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Fujifilm's FinePix REAL 3D W1 digital camera. Photo provided by Fujifilm Europe. Fuji launches 3D digicam
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(Thursday, October 1, 2009 - 20:22 EDT)

Japan's Fujifilm Corp. has just launched the final version of a product it previewed as a development model at last year's Photokina tradeshow, the Fujifilm FinePix REAL 3D W1.

As compared to the development version, the Fuji FinePix W1 features a significantly restyled body that's both sleeker and more attractive. One look at the front of the Fuji W1 will tell you this isn't just another point-and-shoot digital camera. Beneath its sliding front panel lie the W1's two separate lenses , as well as a pair of microphones and a single flash strobe. Each of the Fujifilm W1's lenses has its own separate 1/2.3-inch CCD image sensor with an effective resolution of ten megapixels. In concert, the Fuji REAL 3D W1 can use its lens / sensor pairs simultaneously to capture either still images or video for 3D viewing.

An integral component of the Fuji FinePix REAL 3D W1's 3D capabilities is its Real Photo 3D image processor, which was shown in the development model and is now being used in a production camera for the first time. Capable of synchronizing shutter release to within 0.001 second precision, the Fujifilm REAL 3D W1's processor must also synchronize lens zoom positions, and takes account of information from both sensors when determining the main exposure variables. Fujifilm has also gifted the FinePix W1 with an unusual 230,000 dot, 2.8-inch LCD display that includes a Light Direction Control module. As the name might imply, this module lets the REAL 3D W1 direct light towards the viewer's right and left eyes separately, allowing the viewer to perceive a 3D image on the LCD display without the need for any special glasses or extra hardware.

As well as its 3D features, the Fujifilm FinePix W1 offers several 2D-mode features that take advantage of the dual lenses and sensors. These include the ability to simultaneously capture still images with different zoom settings, different sensitivities, or different color modes. The FinePix REAL 3D W1 stores images and videos on SD or SDHC cards, as well as in 42MB of built-in memory. Power comes from an NP-95 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery, and connectivity includes both standard-definition NTSC/PAL video output and USB 2.0 High Speed data transfer.

The Fujifilm W1 is available immediately in the USA, priced at about US$600. Alongside the camera, Fuji has also launched a 3D photo viewer priced at $500 which uses a parallax barrier system to allow 3D viewing of images without the need for special glasses or other extra hardware. In addition, 3D prints using a fine-pitch lenticular sheet over the paper surface will be offered later this month, priced at about $7 each from Fujifilm's SeeHere.com website. For more details, read our Fuji FinePix W1 preview.

Fujifilm FinePix REAL 3D W1
Digital Camera

Fujifilm's FinePix REAL 3D W1 digital camera. Photo provided by Fujifilm Europe. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeCompact
ManufacturerFujifilm
Model NumberW1
Dimensions4.9 x 2.7 x 1.0 in.
(124 x 68 x 26 mm)
Weight9.2 oz
(260 g)
Planned Price$600
Planned AvailabilitySeptember 2009
Image Capture
Sensor Type

2 x CCD
Each 1/2.3" (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal)
Each 10.00 megapixels (effective)

Aspect Ratio4:3, 3:2
Image Dimensions3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
3648 x 2432 (8.9 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
Capture Speed Continuous: 1.0 frames per second (2D, max resolution); 2.0 frames per second (3D, 3 megapixels only), 3.0 frames per second (2D, 3 megapixels only)
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD

2.8 in. diagonal
230,000 dots (approx. 77,000 pixels)
100% field of view
Uses light direction control to yield 3D effect without the need for special glasses, etc.

