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Fujifilm's FinePix REAL 3D W3 digital camera. Photo provided by Fujifilm North America Corp. Fuji REAL 3D W3: twin-lens digicam gets an update
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(Tuesday, August 17, 2010 - 01:00 EDT)

Japan's Fujifilm Corp. has today launched the Fujifilm FinePix REAL 3D W1, an update to last year's 3D-capable REAL 3D W1 camera.

As compared to its 2009 sibling, the Fuji FinePix W3 features a restyled body that's lighter and sleeker, and has a completely overhauled rear panel. The Fuji W3 retains its predecessor's unusual optical layout, with two separate lenses, each with its own separate 1/2.3-inch CCD image sensor yielding an effective resolution of ten megapixels. The W3 also retains two monaural microphones used to provide stereo audio, and a single centrally positioned flash strobe. Like its predecessor, the Fuji REAL 3D W3 can use its lens / sensor pairs simultaneously to capture either still images or video for 3D viewing.

The Fujifilm W3's image processor is among the changes from the previous camera, and is now capable of creating high definition 3D video. This new Real Photo processor enables the Fuji FinePix REAL 3D W3 to capture 720p 3D vide, albeit at a slightly lower 24 frames per second rate, versus the 30fps of the camera's standard-def video modes. The Fujifilm REAL 3D W3's Real Photo processor is also capable of synchronizing shutter release to within 0.001 second precision, as well as synchronizing lens zoom positions, and taking account of information from both sensors when determining the main exposure variables.

Another particularly significant upgrade in the FinePix W3 is its new widescreen, 3.5-inch autostereoscopic LCD panel, capable of letting the REAL 3D W3 direct light towards the viewer's right and left eyes separately, and hence 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 being larger and wider-aspect, the new display also has much higher 1,150,000 dot resolution, reduced crosstalk and flicker, and offers greater brightness and color depth when switched to its High Luminosity display mode.

The Fujifilm FinePix W3 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 W3 stores images and videos on SD or SDHC cards, as well as in a slightly reduced 34MB of built-in memory. Power comes from a new NP-50 lithium-ion rechargeable battery, and in addition to the W1's standard-definition NTSC/PAL video output and USB 2.0 High Speed data transfer, the FinePix W3 offers a new 3D-capable HDMI output.

The Fujifilm W3 ships in the USA from early September 2010, priced at about US$500 -- fully $100 cheaper than its predecessor. For more details, read our Fuji FinePix W3 preview.

Fujifilm FinePix REAL 3D W3
Fujifilm's FinePix REAL 3D W3 digital camera. Photo provided by Fujifilm North America Corp. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeCompact
ManufacturerFujifilm
Model NumberNorth America: Real 3D W3
Dimensions4.9 x 2.6 x 1.1 in.
(124 x 66 x 28 mm)
Weight8.8 oz (250 g)
Planned Price$500
Planned AvailabilitySeptember 2010
Image Capture
Sensor TypeCCD
1/2.3" (approx. 0.43 in. diagonal)
10.00 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio4:3, 3:2
Image Dimensions3648 x 2736 (10.0 megapixels)
3648 x 2432 (8.9 megapixels)
3584 x 2016 (7.2 megapixels)
2592 x 1944 (5.0 megapixels)
2592 x 1728 (4.5 megapixels)
2560 x 1440 (3.7 megapixels)
2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)
2016 x 1344 (2.7 megapixels)
1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)
Capture SpeedContinuous: 1.0 frames per second
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderNo
LCD3.5 in. diagonal
1,150,000 dots (approx. 383,000 pixels)
100% field of view
Lens
Lens TypeFujinon
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" - 33" (8 cm - 80 cm)
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto (400), Auto (800), Auto (1600), 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
Range: Wide: 60cm - 3.6m; Tele: 60cm - 3.1m; Macro Wide: 30cm - 80cm Tele 60cm - 1.5m
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 FormatAVI Motion JPEG, 3D-AVI with audio
Storage
Recording MediumSD/MMC including SDHC, Built-in
File SystemComplies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatJPEG, MPO (EXIF 2.2)
Connectivity
VideoHigh definition: Yes (HDMI)
Standard definition: Yes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
OtherMini HMDI 1.4 - 3D compliant
Power
Battery TypeLithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary NP-50
Product Bundle
SoftwareCD-ROM
Battery / Charger1 x Prop ietary NP-50 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory34.0MB built-in memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
Internal MicrophoneYes
Internal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes
Remote ControlNo
NotesFeatures 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). Rear-panel LCD uses Light Direction Control technology to allow 3D image review without the need for special glasses, etc. Certain functions are not available in 3D mode, including macro focusing, and digital zoom. Zoom control is not available during movie recording. Microphone is stereo. 720p movies. HDMI 1.4 3D compliant output.
More Photos
Fujifilm's FinePix REAL 3D W3 digital camera. Photo provided by Fujifilm North America Corp. Click for a bigger picture!
Fujifilm's FinePix REAL 3D W3 digital camera. Photo provided by Fujifilm North America Corp. Click for a bigger picture!

