The emphasis is on smooth and speedy. 240fps 3D filming would be great to begin with, but with Sony taking steps to do it with a single lens camera, it'll be great looking too. While we haven't got much detail about the gadget being developed yet, what we're reading sounds good so far:

• Captures left and right images simultaneously to deliver natural and smooth 3D images with no accommodation-vergence conflict.
• Eliminates the need for lens synchronization, ensuring easily accurate control of 3D zoom and focus functions.
• When polarized glasses are not used, viewers with still be able to see natural 2D images, as the disparity of the images for left and right eyes are within the range that human eyes can recognize as a blur.
• Realizes high quality capture of 3D content including fast-moving subject matter such as sports.

Looks like we'll be seeing better quality 3D movies in the future. Here's hoping that this camera's future price tag isn't comparably high to its frame rate though. [PhysOrg]

After briefly making fun of its looks and girth (it's fatty fat, like and EP-1, apparently), the reviewer dives straight into hyperbole, saying he's "just handled the future," and that the device is the "odds-on coolest camera of the year." This sounds like a little much, until you read what it can do:

[T]he amazing bit, the bit that you'll want to show all your friends, is that you can see the photos popping out of the rear LCD in proper 3D, without any need to wear stupid glasses. That is the wonder of a lenticular screen...And I turned it off and on again. And again. A 3D logo kept popping up on (or out of) the LCD and I had to keep doing it to persuade myself that it wasn't my imagination.

Yeah, ok, this sounds pretty fantastic. Fuji's using this same lenticular glasses-less tech across the Real 3D line, so you'll get the same results on the 8-inch V1 digital frame, or on Fuji's special-order paper prints, which Stuff says look like the "free 3D pictures you used to get with packets of cereal, with dinosaurs and things on them," just "much better."

It's not all wonder and whimsy and OH MY GOD, and it's easy to pick out a few early annoyances that could grow into full-fledged problems: the effect isn't as spectacular when the photos don't have seriously pronounced depth of field, and the dual lens system doesn't really work in macro mode, necessitating and awkward workaround. And what about video? Stuff is suspiciously mum on this.

The takeaway? With release set for September and a price expected to fall at around $600, this bifocal beast—which, don't forget, is a regular point-and-shoot and video camera underneath it all—isn't just a one-trick gimmick. [Stuff]

Atop 3D capabilities and bevy of standard point and shoot features, the FinePix Real 3D W1 attempts to get some use out of its humanoid eyes during non-3D shooting as well, allowing you to snap pictures in two color modes at once, with two different focal points—essentially, it's two synchronized cameras in one.

3D viewing comes by means of the camera's built-in screen, an optional 8-inch LCD picture frame called the FinePix Real 3D V1, or custom prints ordered from Fuji, all of which use the same lenticular lens system, avoiding the need for any kind of 3D glasses.

Just as expected, the Real 3D system will hit stores in September, but despite Time's "guess" at a $600 price (for the camera, that is), Fuji's mum on that front. Considering the device's potential—pocket 3D movies, anyone?—and the fact that this is basically the first consumer 3D p&s, that pricepoint isn't be too bad at all, assuming that the glasses-less viewing system is any good.*

*This assumption, it is large.

[DPReview]

Fujifilm launch a pioneering digital "Real 3D System" that lets you enjoy incredible 3D images with the naked eye.

"FinePix Real 3D W1", "FinePix Real 3D V1", "3D Prints"

22 July 2009: Fujifilm are extremely proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking new imaging technology: the "FinePix Real 3D System". The World's first three dimensional (3D) digital imaging system that lets you enjoy three dimensional images without the need to wear special 3D glasses. The FinePix Real 3D system incorporates a 3D digital camera "FinePix Real 3D W1", a 3D picture viewer "FinePix Real 3D V1", and 3D prints.

As a pioneer in the digital imaging sector, in 2009, Fujifilm will be able to offer the complete 3D package: from digital photography, to digital prints. Fujifilm is once again breaking new ground and continuing to raise expectations in the development of new imaging products.