Lens
Lens Type 2 x Fujinon
Each 3x optical zoom
Image StabilizationNo
Focal Length6.3 - 18.9mm (actual)
35 - 105mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture RangeWide: f/3.7, f/5.0, f/8.0; Tele: f/4.2, f/5.6, f/9.0
Focusing SystemCenter, Multi* (2D with Face Detect off only)
Does not have AF assist lamp
Focusing RangeNormal: 24" - infinity (60 cm - infinity)
Macro: 3.3" - 122" (8 cm - 300 cm)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Shutter Speed3 - 1/1000 second
Exposure ModesAperture, Manual
Metering ModesTTL 256-zone multi, average, spot
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Fine, Shade, Fluorescent light (Daylight, Warm white, Cool white), Incandescent light, Underwater
Internal FlashModes: Auto, Forced, Suppressed, Slow Synchro, Red-eye Reduction Auto, Red-eye Reduction Forced, Red-eye Reduction Slow Synchro
Range: Wide: 60cm - 3.7m; Tele: 60cm - 3.3m; Macro (2D only): 30cm - 1.6m
Creative
Scene ModesNatural light, Natural light w/ flash, Portrait, Landscape, Sport, Night, Night (tripod), Sunset, Snow, Beach, Underwater, Party, Anti-blur, Interval 3D, Individual Shutter 3D, Tele / Wide simultaneous, 2-color simultaneous, 2-sensitivity simultaneous
Digital Zoom5.7x, 2D-mode only
Self TimerYes, 2 or 10 seconds
Time LapseYes
Movie Format AVI Motion JPEG, 3D-AVI with stereo audio. Zoom control is not available during movie recording.
Storage
Recording MediumSD/MMC including SDHC, Built-in
File SystemComplies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File Format JPEG, MPO (Multi-Picture Object, JPEG compressed 3D format). EXIF 2.2 compliant.
Connectivity
VideoStandard definition: Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
OtherDC Input
Power
Battery TypeLithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary NP-95
Product Bundle
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary NP-95 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory42.0MB built-in memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
Notes Features two lenses and two image sensors, for native 3D recording. Can save 3D still images as MPO (Multi Picture Object, JPEG compressed), and 3D movies (3D-AVI, with two image channels in one video clip). Certain functions are not available in 3D mode, including macro focusing, and digital zoom.
More Photos
Fujifilm's FinePix REAL 3D W1 digital camera. Photo provided by Fujifilm Europe. Click for a bigger picture!
Fujifilm's FinePix REAL 3D W1 digital camera. Photo provided by Fujifilm Europe. Click for a bigger picture!
Fujifilm's FinePix REAL 3D W1 digital camera. Photo provided by Fujifilm Europe. Click for a bigger picture!
Fujifilm's FinePix REAL 3D W1 digital camera. Photo provided by Fujifilm Europe. Click for a bigger picture!
Fujifilm's FinePix REAL 3D W1 digital camera. Photo provided by Fujifilm Europe. Click for a bigger picture!


Fujifilm FinePix REAL 3D V1
Digital Viewer
Fujifilm's FinePix REAL 3D V1 digital camera. Photo provided by Fujifilm Europe. Click for a bigger picture!
Fujifilm's FinePix REAL 3D V1 digital camera. Photo provided by Fujifilm Europe. Click for a bigger picture!
Fujifilm's FinePix REAL 3D V1 digital camera. Photo provided by Fujifilm Europe. Click for a bigger picture!
Fujifilm's FinePix REAL 3D V1 digital camera. Photo provided by Fujifilm Europe. Click for a bigger picture!
Fujifilm's FinePix REAL 3D V1 digital camera. Photo provided by Fujifilm Europe. Click for a bigger picture!
Fujifilm's FinePix REAL 3D V1 digital camera. Photo provided by Fujifilm Europe. Click for a bigger picture!

Original Source Press Release:

Fujifilm Brings FinePix Real 3D System To U.S. Market

New Camera Represents Breakthrough Technology for Stereoscopic Photography; Declared 3D Vision -Ready by NVIDIA

VALHALLA, N.Y., September 30, 2009 - FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc. announced that the much-anticipated FinePix REAL 3D system will become available in the U.S. today. Introduced globally by FUJIFILM Corporation this summer, the FinePix REAL 3D system is the world's first three dimensional (3D) digital imaging system that captures realistic 3D still photographs and movies1; providing 3D images that users can enjoy without special 3D glasses.

