Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D

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FinePix Real 3D W1/W3
Fujiw3.jpg
FinePix Real 3D W3
Overview
Maker FujiFilm
Type Stereo
Lens
Lens Fixed lens 3x zoom 35-105mm
Sensor/medium
Sensor typeDigital
Focusing
FocusAutofocus
Flash
Flash Built-in

The Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W series is a line of consumer-grade digital cameras designed to capture stereoscopic images that recreate the perception of 3D depth, having both still and video formats while retaining standard 2D still image and video modes. The cameras feature a pair of lenses (offset left-to-right by a baseline that approximates the distance between an average pair of human eyes), and an autostereoscopic display which directs pixels of the two offset images to the user's left and right eyes simultaneously. Methods are included for extending or contracting the stereoscopic baseline (the distance between the left and right images), albeit with an asynchronous timer or manually depressing the shutter twice. The dual-lens architecture also enables novel modes such as simultaneous near and far zoom capture of a 2D image. The remainder of the camera is similar to other compact digital cameras.

Contents

Marketplace

The W1 was the first digital stereo camera from a major manufacturer. The W1 [1] was launched in July 2009, [2] during an era in which 3D televisions and movies were becoming increasingly popular. [3] Panasonic, Toshiba, Sony, and other manufacturers have announced their intention to release a number of 3D-capable devices. [4] Although the W1 got some considerably unfavorable reviews and some photography experts predicted a commercial failure, the W1 seems to have sold far over Fujifilms expectations. Production of the camera ended in mid-2010 to introduce its successor, the W3 model.

Hardware

The W1 has two lenses, each capturing color images at 10-megapixel resolution and each capable of 3x optical zoom (35mm - 105mm in 35mm camera equivalent). The color LCD on the rear of the camera measures 2.8" diagonal, with 0.23 megapixels. It can be electronically switched between normal display and autostereoscopic display. The two lenses can also be used to take two simultaneous shots of the same scene with different settings (zoom, ISO, etc.).

In August 2010, Fujifilm announced the W3, a new stereoscopic 3D compact point-and-shoot camera with the ability to capture 3D images and videos, the follow-up to the first-of-its-kind W1 with similar specs and design. The W3 features higher resolution (720p) and better nighttime performance as well as a better integrated autostereoscopic display. The image result is better than Panasonic's 3D add-on which uses two lenses, but feeds the offset image to a single sensor, so the resolution gets chopped in half, then stretched back to its full-width after the processor creates 3D effect. [5]

Initial adjustment

W3 with wrong vertical parallax W3 wrong vertical parallax.jpg
W3 with wrong vertical parallax

One of the initial adjustment overlooked by many new users is the lenses vertical parallax, that must not be confused with the horizontal parallax (set manually by the left rocker button). Although the lenses should be perfectly aligned, by design, there is a small vertical axis error inherent for each camera body. This error implies that all pictures (and videos as well) taken with a wrong vertical parallax are harder to look at, because one eye is looking up while the other is looking down. To effectively correct this optical discrepancy, the camera offers a vertical parallax correction in its menu system: MENU/SET/OPT AXIS CONTROL. The best way to use this adjustment is to zoom at maximum, take a picture, then analyse it with a software stereoscopic player(using row or column interlaced view) to obtain the subject at the same vertical level.

File formats

Images are captured as pairs of still images, and are saved as Multi Picture Object (MPO) files, or an MPO file plus a JPEG file. This MPO file is basically two JPEG files joined together, [6] but the MPO format can contain more than just two pictures. [7] The camera can also capture video sequences, for which it uses "3D-AVI".

The MPO file format is a new file format which, though not proprietary, is not yet widely supported. It is supported by the free software image viewer Geeqie, as well as the freeware stereo photo-editing program Stereo Photo Maker (Windows), the free photo management program Daminion (Windows), the commercial program STOIK Imagic (Windows) and the shareware programs Stereomerger (Windows and Macintosh), Anaglyph Workshop (Windows and Macintosh) and MPO3DViewer (Macintosh). GoPro Cineform's Neo3D also now supports the Fuji video format. Neo3D converts clips into various formats including anaglyph and the "half side-by-side" required by YouTube and 3D TVs. The clips can then be joined etc. by most video editors and viewed on various stereo displays. Neo3D can be tried for 15 days. [8]

Model W3

Encouraged by the reception of the W1, Fuji released a new model, the W3, in September 2010.