Aiming to "capture precious moments just as the eyes see them", over the last decade Fujifilm has developed unique lenses, CCDs and Processors, amongst other key digital camera technologies. Today heralds the launch of the world's first digital camera that can capture 3D stills and movies, the "FinePix Real 3D W1", and the "Fine Pix Real 3D V1", an 8-inch viewer on which spectacular 3D images can be displayed. Additionally, with advances in high precision production technology, Fujifilm has successfully developed a 3D Print service enabling you to enjoy and share your 3D images.

World's first digital camera to capture realistic 3D stills and movies.

3D Photography
The Real 3D W1 camera features the newly developed "Real 3D Lens System." To achieve a natural, 3D image, it was necessary to flawlessly layer together two images, so two Fujinon lenses, renowned for their high resolution and exquisite rendering, were installed. A robust aluminum die-cast frame has been used to protect the lenses from vibration and impact.

A 3x optical zoom, deemed difficult to achieve in 3D photography because of the precision required to align two lenses, is also possible. Moreover, the "RP (Real Photo) Processor 3D" which is based on photo technology that Fujifilm has developed over the years, 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 stills and movies.

The 3D/2D LCD monitor features Fujifilm's own LCD panel, exclusively for the display of 3D/2D images on digital cameras, allowing you 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 stills and videos with superb picture quality by just pointing the camera and pressing the shutter button.

Creative controls
The Real 3D camera allows you to adjust the settings to suit the scene being photographed. When using the 3D two-shot function, 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 you to edit the 3D images, particularly useful for long zoom telephoto shots where a 3D image is difficult to achieve, or conversely, macro shots, where the 3D effect can be too strong.

3D "Interval Shooting" allows further flexibility; it is possible to take two shots from different viewpoints continuously while the photographer is moving, for example by train, airplane, or car, etc., to achieve 3D images of long-distance views. Users can enjoy more dynamic 3D shots, whether they are capturing a sea of clouds from an airplane, or taking 3D shots of distant views from a car window. By using the "Parallax Control" function, the 3D images can be manually adjusted, either during filming or while viewing the images on the LCD monitor; this simplicity-of-use lets users really get creative when shooting in 3D!

2D photography
Don't overlook the fact that this camera also brings fun new possibilities in 2D photography! You can really take advantage of the fact that this is actually two digital cameras in one. The "Advanced 2D Mode" uses Dual Capture simultaneous shooting which lets users take two different shots simultaneously by pressing the shutter once. With "Tele+Wide Shooting", it is 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 "Colour Mode" Dual Shooting users can take photos of the same scene with different color tonalities, for example, "Standard" and "Fujichrome", which works by changing the processing signals on the two sensors.

"Sensitivity Mode Dual Shooting" mode enables you to change the sensitivity setting of the two shooting systems, which expands the range of photographic expression. In scenes where it is difficult to determine the optimal camera settings, users can take shots with image stabilization priority and then with picture quality priority and choose the best image later, or in panned shots, change the image stabilization levels to take two different shots simultaneously.

A beautiful, cutting-edge exterior design that is durable yet easy to use.
You can't deny this is a good-looking camera, with cutting-edge style. The sleek metal sliding cover which protects the two lenses is specially formed so that it can be firmly gripped with both hands. The exterior finish is a luxurious Piano Black with a superb, high-gloss, elegant shine. To add to the glamour, the neon blue "3D" logo illuminates when the camera is switched on. On the back of the camera, operating buttons such as the one-touch 3D/2D switch button, are placed on both sides of the camera for simple operation using both hands. The newly developed 2.8-inch Real 3D LCD monitor displays natural and beautiful 2D and 3D images, enabling you to compose and playback your pictures easily.

Main Features

* Capture and enjoy realistic 3D stills and movies
* Take 3D telephoto and macro shots with 3D Advanced 3D Mode
* Standard 2D photographs can also be taken, just like on conventional digital cameras
* Dual Capture Shooting Mode lets you simultaneously take two shots at different settings
* Featuring the 3D LCD system, allowing 3D images to be viewed live whilst shooting
* Cutting edge design and the very latest, pioneering technology

FinePix Real 3D V1

8.0 inch 3D Picture viewer that allows you to enjoy 3D images on a high resolution screen.
The 8.0-inch 3D Picture Viewer "FinePix Real 3D V1" features Fujifilm's newly developed 3D/2D display 8.0-inch LCD panel, which allows users to enjoy and playback 3D images without needing to wear special 3D glasses. Insert a SD memory card on to which 3D images have been saved, and enjoy a 3D slideshow just by switching on the power. If the "Disparity Adjustment Function" is used, you can adjust the 3D effect on the viewer manually.