"The FinePix REAL 3D system is unlike any other digital imaging product on the market today, and the first real, complete solution for 3D digital photography, putting Fujifilm at the forefront of imaging technology," said Go Miyazaki, division president, Electronic Imaging Division, Fujifilm U.S.A., Inc. "With the FinePix REAL 3D system, Fujifilm is offering users a totally new experience in both still pictures and movies to capture precious moments just as their eyes see them."

Also today, Jen-Hsun Huang, president and chief executive officer for NVIDIA® Corporation, declared the FinePix REAL 3D camera "NVIDIA 3D Vision?-Ready" during the company's GPU Technology Conference in San Jose, California. NVIDIA 3D Vision is a combination of high-tech wireless glasses and advanced software that allows users to view 3D pictures and movies in full HD on a PC, as well as automatically transforms hundreds of PC games into full stereoscopic 3D.

Phil Eisler, general manager of 3D Vision at NVIDIA said, "3D is transforming the entertainment and consumer electronics industries. Until now, consumers had no practical way to create and enjoy their own 3D content. The combination of Fujifilm's amazing new point-and-shoot camera and NVIDIA's 3D Vision system will ignite a whole new world of creative self expression."

"Our joint effort with NVIDIA is a great example of how Fujifilm is already working together with other companies to expand solutions for 3D imaging," added Miyazaki.

The FinePix REAL 3D system consists of the 3D digital camera, FinePix REAL 3D W1, a 3D digital viewer, FinePix REAL 3D V1, and 3D prints.

FinePix REAL 3D W1 Digital Camera
Featuring the newly developed "FinePix REAL 3D Lens System," the W1 has dual Fujinon lenses that layer together two images. An aluminum die-cast frame protects the 3X optical zoom lenses from vibration and impact for ultimate accuracy. The "RP (Real Photo Processor 3D" synchronizes data passed to it by the two lenses and two CCD sensors, to determine shooting conditions such as focus, brightness and tonality to instantaneously blend this information into a single symmetrical image for both still photos and movies. The 3D/2D LCD monitor features Fujifilm's own LCD panel, exclusively made for the display of the 3D/2D images on digital cameras, allowing users to see beautiful, natural 3D images with the naked eye. As the camera performs a series of image processing steps automatically, anyone can take 3D photos and movies by just pointing the camera and pressing the shutter button.

Using an "Advanced 3D Mode," the FinePix W1 digital camera also allows the user to adjust the settings to suit the scene being photographed. When using the "Individual Shutter 3D Shooting Mode," the camera shifts to take the second shot after taking the first shot, and saves a single 3D image in the camera manually. This allows the user to edit the 3D images, which is particularly useful for landscape photography, or macro shots, where the 3D effect can be too strong. "Interval 3D Shooting" mode allows further flexibility, making it possible to take two shots from different viewpoints continuously while the photographer is moving, for example by train, airplane, or carŠetc., to achieve 3D images of long-distance views.

The FinePix W1 also shoots conventional two-dimensional images. The "Advanced 2D Mode" lets users take two different shots simultaneously by pressing the shutter once. With "Tele/Wide Simultaneous Shooting," it's possible to take a close-up photo of the subject and, at the same time, a photo with a wider span - just by changing the settings of the two lenses. With "2-Color Simultaneous Shooting" mode, users can take photos of the same scene with different color tonalities, like "Standard" or "Fujichrome," just by changing the processing signals on the two sensors.

FinePix Real 3D V1 Digital Viewer
The "FinePix REAL 3D V1," a digital 3D viewer, features Fujifilm's newly developed 3D/2D display 8.0-inch LCD panel. This allows users to enjoy and playback 3D images without the need for special 3D glasses. With various playback functions, users can enjoy 3D and 2D slideshows, as well as a Micro Thumbnail View, and an easy-to-use "Image Search" feature.

With the included adjustable stand, users can change the angle for better 3D viewing, and enjoy easy use with the intuitive remote control included. The viewer can read and display image data stored on memory cards, and it can also receive image data via high-speed infra-red communication. The viewer can also directly connect to a personal computer via USB, and transfer stored images to the viewer for display.