The W3 has a slightly smaller stereo base and the left lens is slightly further from the left edge of the camera, thus partially addressing two common complaints about the design of the W1. The W3 is also smaller and lighter and uses the smaller and lighter NP50 battery rather than the NP95 battery used by the W1.

The user interface is much easier to use with a ring selector similar to other compact digital cameras. The zoom control is in the form of a ring surrounding the shutter button, with the parallax control now in the form of a slider on top of the camera. 2D/3D selection is through a single button, as is the video mode.

A single button also selects play mode, for viewing pictures and videos. This can turn the camera on and off without the need to open and close the front lens cover. The sliding lens cover is similar to the W1 cover but is enhanced by a projection that makes opening and closing it easier.

The auto stereoscopic (lenticular) display is larger, with a 16:9 aspect ratio. It is also somewhat brighter. Both still and video modes default to 16:9, but the same 4:3 sensors are used as in the W1 so in 16:9 mode is actually 7.2 megapixels (3584x2016) vs 10 megapixels (3648x2736) in 4:3 mode. Video mode now defaults to 720p (1280x720 @24 frame/s) but can also do 640x480@30 frame/s and 320x240@30 frame/s. [9]

Fuji reports that sales of the W3 have been going well, with 100,000 units selling in 2010 and 500,000 expected by September 2011. [10] While this pales compared to other compact digital cameras, it will surpass the sales of the Stereo Realist and will probably make it the best selling stereo camera to date. The improvements in the design as well as the lower price, $499 USD suggested retail with street prices typically $300–$350 USD, along with the wider distribution channel have certainly helped sales.

Samples

One of the criticisms of the Fuji W1 is the wide interocular spacing (77 mm) which would normally make closeups such as this cake unviewable. However, it is possible by backing off from the subject and using the 3X optical zoom to compensate for the wide interocular and take some decent closeup stereo shots.

3dw1sample4.JPG

3dw1sample.JPG

Image from W1, converted to JPG for uploading

3D in outer space

In December 2010 via the Russian spacecraft Soyuz on the mission Soyuz TMA-20, a European Space Agency astronaut brought the Fujifilm FinePix REAL 3D W1 aboard the International Space Station. The 3D anaglyph images have been uploaded to Flickr. [11] [12]

Displaying

V digital photo frame series

In addition to the camera, Fuji also sold the Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D V1 digital photo frame capable for displaying stereoscopic images, typically those captured on the camera. [13]

The product was launched in July 2009. [13] The parallax-barrier autostereoscopic SVGA (2 channels × 400×600 pixels) display allows viewing of a stereoscopic image with the naked eye, and in full color. However, the technology is significantly less clear to view than that on the W1 camera.

Fujifilm introduced the FinePix Real 3D V3 photo frame with improved specifications in November 2011. [14]

Printing service

Fuji also offered a stereoscopic printing service via mail until January 2016. [15]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stereoscopy</span> Technique for creating or enhancing the illusion of depth in an image

Stereoscopy is a technique for creating or enhancing the illusion of depth in an image by means of stereopsis for binocular vision. The word stereoscopy derives from Greek στερεός (stereos) 'firm, solid', and σκοπέω (skopeō) 'to look, to see'. Any stereoscopic image is called a stereogram. Originally, stereogram referred to a pair of stereo images which could be viewed using a stereoscope.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">3D display</span> Display device

A 3D display is a display device capable of conveying depth to the viewer. Many 3D displays are stereoscopic displays, which produce a basic 3D effect by means of stereopsis, but can cause eye strain and visual fatigue. Newer 3D displays such as holographic and light field displays produce a more realistic 3D effect by combining stereopsis and accurate focal length for the displayed content. Newer 3D displays in this manner cause less visual fatigue than classical stereoscopic displays.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stereo camera</span>

A stereo camera is a type of camera with two or more lenses with a separate image sensor or film frame for each lens. This allows the camera to simulate human binocular vision, and therefore gives it the ability to capture three-dimensional images, a process known as stereo photography. Stereo cameras may be used for making stereoviews and 3D pictures for movies, or for range imaging. The distance between the lenses in a typical stereo camera is about the distance between one's eyes and is about 6.35 cm, though a longer base line produces more extreme 3-dimensionality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anaglyph 3D</span> Method of representing images in 3D