Original Source Press Release:

FUJIFILM Introduces The World's First 3D Digital Camera That Can Capture High Definition 3D Movies

FinePix REAL 3D W3 Digital Camera Captures Stills and Movies in HD in True 3D;
with Easy Playback on 3D HD TV Systems

Valhalla, N.Y., August 17, 2010 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation today announced a new addition to its FinePix REAL 3D system – the FinePix REAL 3D W3 digital camera. The FinePix REAL 3D W3 steps it up from its predecessor with the ability to shoot high-resolution 3D photos and movies in 3D HD at 720p¹, with the help of a new RP (Real Photo) Processor. It also sports a new Mini HDMI port² for easy playback on most 3D television systems and an Autostereoscopic 3D Widescreen 3.5” LCD. All components make for stunning 3D still photos and movies that can be viewed and enjoyed through an easy connection between the FinePix REAL 3D W3 and their 3D TV³, or printed in stunning 3D quality.

“Last year, Fujifilm introduced the first real, complete solution for 3D digital photography, once again showing our commitment to the evolution of imaging technology,” said Go Miyazaki, division president, Imaging and Electronic Imaging Divisions, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “With the new FinePix REAL 3D W3 digital camera, we have made 3D imaging more accessible to all consumers, enabling them to shoot in 3D HD and making it easy to view their photos and movies on most 3D TV systems.”

The slim FinePix REAL 3D W3 digital camera with a black matte finish is ergonomically designed and measures 21.0 mm at its thinnest point and weighs 8.5 ounces with battery and memory card. The durable stainless steel construction ensures that the optical axis is balanced ever so precisely resulting in accurate 3D images. The W3 also has a horizontal lens cover with wave detail, which serves as the on/off switch.

FinePix REAL 3D Technology
Fujifilm’s FinePix REAL 3D technology captures true 3D thanks to its use of twin 10 MegaPixel CCD sensors and dual FUJINON 3x optical zoom lenses (35-105mm) that are spaced 75 mm apart to create realistic images that are similar to how human eyes see them. The synchronized control of the twin CCD sensors releases the left and right shutters at the same time. This technology produces a synchronized image with a natural sense of depth, and allows easy capture of 3D movies and photos in HD, and also provides the beneficial unique 2D Advanced Shooting modes.

3DHD Capture and RP (Real Photo) Processor 3D HD
The 3D and 2D Auto functions let anyone take high-definition, high-resolution movies and photos effortlessly and audio is captured in stereo to preserve its original impact. Photo data captured by the dual lens CCD system is processed by the newly developed RP (Real Photo) Processor 3D HD which merges the left and right images into a single image. This processor is also the power behind 3D Auto – the function that lets even first-time users take stunning HD quality photos.

Autostereoscopic (3D) LCD
The FinePix REAL 3D W3 also comes equipped with a 3.5” high resolution Autostereoscopic 3D Widescreen LCD with 1150K resolution that displays high contrast images and movies that can be viewed in 3D without the need of 3D glasses. This new lenticular system uses rows of convex lenses that create a binocular parallax effect to produce a realistic 3D image with less cross-talk and flicker. 3D images can be shown in High Luminosity Mode that both display images 1.5 times brighter, and color reproduced 1.8 times deeper4, allowing for clear, distinct and vivid images.

3D HD Movies and Photo Playback
Now it’s easier than ever to enjoy high quality 3D HD movies and still photos in your home, because the FinePix REAL 3D W3 comes equipped with a Mini HDMI 1.4 port. This allows the user to quickly and easily connect the camera with an HDMI cable (not included) to enjoy high quality movies at 720p and HD photos captured at 1920x1080 pixels (or higher) on most 3D HD TV systems.

Advanced 3D/2D Modes
The FinePix REAL 3D W3 includes advanced 3D and 2D capture modes. With Individual Shutter 3D Shooting, advanced users will enjoy the ability to take two shots of the same subject from different positions, and then the camera will automatically merge and save the captured images as a single, enhanced 3D photo. Photos of distant subjects like mountains and skyscrapers look amazing in enhanced 3D, while close-up subjects like flowers come to life in natural 3D. With Interval 3D shooting, you can shoot hyper (wide distance between capture of left and right data) for capturing 3D effect in far away subjects.