FinePix Prints from SeeHere.com
Fujifilm has integrated high precision prints with lenticular sheets, resulting in the ability to produce high resolution 3D images. The process involves the 3D image data being integrated using highly advanced technology, and projected through a lenticular sheet lens to produce an image with binocular disparity. This then creates a very special 3D print with incredible detail.

Prints will only be available through SeeHere.com, Fujifilm's photo printing, gifting and sharing web site.

A History of 3D Photography
3D Photography has a history of more than 100 years, and stereoscopy even longer. In 1838, a 3D viewer (called a stereoscope) proved that properly drawn left and right eye views of an object would look 3D when viewed in the 3D viewer. Shortly after the birth of photography, the same principles and viewer were used for making and viewing 3D photographs. In 1947, the Stereo Realist camera introduced 35mm color 3D photography to the amateur photo market, and by 1955, over 40 models of 3D cameras were available. However, special 3D slide mounting, and the necessity of a 3D viewer, or a special 3D projector requiring a silver screen and 3D glasses, never caught on to a mass market. By 1960, 3D photography was relegated to a relatively small, but dedicated, group of enthusiasts who have continued to develop homemade 3D twin-camera rigs, including twin digital 3D cameras. Now in 2009, Fujifilm takes 3D photography to a new level with the introduction of the FinePix REAL 3D W1 digital camera, and its companion, the FinePix REAL 3D V1 viewer. The dream of point-and-shoot 3D photography, and instant 3D playback, is realized.2

"I think that it was bold and innovative of Fujifilm to produce a digital 3D camera, and for a first effort, they have done an incredible job. I never would have expected Auto Parallax along with the focusing, and a camera display that actually shows the 3D image without any viewing aids," says 3D enthusiast David Starkman, contributing editor, Stereo World Magazine and co-founder, Reel 3-D Enterprises, Inc. "Best of all, it's the first 3D camera I've ever had that really does fit in a shirt or jacket pocket. It gives the 3D photographer almost the same convenience that 2D photographers now have with their compact digital cameras."

Availability
Effective today, September 30, 2009, the FinePix REAL 3D W1 Digital Camera and REAL 3D V1 Digital Viewer are available through www.ShopFujifilm.com. The camera is also available through the Gear Store on www.NVIDIA.com/Shop. The camera retails for $599.95, and the viewer sells for $499.95. Prints will also be available, starting mid-October, through SeeHere.com, Fujifilm's photo printing, gifting and sharing web site, for $6.99. Delivery on prints will take approximately 15 business days. For more information, please go to: www.ShopFujifilm.com, www.NVIDIA.com/get3d and www.SeeHere.com.

  1. As of June 2009, Fujifilm research.

  2. Source: David Starkman, contributing editor, Stereo World Magazine; Past President, Stereo Club of Southern California (www.la3dclub.com); co-founder, Reel 3-D Enterprises, Inc.

FOR FINEPIX REAL 3D W1 DIGITAL CAMERA SPECS, PLEASE GO TO: http://www.fujifilmusa.com/products/3d/camera/finepix_real3dw1/specifications/index.html

FOR FINEPIX REAL 3D V1 VIEWER SPECS, PLEASE GO TO: http://www.fujifilmusa.com/products/3d/viewer/finepix_real3dv1/specifications/index.html

About FUJIFILM
FUJIFILM U.S.A. Inc. is a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, providing digital and analog photographic Imaging Systems to consumers, professionals and businesses. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmusa.com, or go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm U.S.A. via RSS, subscribe free at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.

FUJIFILM Corporation brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including electronic imaging, photofinishing equipment, medical systems, life sciences, graphic arts, flat panel display materials, and office products, based on a vast portfolio of digital, optical, fine chemical and thin film coating technologies. The company was among the top 15 companies around the world granted U.S. patents in 2008, employs more than 70,000 people worldwide and in the year ended March 31, 2009, had global revenues of $24 billion. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmholdings.com.

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