SINGAPORE : Last November, Fujifilm showed us its three-dimensional (3D) consumer digital compact camera prototype. Recently, we got our hands on the preview product - the FinePix Real 3D W1. The 3D camera is part of Fujifilm's "FinePix Real 3D System", which includes the 3D digital viewer FinePix Real 3D V1 and 3D prints.

Instead of requiring 3D glasses, Fujifilm uses a lenticular screen on the camera and the viewer, so that each eye sees a different image to create a 3D illusion. This effect is reproduced on the lenticular paper prints.

The Real 3D W1 packs two 3x (35-105mm of 35mm equivalent) optical zoom lenses, each with its own 10-megapixel CCD image sensor. The Real Photo Processor 3D synchronises data from the two lenses and two image sensors to create the 3D still or moving images, which you can view via a 2.8-inch lenticular screen.

Packing double of everything translates into substantial heft. The W1 is probably the thickest digital compact camera in recent memory. But its build is firm and solid; even the lens cover feels sturdy.

Sliding down the cover reveals the two lenses and switches on the camera. Powering up takes more than two seconds, while shutdown clocks two seconds flat.

You can use the 3D Tuning function button to adjust for a clearer view. 3D images are saved in MPO format, which consists of two images that create the 3D image. In the final release, the bundled software will allow you to separate these two images in MPO into its individual image. For now, you can save the 3D images as MPO+JPEG. The 640x480 videos are saved as 3D AVI files.

In addition, you can capture traditional 2D photos, where you take two different shots in different focal lengths, colour tones or ISO settings! As this is still a preview set, the picture quality will differ from that of the final release. But as it is now, the 2D images are pretty impressive, with good colour reproduction and punchy details. The noise level seems low till ISO 400.

On the eight-inch Real 3D V1 LCD panel, the 3D images look crisp and real. But my relatives complained of dizziness when I showed them the 3D images on the small screen. A bigger 3D LCD panel, say a 20-incher, might be more pleasing to the eye. Local availability and pricing are yet to be confirmed.

- TODAY/il