Anaglyph 3D is the stereoscopic 3D effect achieved by means of encoding each eye's image using filters of different colors, typically red and cyan. Anaglyph 3D images contain two differently filtered colored images, one for each eye. When viewed through the "color-coded" "anaglyph glasses", each of the two images reaches the eye it's intended for, revealing an integrated stereoscopic image. The visual cortex of the brain fuses this into the perception of a three-dimensional scene or composition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Autostereoscopy</span> Any method of displaying stereoscopic images without the use of special headgear or glasses

Autostereoscopy is any method of displaying stereoscopic images without the use of special headgear, glasses, something that affects vision, or anything for eyes on the part of the viewer. Because headgear is not required, it is also called "glasses-free 3D" or "glassesless 3D". There are two broad approaches currently used to accommodate motion parallax and wider viewing angles: eye-tracking, and multiple views so that the display does not need to sense where the viewer's eyes are located. Examples of autostereoscopic displays technology include lenticular lens, parallax barrier, and may include Integral imaging, but notably do not include volumetric display or holographic displays.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fujifilm FinePix F series</span> Digital camera line

The FujifilmFinePix F series is a line of compact digital cameras that was known for its low-light performance in 2005, with relatively low image noise and natural colors even at high ISO settings. With its relatively large, but moderate resolution Super CCD sensors, it concentrated on image quality, and low-light shooting without flash, which was mostly restricted to prosumer models at the time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">FinePix S1 Pro</span> Digital camera model

The Fujifilm FinePix S1 Pro was an interchangeable lens digital single-lens reflex camera introduced in January 2000. It was based on a Nikon F60 film camera body that was modified by Fujifilm to include its own proprietary image sensor and electronics. Because of the Nikon body, it had a Nikon F lens mount and so could use most lenses made for Nikon 35 mm cameras. It was autofocusing, had an electronically controlled focal plane shutter with speeds from 30 sec. to 1/2000 sec. and built-in exposure metering and pop-up flash. Its ISO film speed equivalents ranged from 320-1600. The camera is no longer in production, having been superseded by the Fujifilm FinePix S2 Pro in January 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">FinePix S3 Pro</span>

The Fujifilm FinePix S3 Pro is an interchangeable lens digital single-lens reflex camera introduced in February 2004. Its successor, the Finepix S5 Pro, was released on 25 September 2006. It is based on a Nikon F80 viewfinder, shutter, mirror-box and autofocus modules surrounded by a Fujifilm body that includes its own proprietary CCD image sensor and electronics, and a vertical grip shutter release. It has a Nikon F lens mount and can use most lenses made for 35 mm Nikon SLR cameras, but only with manual operation with Nikon AIS lenses, unusually for a digital SLR the S3 Pro can be used with a manual cable release.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fujifilm FinePix A series</span> Digital camera product line

The Fujifilm FinePix A series of digital cameras consists of the company's entry-level point and shoot models. The A series was created in late 2001 and was expanded a few years later when Fujifilm transitioned to a fully alphanumeric system of naming their digital cameras.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Parallax barrier</span>

A parallax barrier is a device placed in front of an image source, such as a liquid crystal display, to allow it to show a stereoscopic or multiscopic image without the need for the viewer to wear 3D glasses. Placed in front of the normal LCD, it consists of an opaque layer with a series of precisely spaced slits, allowing each eye to see a different set of pixels, so creating a sense of depth through parallax in an effect similar to what lenticular printing produces for printed products and lenticular lenses for other displays. A disadvantage of the method in its simplest form is that the viewer must be positioned in a well-defined spot to experience the 3D effect. However, recent versions of this technology have addressed this issue by using face-tracking to adjust the relative positions of the pixels and barrier slits according to the location of the user's eyes, allowing the user to experience the 3D from a wide range of positions. Another disadvantage is that the horizontal pixel count viewable by each eye is halved, reducing the overall horizontal resolution of the image.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fujifilm FinePix S6500fd</span>

The Fujifilm FinePix S6500fd, known in the United States as S6000fd, was the first digital camera from Fujifilm with face detection technology. Also this camera has a different lens from its recent predecessors — a 28–300 mm equivalent 10.7x zoom, the same as the FinePix S9100/9600. The camera was announced on July 13, 2006.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fujifilm FinePix</span>

The Fujifilm FinePix products are a line of digital cameras produced by Fujifilm. They include compact point and shoot models, tough, waterproof models, bridge digital cameras, digital SLRs and mirrorless cameras. Many use Fujifilm's proprietary Super CCD technology sensors and CMOS sensors for high-end models.

