Fujifilm Canada Inc. will be holding retail events through the fall and early winter to promote its new FinePix Real 3D W3 camera. Canadian availability of Fuji's second-generation 3D camera is slated for mid-September. The camera will retail for $499, $300 less than the launch price of Fuji's FinePix W1.

Like its predecessor, the FinePix W3 has dual lenses and sensors, with the lenses slightly farther apart than human eyes. When you push the shutter-release button, the camera simultaneously captures left- and right-eye 10-megapixel images, which the camera's processor combines into a 3D image. The W3 can also record 3D full-motion HD video at 1280x720 pixels at 30 frames per second (720p30) in Motion JPEG format.

3D images and movies can be viewed on the camera's 3.5-inch 3D LCD monitor; 3D glasses are not required. Or you can connect the camera to a 3D-capable flat-screen TV via HDMI for a big-screen view of your 3D images and videos. Of course, you need to use your TV's matching 3D glasses. Fujifilm Canada will also be offering a 3D printing service. A special 3D lenticular print will cost about $6.

At press briefings in late August at its Canadian head office in Mississauga, Ont., Fuji was showing images and videos shot on the W3 on an LG LE9500 55-inch LED-backlit LCD 3D TV. The images were skillfully captured, and looked very compelling, exhibiting hardly any of the artificial layered "ViewMaster" look one often sees with 3D imagery.

"We're planning collaborations with TV manufacturers at some major retailers," stated Greg Poole, Vice President of the Imaging Division at Fujifilm Canada. Those collaborations will involve the display of the Fuji W3 alongside the 3D displays of participating TV manufacturers, with 3D images and video shot on the W3 being shown on the TV screen. Poole cited NPD data showing that 11,300 3D-capable TVs had been sold in Canada as of June 30, 2010. "These owners are looking for 3D content to view," Poole told Marketnews.

The photo channel is also interested in the technology, Poole stated. "We know that some key retailers are adding courses in 3D photography to their imaging schools."

At PMA Canada Expo, being held at the Toronto Congress Centre from September 11 to 13, and at Henry's fall Imaging Show, being held at the Toronto International Centre from October 15 to 17, Fujifilm Canada will have a nine-seat 3D theatre to show off the W3.

The W3 will also be promoted in a 3D commercial before the 3D version of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1, which hits theatres this November.

Article Tags:  Fuji, Fujifilm, FinePix, 3D, W3, Real 3D, Greg Poole, PMA Canada, Henry's