The Advanced 2D Modes also allow for independent use of the dual CCD sensors and FUJINON lenses in the FinePix REAL 3D W3. Just as if shooting with two digital cameras, the user can choose different zoom ranges and color settings for each image, capturing both at the same time. With Tele/Wide Simultaneous Shooting, you can zoom in on your subject while also taking a wide-angle shot of the same scene. With Two-Color Simultaneous Shooting, at one press of the shutter, you can take photos of the same scene with a different color tonality. Set one lens system to vivid colors and the other to vintage black and white, or capture the scene in both standard and black and white. Dual-Sensitivity Simultaneous Shooting allows the user to capture high and standard sensitivity simultaneously. For example, you can take panned shots of a moving subject at the exact same instant with different degrees of background motion blur. In dark scenes, you can prioritize blur reduction for one shot, and image quality for the other.

The FinePix REAL 3D W3 also comes with a variety of additional functions:

  • Switch 2D/3D Button: Switch between capturing a subject in 2D or 3D instantly with the touch of a button and effortlessly capture movies and pictures for every kind of scene.

  • One Touch Movie Mode: No need to fumble to find the movie mode, as the button is located right on the back of the camera, instantly changing from still to movie mode, making it convenient for taking HD quality movies in either 3D or 2D.

  • Auto and Manual Parallax Control: The camera automatically adjusts parallax in 3D Auto mode for an optimal sense of depth. Manual mode is also possible by operating the Parallax Control lever on the top of the camera to easily fine-tune the sense of depth and alignment of the images. Both can be used to eliminate “ghosting” and increase or decrease the 3D effect.

  • MyFinePix Studio 3D Movie and Photo Editor: Manually edit captured 3D images effortlessly with MyFinePix Studio software that’s included with the camera. Separate a 3D still photo (MPO file) into left/right still image data, and recombine left/right still photos into 3D photos (MPO file). MyFinePix Studio also lets you freely cut and splice 3D movies.

  • Manual Shooting Functions: Choose “M” (Manual) mode for the freedom to set shutter speed and aperture. Get instant control of depth of field in “A” (Aperture Priority) Mode. With the built-in “P” (Program) Mode, the camera automatically sets the shutter speed and aperture value.

  • Scene Positions: Select from among the 13 Scene Positions (SP) that matches the subject and situation. The camera automatically optimizes camera settings for some of the most common shooting environments, making it easy to get great 3D photos in virtually any shooting situation.

  • Super Intelligent Flash: This advanced flash system automatically adjusts flash output and timing to capture subjects and background in bright, natural detail over the full flash range. No more flash washout even when taking ultra close-up shots.

3D Print Solution
Getting high quality 3D prints is as easy as uploading your images to Fujifilm’s SeeHere.com a photo printing, gifting, and sharing website, and having them delivered right to your door. Fujifilm has integrated high precision prints with lenticular technology, resulting in stunning high quality 3D images with tremendous depth and detail. 3D prints priced at $6.99 for a 5”x7” print.

The FinePix REAL 3D W3 digital camera will be available in early September 2010 at a retail price of $499.95.

  1. As a digital camera equipped with 2 CCDs, according to Fujifilm research in August 2010.
  2. HDMI 1.4-3D compliant, HDMI mini-terminal.
  3. HDMI cable with high speed type required.
  4. Compared to previous model.

About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Corporation, consists of four operating divisions and two subsidiary companies. The Imaging Division sells consumer and commercial photographic products and services including film, one-time-use cameras, online photo services and fulfillment, digital printing equipment and service. The Electronic Imaging Division markets consumer digital cameras. The Motion Picture Division provides motion picture film and the Graphic Systems Division supplies products and services to the printing industry. FUJIFILM Optical Devices U.S.A., Inc. is a provider of binoculars, and optical lenses for the closed circuit television, videography, cinematography, broadcast, and industrial markets. FUJIFILM Canada Inc. markets a range of Fujifilm products and services. For more information, please visit www.fujifilm.com/northamerica, or go to www.twitter.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on Twitter. To receive news and information direct from Fujifilm via RSS, subscribe at www.fujifilmusa.com/rss.

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including electronic imaging, digital printing 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 20 companies around the world granted U.S. patents in 2009, and in the year ended March 31, 2010, had global revenues of $23.5 billion*. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmholdings.com.
* At an exchange rate of 93 yen to the dollar.

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All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their registered owners.

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