MikeYawney
on - last edited on
There is no doubt 3D is the tech buzz word of 2010. 3D movies are in theaters, 3DTVs are making their way into our homes, and even digital photography is going into the third dimension. Yes, you read right. You can now shoot 3D pictures on a digital camera. Not just any camera mind you, right now it's only possible with Fujifilm's FinePix Real 3D W1.
While photographers have been playing with 3D pictures for years, Fujifilm is taking the first stab at a digital camera which can automatically shoot pictures in 3D on the fly. I've had the chance to spend a couple of weeks with the digital camera, and I have to say the experience has been an interesting one.
The 10 mega pixel camera has two lenses and overlaps the two images it captures to give a 3D effect. The camera's screen is capable of showing 3D images so you can see what the photo will look like without having to hook your camera up to a 3DTV. While the camera automates the process of overlapping the 2 images taken by the two independent lenses, the software doesn't always do a good job. Thankfully you can manually adjust the photos afterwards to get the ideal 3D look.
It's an interesting concept, but I must admit I question if we're ready for this. To begin with you can only see your images in 3D on the camera's LCD monitor. If they're viewed on a PC you simply see two separate images (the photo above was taken with the camera but the 3D effect is simulated). You can purchase a separate 8" 3D viewing monitor (looks like a digital picture frame) but that will set you back roughly $500, almost the same price of the camera ($700). Do you really want to be locked into viewing your photos on a screen? I should point out you can develop the photos and have them printed on special 3D paper, but developing them costs a small fortune. You have to send your files away to Japan to get them printed on lenticulated paper. Each print will cost you $8 plus shipping. 24 exposures will set you back more than $200! I have heard you can get them printed in Montreal, but I have yet to find the lab to do it!
While I love the concept I have top say it raises the question "is this camera ready for the main stream?" Are we going overboard on the 3D craze? Perhaps this camera is just ahead of its time.
