilm Finepix Real 3D W1
First 3D compact digital camera
Review The world seems to have gone 3D crazy. Crowds are flocking to see the 3D movie Avatar; consumer electronics companies are promising 3DTVs and Blu-ray Disc players, and broadcasters, such as Sky, are set to launch 3DTV services. Fujifilm has also got in on the act with the Finepix Real 3D W1, a camera for the masses that captures that third dimension.
The big picture: Fujifilm's Finepix Real 3D W1
Fujifilm’s camera is aimed at anyone with an interest in stereoscopic photography, from the curious novice to the seasoned enthusiast. Compared with most compact cameras on the market, it seems large. Yet to compare this model to a standard digital camera would be a mistake, because the Finepix Real 3D W1 is effectively two digital cameras in a single device.
When you compare its size with stereoscopic systems – which lash two cameras together plus associated synchronisation electronics – then Fujifilm has done a great job in producing a 3D camera that is so compact. The Finepix Real 3D W1 measures 123.6 x 68 x 25.6mm and weighs around 300g with battery and card. It’s small enough to carry around in a coat pocket and doesn’t feel too heavy.
With the two lenses at the front, the Finepix Real 3D W1 takes two shots of the same scene, in order to create a stereo image file. The lenses are spaced 77mm apart, wider than most 3D camera systems, which tend to place the lenses some 64mm apart, the equivalent distance between our eyes.
Fujifilm has extended this distance in order to enhance the 3D effect. The camera has two 1/2.3-inch CCDs, each offering 10Mp performance. There are also two 3x optical zooms in the form of two f/3.7-4.2 6.3-18.9mm lenses, equivalent to a 35-105mm lens on a 35mm camera.
Two cameras in one, but a single shutter release
The shutter speed range is 1/4 - 1/1000sec, although this is extended to 3 seconds in the Night Tripod mode. ISO range is 100-1600, and the Finepix Real 3D W1 includes 42MB of internal memory and uses SD/SDHC cards. The camera is powered by a lithium-ion battery that notches up a CIPA rating of 230 frames.
COMMENTS
Sounds like a fun toy
When I got interested in stereo photography a couple of years ago, I did it by strapping two canon 350Ds together and my sophisticated synchronisation electronics took the form of the infra red remote control. :)
Why pay?
You can create the 3d effect yourself. Open an image in photoshop, duplicate the layer, drag it sideways a bit, and remove the red from one and the blue from the other. easy peasy.
adverts
that may be, but you have to admit that seeing the sony 'bouncing balls' and 'pain explosions' would look very good in 3d
One more 3D viewing option
Fujifilm recently announced a 3D dyesub:
http://fujifilm.co.uk/presscentre/news/index.php?id=1411
Remember, the built-in screen can display the images in 3D without the need for glasses or going cross-eyed. As does the picture frame, and the 3D prints - which you can send off to Fuji directly online (albiet at staggering cost).
As for the camera; the built-in 3D display works well, and the camera itself is easy to use. The ability to shoot 3D video easily is probably the most fun aspect!
Viewed at pixel level the image quality isn't perfect; those 10MP sensors are a bit noisy, and the consequent noise reduction can be a little overzealous at times. Shouldn't be a problem at small print sizes though or when viewed on the picture-frame.
Speaking of the 3D picture frame, it's also very nice, it uses a slightly different display technology to the camera, but it's also a "no special glasses" display. The picture frame is optimised for different people to stand around it and look at the images, whereas the camera screen is optimised for viewing by the photographer only.
The main problem for me is that it's simply far too expensive. At £199 I would have bought one, but at £499 it's hard to see it gaining any major market share, which is a shame as it's a really cool and genuinely innovative product IMO.
I just hope that Fujifilm stick with it long enough to make a cheaper and better version. It's possible now, but whether they'll do it is another question entirely... Fingers crossed!
Great
So can you get them put on those cardboard discs and view them on a Viewmaster?
