Panasonic might have launched their big-ass 3D camcorder which is capable of recording 3D HD videos thanks to an attached lens, but Fujifilm has done it in a better package, this time with no need for a lens. What’s more, the 3.5-inch display panel behind it is capable of displaying 3D videos that you just shot! That seemed like this Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W3 will give a huge blow towards Panasonic.

This W3 camera is actually a 3D camera released last year, but Fujifilm went back to their labs, and tweaked it. Now the W3 is back, with a refresh hardware that will not only allow it to take 3D photos, but also shoot 3D video in 720p resolution, which bumps it up from the previous VGA-only mode. Of course, like with the first model, you can turn off the 3D function so you’re shooting in plain ol’ 2D, but with that 3.5″ lenticular screen on the back of the camera, you can see 3D photos and video bursting out instantly—and deprived of the need for glasses.This second model is also smaller and lighter than before, weighing 230g. Comparing that to Panasonic’s odd 960×1080 resolutions and gigantic size, it seemed Fujifilm has a clear winner.

The 3D works by shooting a subject with two 3x optical zoom Fujinon lenses and CCDs, combining the two photos so they appear in 3D. A number of selections can be chosen when snapping photos in 2D, so one photo is shot in close-up, the other in wide-angle, or they can be shot in varying ISO ranges, and so forth. This could create a lot of different effects, and would quickly eat up your time fiddling with the options.

The addition of a miniHDMI port means 3D content can be viewed on 3DTVs and 3D laptops via HDMI, but also on an 8″ Fujifilm 3D photo frame and in lenticular prints (bought separately). The latter two, like with watching the images on the 3.5″ display, don’t require glasses.

If you’re seeking for a 3D camera that’s capable of shooting nice 720p 3D videos, this might just be your best choice in the list. Just get ready $500 (or £399 if you’re in UK) and you’re ready to make your home-made blockbuster, in 3D! Sorry no IMAX 3D support.

SOURCE via Fujifilm]