The Fujifilm FinePix S200EXR is a digital bridge camera from Fujifilm introduced in July 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fujifilm FinePix HS10</span>

The Fujifilm FinePix HS10 is an ultrazoom bridge camera from Fujifilm that was announced in February 2010. It is the first model of the Fujifilm FinePix HS series.

A 3D camcorder can record 3D video.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fujifilm FinePix HS</span>

The Fujifilm FinePix HS is a series of bridge cameras that started in February 2010 with the HS10 model. The special feature of the HS cameras is the manual zoom that - otherwise common only with system cameras - allows a quick and precise change of the focal length but demands two-handed operation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fujifilm X100</span> Series of digital compact cameras

The Fujifilm X100 is a series of digital compact cameras with a fixed prime lens. Originally part of the FinePix line, then becoming a member of the X series from Fujifilm, the X100 series includes the FinePix X100, X100S, X100T, X100F, X100V, and X100VI. They each have a large image sensor and a 23 mm lens. All six cameras have received generally positive reviews.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stereo photography techniques</span>

Stereo photography techniques are methods to produce stereoscopic images, videos and films. This is done with a variety of equipment including special built stereo cameras, single cameras with or without special attachments, and paired cameras. This involves traditional film cameras as well as, tape and modern digital cameras. A number of specialized techniques are employed to produce different kinds of stereo images.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fujifilm FinePix HS50EXR</span> DSLR styled ultra-zoom bridge camera released in 2013

The Fujifilm FinePix HS50EXR is a DSLR styled ultra-zoom bridge camera announced by Fujifilm on January 7, 2013. It is the last model of the Fujifilm FinePix HS series. At the time of its release, it competed most closely with the Canon PowerShot SX50 HS, another ultra-zoom bridge camera with raw capability. The SX50 has 20% longer maximum effective focal length, but the HS50 has 33% more resolution on the sensor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fujifilm FinePix S1600</span> 2010 digital camera

The Fujifilm FinePix S1600 is a discontinued camera made by Fujifilm and was released in 2010 as part of the FinePix S-Series. It has a 12.2 megapixels lens. When recording videos, the FinePix S1600 records in .avi and .wav format in 720p at 30 frames per second and when taking photos, it will use the JPEG format. When released, it had the price of $199.99

References

  1. Fujifilm W1 Archived 2010-01-06 at the Wayback Machine web site
  2. FUJIFILM LAUNCHES A PIONEERING DIGITAL "3D SYSTEM" THAT LETS YOU ENJOY INCREDIBLE 3D IMAGES WITH THE NAKED EYE, Fujifilm, 22 July 2009
  3. 3D TV is being billed as possible industry saviour, BBC News, 8 January 2010
  4. "Sony shows off 3D TV technology". BBC News. 2 October 2009.
  5. Fujifilm FinePix W3 - Unbiased digital camera reviews, prices, and advice "Fujifilm W3". Archived from the original on 2 September 2010. Retrieved 28 August 2010.
  6. cybereality, MPO2Stereo: Convert Fujifilm MPO files to JPEG stereo pairs, mtbs3d, retrieved 12 January 2010
  7. "Official CIPA document in PDF format" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 December 2010. Retrieved 24 February 2011.
  8. Contact GoPro Cineform
  9. "Fuji W3 Owner's manual pp 103-106" (PDF). Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  10. Tillmanns, Urs (9 February 2011). "Live von der CP+: Erster Tag in Asiens grösster Fotomesse" . Retrieved 2 May 2023.
  11. "Products & Tech News » Fujifilm 3D camera brought to space by the European Space Agency". Archived from the original on 31 March 2012. Retrieved 6 May 2011.
  12. "ESA astronaut photographs the International Space Station in 3D". 7 April 2011.
  13. 1 2 Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D V1 product web page
  14. "Fujifilm [Global]".
  15. How to get the best 3D prints Archived 31 January 2011 at the Wayback Machine