Fujifilm Introduces 3D Digital Camera - No Glasses Required!!!

This is one of the coolest things I've seen in a while.

Fujifilm is soon to release the first digital 3D camera.  And I'm excited.

Previous 3D cameras were designed for use with film instead of in the digital medium.  Special glasses allow the viewer to see the image in "three dimensions."  This technology has grown over the past 40 years-with some pretty impressive results in motion pictures when combined with IMAX technology.

Fujifilm has incorporated two lenses augmented with sensors into this camera.  These are the "eyes," so to speak.  The "brain" is the RP 3D processor.  This translates the image to a small LCD screen that can display both 2D and 3D images.

This screen is quite unique.  Using two sources on the sides of the screen, information is captured and alternates back and forth at 60 frames per second.  This creates a 3D effect in the screen, allowing for the user to see the image before taking the shot.

The camera also offers limited 3D-video recording.  And, for all of you traditionalists out there, the camera can also shoot plain old 2D pics.

3D printing

Pictures can be printed on pitch lenticular sheets-the same thing that you get certain 3D collectible cards on.

But the coolness of 3D has a downside.  The camera is somewhat bulky when compared to other digital cameras on the market today.  Having two lenses probably has something to do with that.  Fuji is hoping to reduce the size before it is released.

It will be interesting to see how this will be accepted by the public.  Unless Fuji parades out a wide range of accessories in a short period of time, I fear that it could be a flash-in-the-pan product.  This is primarily due to the limited the "uni-tasking" nature of the printers and viewers that are being developed.  Sort of like the video equivalent of a meat mallet.  What else do you do with a meat mallet other than pound meat?*

Here's some video of the camera in action... sort of:


I'm hoping for a grand success.  If this thing works as well as it sounds, it could renovate the film, video, and gaming industries.

Just the thought of a realistic 3D game gets me excited!

SOURCE: Fujifilm

*Well, okay.  This isn't the best comparison.  I currently have a meat mallet acting as a doorstop.