Fujifilm's FinePix Real 3D camera to launch in September, cost around $600
By Nilay Patel 
posted July 12th 2009 9:02PM
posted July 12th 2009 9:02PM
It's been a while since we've heard anything about Fujifilm's FinePix Real 3D camera, but as the twin-lensed shooter nears that scheduled September release some more details are spilling out -- including the price, which will be "around $600" at launch. Yeah, it's steep, and that's not all: to properly view the images you'll need to either shell out for special prints with a plastic lenticular lens on it or buy a special stereoscopic LCD photo frame, and none of that really screams "cheap." Honestly, our instinct would be to spend all that scratch on a good DSLR or even something like the Olympus E-P1, but there's always a chance Fujifilm's about to reveal the public's deep-rooted desire for 3D snapshots. We'll see -- anyone dying for one of these?[Thanks, ED]
I use the Canon CHDK SDM 3D thing, love it! Total investment was less than $500 (2 cameras, a mini USB switch connector and an aluminum frame). The sync between cameras is key for anything moving, and these pictures also tend to be better ones for 3D.
I enjoy the process of making the two pictures into one anaglyph, but it is time consuming and not super-simple. Here are a couple of more links for those interested in giving it a try:
My rig (in set of 3D anaglyphs): http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3597/3329206553_922d83551d.jpg
Swell 3D: http://www.swell3d.com/ (not updated in a while, but a wealth of information there)
Flickr anaglyph group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/anaglyph/
I think my rig will produce pictures as good as the Fuji, but as a 3D photographer, my hope lies with the 3D screen on the back... will they have photo frames with this capability? How big? How much?
Good luck Fuji!
I've tested the camera and seen the results. Yes, it will do 3-D videos that can be seen on the 3-D picture frame. For those who prefer the more tradtional 3-D methods, the image file can be seperated to the Left and Right files for using available free software to make anaglyphs (red/cyan glasses), or side by side images on conventional print paper for viewing with cheap and simple already available viewers (google Loreo Lite viewer, for example). And, for those with the right equipment, these can be shown on 3-D ready DLP TV's, and projected with twin digital projectors, polarizers, silver screen and 3-D glasses. Price is to be expected for a limited market item, and should go down if it finds a larger market.
Right now they are showing an 8" lenticular picture frame with a very good quality image. It will show both stills, and 3-D videos shot with the camera. Tentative price a bit high at $500, but will not know final price until it comes out. They say this will be by the end of 2009.