3D digital camera - super wide angle

Next-Gen Camera Gear Debuts at Photokina 2008

By Jock Fistick 09.26.08

Fuji is showing off a functioning prototype of its new FinePix Real 3D System which debuted at Photokina. The camera incorporates dual-imaging sensors that can simultaneously capture two images and then instantaneously process them into a single image file via the newly developed RP (Real Photo) Processor 3D.

The camera has a 2.8-inch LCD that is capable of resolving 3-D images as well as conventional 2-D picture files. Looking at the camera's LCD display and seeing a 3-D image jumping out at you will take a bit of getting used to, but it is cool nonetheless. The two separate sensors opens up a whole world of possibilities, and not just for 3-D:

Multiple zooms: Set the two lenses independently of each other to capture a wide angle and telephoto view of the same scene simultaneously.

Ultrawide panoramic shooting: Images taken by shooting the left and right side of a wide landscape can be automatically stitched together in the camera to make a superwide panoramic image.

Record video and still images simultaneously: The camera employs two lenses and two sensors: (one lens/sensor can be recording video and the second lens/sensor can be used to snap a high-resolution still image at any time without interrupting the video recording.

Look for the consumer version in 2009.

Photo: Jock Fistick/Wired.com

Kodak stereo camera antique

ujifilm announces a radical departure from current imaging systems with the development of a completely new, real image system (3D digital camera, 3D digital photo frame, 3D print) that marks a complete break from previous attempts to introduce this technology. The arrival of digital photography over a decade ago opened up so many new ways of enjoying images, not only through capture, but also through manipulation, printing and display. Sales of digital cameras, and other devices like camera phones or webcams have raced ahead of what experts had expected because of the sheer scope of what has become possible in digital imaging.

Fujifilm 3D camera system
Fujifilm is determined to push those boundaries yet further, to produce devices which offer new ways to capture and process images, and to expand consumer enjoyment of photography in ways that had hitherto only been imagined. Fujifilm has a strong research program currently running to improve every aspect of capture and output. This is based on the broad concept of producing images as lifelike as possible, or more simply, 'capturing an image exactly as your eye sees it.' The 'Real Photo Technology' program is determined to improve key quality metrics for each generation of camera, like 'high resolution with low noise', 'expanded wide dynamic range', 'intelligent scene recognition', 'intelligent flash', 'face detection' etc., culminating in the announcement this September of a new type of sensor, Fujifilm Super CCD EXR, which will take image quality to levels hitherto undreamed of.

3D photography systems
Previous 3D systems were hampered by poor image quality, and a cumbersome user experience, which often meant the need for special 3D glasses. One major benefit of the FinePix Real 3D System is that for digital camera LCD playback, display and print, the consumer can enjoy the image just as it was originally seen with the naked eye. The same research team is determined to use these key technologies to open up a new market with 3D imaging. The new 3D image system features advanced image signal processing and micro-component technologies, and is so far able to demonstrate a camera, a viewing panel and a 3D printing system.

Fujifilm 3D camera processor
The 3D camera depends heavily on a newly developed chip called the 'RP (Real Photo) Processor 3D' which synchronises the data passed to it by both CCD sensors, and instantaneously blends the information into a single high quality image, for both stills and movies. 'Built-in 3D auto' determines optimal shooting conditions from both sensors. 3D auto means that as soon as the shutter is depressed, key metrics for the image, such as focus, zoom range, exposure, etc. are synchronised.

Real 3D digital photography
The camera is also fitted with built-in synchro control, giving 0.001-second precision for shutter control and movie synchronisation. The processor uses the very latest technologies of high sensitivity and high resolution as the newest 2D processors. Special identical high quality compact Fujinon lenses have been developed for the 3D system to ensure complete conformity between the left and right images. The LCD monitor system has also been completely revised. The camera is fitted with a 2.8-inch, 230,000 pixel LCD. Thanks to a new engineering approach, screen flickering and image deterioration, thought to be difficult to overcome, are reduced to an absolute minimum to achieve beautiful, natural 3D images. The screen will also resolve 2D images as any other camera LCD.

kodak v570 (not a stereo camera but a separate wide-angle lens!)

The Kodak EasyShare V570 is a digital camera that takes what Kodak offers in their range in a new direction with what they are billing as the world's first dual-lens digital still camera. One lens is an ultra wide angle lens (23mm) and the other a 5x Optical zoom (39 - 117mm). Each lens has it's own CCD - both of which are linked to the camera's 5 megapixel CCD sensor.