First take: Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W1

(Credit: CNET Asia)

Apart from announcing the Super CCD EXR technology at the Cologne-based Photokina imaging trade show last year, Fujifilm also showcased a prototype of a 3D digital camera. In the past, you would have needed stereoscopic shooters which are typically film-based. Digital versions of such snappers require you to fix two similar cameras side-by-side and press the shutter at the same time. You then need to print the pictures and use special accessories such as 3D glasses or dedicated computer programs to view the images in 3D. All that is about to change with the FinePix Real 3D W1, possibly the world's first consumer 3D digicam.

The W1 is one large point-and-shoot, measuring 123.6 x 68 x 25.6mm. In fact, it's even bigger than the Samsung Omnia II handphone. It weighs 304g with the lithium-ion battery and SD memory media, which is about the same as the Olympus E-P1. Before you shun this camera for its physique, bear in mind that the W1 requires a lot more electrical circuitry and components than conventional shooters to meet its unique 3D imagery function.

The W1 features a front sliding lens cover which protects the two lenses when not in use. It slides open and shut with an assuring clunk. The dual-lens design is eye-catching and each optic is flanked by a microphone (for stereo audio capture). An interesting aspect of the glasses is that they are spaced approximately the same distant apart as the human eyes, so the view you see on the LCD is a good representation of the actual scene.

The camera's build is solid and probably designed to be held with two hands. The wide berth of the W1 allows the controls to be spaced far apart with the 2.8-inch screen in the center.

The controls of the W1 are reminiscent of the FinePix Z33WP. Both point-and-shoots have the same grid-like button layout and are covered with a soft, rubbery finish. The top houses the shutter button and a zoom lever which tilts left and right. There is also an infrared port which we presume is for sending pictures to other compatible Fujifilm FinePix cameras or accessories.

For more, see CNET Asia

[batray]

Part of the size is the separation in the two lenses. It is the different perspective provided by the separation that enables the 3D effect. The standard separation (established for the Realist) is the average spacing of human eyes and will make it appear as you are standing there in the scene.

[digitalhecht]

OK. Is Fuji forbidding sample shots from being published? Their marketing machine needs some oil.

[Vigelic]

It would be impossible to publish sample 3D shots to the consumer over most forms of media.

The only way to experience it would be to see it for yourself.

Consider the fact that TWO lenses were required to capture the image, simulating TWO human eyes.
Thereafter, the camera's own LCD has to be specially made to direct what's left to the left eye and what's right to the right eye.
The 3D file format in use is proprietary .MDO to fujifilm.

Sending the file to you would be useless as you wouldn't be able to view it.
Converting the file to ANY OTHER FORMAT would render it 2D and thus you wouldn't be able to view it.
Recording the output from the LCD with another camera would be useless as the result would be a 2D reproduction and thus you wouldn't be able to view it.
Recording the output with ANOTHER fujifilm 3d w1 would just bring us back to square one.
And even if they managed to get the 3D image to you, YOUR screen most probably wouldn't be able to display it.

It's kinda weird to find your comment on a technology website. I'd have expected your kind of comment on a general news page.

[bondjames12]

Ya exactly I was looking for some sample MPO files from this camera. Just to see what they look like. Nvidia recently released a beta image viewer with support for this camera. See here to get up to date: http://www.nvidia.com/object/3D_Vision_Photo_Viewer.html

[samo4prez]

What about this 3D cam, look like it will be out first to me?
http://www.tachyoninc.com/XC2010-3D.html

[Enterfrize]

Dear CNET,

I'm amazed that image samples haven't been provided. You can even capture 3D images of 3D images!

Check out these stories featuring image captures from the Fuji W1 S-3D camera:

http://www.mtbs3d.com/cgi-bin/newsletter.cgi?news_id=88 (S-3D in S-3D!)
http://www.mtbs3d.com/cgi-bin/newsletter.cgi?news_id=85 (EA, Ubisoft, and Blitz Games Studios in S-3D)
http://www.mtbs3d.com/cgi-bin/newsletter.cgi?news_id=86 (Jeffrey Kaztenberg & NVIDIA Panel in S-3D)

I would add that the compatibility is not limited to NVIDIA GeForce 3D Vision (though it is welcome). Equal compatibility is possible through DDD and iZ3D based solutions.

Regards,
Enterfrize