The 3D Picture Viewer will suit any living room with its slim & minimalistic design. With various playback functions, you can enjoy more than 20 kinds of 3D and 2D slideshows, plus a MicroThumbnailView, and an easy-to-use "Picture Search" feature.

With an adjustable stand you can change the angle for clearer 3D viewing, and enjoy simple operation with the intuitive remote control included. The displayed data can be transferred not only to a memory card, but also by high-speed infrared transmission, and batch transmission by connecting to the 3D camera via a USB connection. What's more you can display & playback all the images on your computer by transferring them to the camera using a USB connection.

Key Features

* Supports playback of natural 3D stills and movies
* 3D/2D LCD panel with 480,000 dots (800 x 600 dots)
* Easy-to-use touch operation
* Transfer images to other devices; SD/SDHC cards, Real 3D camera, and also your computer via USB or via high speed infrared communication.

PLUS, print your 3D images with high precision Fujifilm technology!
With spectacular results, Fujifilm has integrated high precision prints into its 3D offering. Through the use of lenticular sheets Fuji have the ability to produce stunning high resolution 3D images. The process involves the 3D image data being integrated using advanced technology and projected through a lenticular sheet lens to produce an image with binocular disparity.
"Fujifilm will be launching a print service to the purchasers of the 3-D camera as a direct service from Fujifilm because of the newness and complexity of the print system" explained Adrian Clarke, Director of Digital Imaging. He continued, "Whilst volume from the uptake of 3D camera users is so small, it doesn't make sense to commercialise the print system yet. Once Fujifilm can provide a sustainable market demand for 3D prints and other services, the company will be able to consider print production devices for the wider processing industry".

Availability & pricing
The FinePix Real 3D W1 and FinePix Real 3D V1 will be available from September 2009 Pricing will be announced nearer to the date of the launch.

Why the qualification? Because the $600 camera is just part of a new ecosystem, including special plastic-lens-coated 3D prints (expensive!) and an eight-inch 3D-enabled photo frame (also expensive!). It'll work as a regular 10-megapixel camera as well, though $600 prices it well out of the "why not" range, especially when compared to the bevy of solid cameras available for much, much less. [Time via Digicam Review]

[Funny or Die]

The core of the new line is made up of the new 'Mysterium' brains, pictured in the gallery above and detailed in the gallery below. These boxy sensors can be built up into 5D-esque DSLRs, compact prosumer camcoders, full-fledged professional video cameras or even a 3D unit with a new line of lenses, flash storage, frames, mounts and other add-ons, outlined with the new sensors below. In addition to their own lenses, the new cameras mercifully support gear built for Nikon and Canon standards with mount adapters, so you don't have to re-buy all of your optics. In spring, when the first of the new units are intended to ship, RED One users won't be left out in the cold — they'll get purchase credit towards new cameras, or if they'd just like to throw one of the new sensors into their existing rig, credit towards that. I guess this is what Jannard meant when he said RED had a 'new vision'.

For the full release, click here. Warning — comically giant JPEG. [RED]

The camera works by translating hand and body motions into an avatar's movements in Second Life. Tip a bit forward and the avatar will walk, tip faster and the avatar will run, tip too fast and you'll fall down (presumably). The included demo also shows the camera translating various movements into jumping, flying and landing "gracefully."

Low-priced 3D cameras, such as the Zcam, will not only make playing Second Life more immersive than other peripherals out there , it'll also completely rethink human-computer interactions, Kapor said.

Well, we'll see about that. All I know is, if years from now I'm suddenly standing in a Los Angeles parking lot half naked and swinging away at things with my katana thanks to a particularly crazy bar fight in a virtual reality world - I'll know who to blame. [New York Times]