3D Geek Alert: Fujifilm Snaps Up Even More Attention With Their 2nd Generation 3D Consumer Camera!!

Wow! I knew this was coming today and Fujifilm did not disappoint. The Finepix Real 3D W3 digital camera system officially launches in September and brings with it the ability to shoot hi-res 3D photos (1920x1080 or higher) as well as 720p HD video with stereo audio.

Your newly captured 3D media can then be viewed on most new 3D TVs (through the camera's mini HDMI v1.4 port) or printed (via Fujifilm's SeeHere.com - for example: 5x7" high precision prints with lenticular 3D technology for $6.99).

The W3 uses twin 10-megapixel CCD sensors and dual FUJINON (some of the world's best optics!) 3x optical zoom lenses (35-105mm) that are 75 mm apart. The synchronized control of the CCD sensors release the left and right shutters simultaneously.

You are not constrained to only use the camera in three dimensions as there are exciting W3 features that can be used for unique 2D shots as well. One example is the W3's Tele/Wide Simultaneous Shooting feature that allows photographers to zoom in on a subject while concurrently taking a wide-angle shot of the same scene!

The dimensions for the camera are just under an inch (21.0 mm) at its thinnest point and weighs 8.5 ounces with memory card and battery installed.

The camera has an autostereoscopic (glasses-free) 3.5" widescreen LCD 3D screen (1150K resolution) which uses the newly developed RP (Real Photo) processor 3D HD, which merges the left and right images into a single image/video. All of this is built into a nicely balanced stainless steel body.

Some further camera details:
- Switch 2D/3D Button to switch between capturing a subject in 2D or 3D instantly.
- One Touch Movie Mode using dedicated button to instantly changing from still to movie mode.
- Auto and Manual Parallax Control to automatically adjust parallax in 3D Auto mode for an optimal sense of depth.
- MyFinePix Studio 3D Movie and Photo Editor software allows manually editing captured 3D images effortlessly.
- Manual Shooting Functions with aperture and shutter priority.
- 13 scene positions to automatically optimize camera settings for some of the most common shooting environments.
- Super Intelligent Flash adjusts flash output and timing to capture subjects and background.

All this for a quite affordable $499.95 in early September. I am totally thrilled by this announcement! Consumers need more affordable choices for 3D at home and the W3 delivers. I hope to get one of these soon and I will post a review ASAP.

More info when I obtain it!!

NVIDIA Demonstrates their 3D Ecosystem

Michael here. Yesterday I saw a demonstration of a variety of 3D products powered by Nvidia's 3D Vision technology.

1. I saw ASUS' G51J3D 15.6 inch 3D laptop. The quality of the 3D images I viewed on the 120Hz screen was as good as it gets. NVIDIA has worked with laptop manufacturers over the past year to bring 3D-capable laptops into existence. From what I saw today, their efforts have paid off. Expect many more laptop manufacturers to debut Nvidia-based 3D models soon.

2. I got to play with Fujifilm's FinePix Real 3D Camera. The camera features an autostereocopic screen and produces stunning 3D images, which I then viewed on the ASUS laptop using a 3D image viewing program utilizing Nvidia's technology.

3. Avatar The Game in 3D, running on a Viewsonic screen, powered by Nvidia. The 3D in this PC version of the game was incredibly immersive. The 3D not only created depth behind the screen plane, but scenery and objects came out in front as well. When I played I felt like I was actually exploring Pandora.

4. NVIDIA is also set to fully support the upcoming 3D Blu-ray standard. I saw a demonstration of a film clip running in 3D off a desktop computer using a mockup of the 3D Blu-ray standards, and it looked spectacular.

5. NVIDIA is working with Youtube, Flickr, Facebook, and more to enable 3D on these platforms.

Look for tons of 3D-related announcements from NVIDIA and others at CES 2010.

Thanks to Bryan and Matt from NVIDIA for taking the time to demonstrate their technology, and to Debby for arranging the meeting!

3D Geek Alert: NVIDIA And Fujifilm Partner To Bring Easy 3D Photos To The Home!

Jim here. Once you get set up with NVIDIA's 3D Vision technology, the 3D world is your oyster. Case in point: Fujifilm has just released their Finepix Real 3D W1 - the world's first 3D point and shoot camera in North America. And it works with 3D Vision!

Yes the camera is pricey - $600. But for early adopters like a lot of us, it is time it happened! Further, you don't need 3d glasses to view the photos -or videos- you take with the camera; the rear LCD displays it in 3D for you. You can also buy Fujifilm's V1 Picture Viewer with an 8 inch screen for $500. Online ordering of actual 3D prints is done directly with Fujifilm for $6.99 each.

Even more good news is that Fujifilm has partnered with NVIDIA to deliver a way to view the photos on a regular screen (120Hz monitor that is) with their 3D Vision technology. So it really is the best of both worlds. With glasses or without.

This looks like perfect timing to me. With 3D movies and gaming absolutely booming right now and with 2010 holding the keys to 3D TVs - Fujifilm seems to be at the right place at the right time with the right product. I am hoping to try one out soon!

3D Geek Alert: Fujifilm's FinePix Real 3D Camera Coming This Fall - $600

Jim here. More details are emerging now about the forthcoming 3D camera from Fujifilm. The FinePix Real 3D Camera is slated for release in September and has a price point of $600. Not cheap - but needless to say the coolness factor is way up there.

Further according to Engadget, you will need to do a special dance to be able to view the shots afterward - namely having the prints specially made and using a lenticular lens or utilizing a specialized 3D photo frame no doubt made by Fujifilm as well.

I will be thinking about snagging one of these. The temptation may be too great! :-) For a full write up - check out the Time article. 3D video cams will be next!

Thanks Maurice for the heads up!