Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W3 Digital Camera Review

Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification



The Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W3 was released in August 2010 and as the name suggests it is capable of shooting 3D images and videos, thanks to it's two lenses. The images and videos can then be watched back in 3D via the screen on the camera. The Real 3D W3 can be purchased from £180.00.

Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W3 Features

To record in 3D, the W3 has two 3x optical zoom lenses, which are a 35mm equivalent of 35-105mm. When in 3D mode, the lens has a minimum focusing distance of 38cm, in 2D it is 8cm. There are also two 10 megapixel CCD sensors, which means you can take two 2D photos at the same time in different colours, at different zoom lengths and at different sensitivities. The Real Photo Processor combines the left and right images when shooting 3D to create a single image.

The W3 has Auto mode to make picture taking as easy as possible. There is also Advanced 3D, Advanced 2D, Program AE, Aperture Priority AE, Manual and a range of scene modes (Natural Light & with Flash, Natural Light, Portrait, Landscape, Sport, Night, Night (Tripod), Sunset, Snow, Beach, Underwater, Party and Anti Blur). The Super Intelligent Flash mode automatically adjusts flash output and timing to capture subjects and background in bright natural detail over the full flash range.

The 3D monitor allows you to view the 3D images just with your naked eyes using an array of microscopic concave lenses to produce binocular disparity. High Luminosity Mode displays images 1.5x brighter and reproduces colour 1.8x deeper allowing you to enjoy clear, distinct and vivid images.

Videos are recorded in 720p HD in both 2D and 3D with stereo sound. As well as viewing via the screen they can be watched on a 3D TV when connecting via a HDMI cable.

Key Features

• 2x 10 megapixel CCD sensors
• 2x 3x optical zoom lens (35mm equiv: 35-105mm)
• 3.5 inch, 1.15m dot, LCD screen for viewing 3D images and videos
• Shoots in 2D and 3D
• 720p HD video recording
• ISO 100-1600
• 8cm minimum focusing distance (38cm in 3D mode)

Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W3 Handling

The W3 has a metal body, is small enough to carry in your pocket and isn't all that heavy, considering it carries two lenses. To switch the camera on you simply slide the front panel down, which also covers the lenses when not in use. There is also a small strip on the cover which helps with grip.

The menus are laid out well and are easy to navigate via the d-pad on the rear of the camera. There is also a mode dial and a movie button. Unusually though, when you press movie button you still have to press the shutter to start recording and again to end. There is also a button on the rear which switches between 2D and 3D modes, which can also be used in playback.

The rear of the camera is mainly filled by the 3.5 inch wide LCD screen which allows you to view 3D images and videos and has a resolution of 1.15m dots. 3D images look good on the screen, especially as it doesn't require the use of 3D glasses.

The battery has a CIPA rating of 150 shots, we managed just over 250 during testing on one charge. We tested the camera's performance at focusing, shutter response, shot-to-shot time, continuous shooting etc. and have posted the results below. To test this we took 6 or more shots and calculated the average, so that consistent results were produced.

Shutter Response		0.15 secs
Wide - Focus / Shutter Response		0.65 secs
Full zoom - Focus / Shutter Response		1.1 secs
Switch on Time to Taking a Photo		4.1 secs
Shot to Shot (without flash)		1.7 secs
Shot to Shot with Flash		2.5 secs
Continuous Shooting		1.0 fps
Continuous Shooting H		2.9 fps
Continuous Shooting 3D		0.7 fps

Continuous shooting H and 3D limits image size to 3 megapixels.

Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W3 Performance

Additional sample photos and product shots are available in the Equipment Database, where you can add your own review and product ratings.


3D performance - As with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1, both 3D videos and images, they look really good if you have good foreground interest and a decent amount of interest in the background. If you're in a confined area it doesn't really work, but once you've had the chance to see what works, it's much easier to take good images and videos.

It's a close call, but the Panasonic takes better 3D images, but unlike the W3, you need a 3D TV to view them back on. The W3 also records a 2D picture when shooting, you can click the 2D thumbnails above to download the 3D image, to view on your 3D TV (they are .MPO files).

Fujifilm Finepix Real 3D W3 Sample Photos

Sample Photos - The W3 takes good landscape shots, but really struggled to take decent portrait shots, they are free of red-eye, although the flash is blinding for your subject!

Fujifilm Finepix Real 3D W3 Lens test images

Lens Performance - Detail is OK at both ends of the lens, but there is clearly some purple fringing and chromatic aberration. Images tend to be well exposed with good colour reproduction. The minimum focusing distance of 8cm is quite restricting for taking really close-up shots, but macro shots do look fairly detailed.

Fujifilm Finepix Real 3D W3 ISO test images

ISO Noise Performance - Images appear a little noisy at ISO 100, with a little more appearing at ISO 200. Images are still sharp at ISO 400, with little black dots appearing, but at ISO 800 there are even more black dots, with noise causing images to become soft. The black dot trend continues at ISO 1600, with even more black dots appearing, although colours are still reproduced fairly well at this highest ISO setting.

Fujifilm Finepix Real 3D W3 White-balance test images

White Balance Performance - When using the AWB preset under the incandescent lights, there is a very slight magenta cast, with the incandescent preset performing slightly better. Under the fluorescent lights the AWB preset out performs all three of the fluorescent presets, with casts appearing in each of the three pictures.

Fujifilm Finepix Real 3D W3 Digital filters

Digital Filters - When shooting you can choose between three colour modes; standard, chrome and black and white.

Video - Below is a 2D video shot at 720p HD, optical zoom is not available during recording.

Value For Money

The Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W3 is available for around £200. There are a number of compacts that have a 3D mode, but they don't have the dual lenses. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 does have two lenses, as well as two sensors and is available from £359.95.

You'll also need to buy a memory card and a case or bag to keep your camera safe and protected - have a look at our complete guide to camera bags.

Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W3 Verdict

We've recently reviewed the Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 which we think takes better 3D images, but requires you to have a 3D TV to view them back on. The W3 might not be as good, but it is available for almost half the price and you can view your 3D images and videos on the screen. If you are looking to get into 3D photography, the W3 is ideal if your budget is fairly limited. With the camera being a couple of years old now, you never know, Fujifilm may release an updated version soon.

Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W3 Pros

Don't need a 3D TV to view 3D pictures and videos
Metal body
3D images look good on the screen
Good colour reproduction

Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W3 Cons

Lens isn't particularly wide
Limited zoom range
Noisy images at ISO 800 and ISO 1600

FEATURES
HANDLING
PERFORMANCE
VALUE FOR MONEY
VERDICT

Fujifilm Finepix Real 3D W3 Specifications

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