Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D W1

The basics

The Fujifilm Finepix Real3D is a big, bold step into the third dimension for amateur photographers, letting you add depth perception to all your stills without the need for two separate snappers or crass green and red goggles. Best of all, there's a genuine lenticular 3D display built into the camera itself, so you can see your 3D snaps instantly.

The good

It delivers real-life 3D images, and displays them on a real 3D screen! The Real 3D takes 3D shots (and perfectly reasonable 2D shots at 10 megapixels too) stores them on a regular SD card – and the best bit is you don't need any daft glasses to view.
You’ll see the snap on the special lenticular screen, and the effect is stunning. Take a landscape shot and you’ll be able to see just how far bystanders are away. It’s an eyepopping visual effect.
The Fujifilm Finepix Real3D’s 3D shooting tech is much smarter if you dive below the surface: you can let it run on auto for mid to long distance shots, but for close up macro shooting, the manual mode is needed. It’s smart and easy to use: take one shot with one sensor, then line up the shot again for the next sensor and press fire. There’s even 3D video at VGA quality, but it’s no good for close-ups, unfortunately.

The bad

Because of the dual lenses, the Real 3D isn't what you'd call svelte. In fact, it's massive. And we’d have preferred a power button to sliding the shutter down to power on, and wider navigation buttons on the back. But the real problem isn’t with the Fujifilm Finepix Real3D itself, it’s the lack of existing viewing options.
Other than the small screen on the camera itself, you’ve got the choice of a £399 Fujifilm photo frame, or special prints made to order at £3.99 a pop from www.fujifilmreal3d.com. It’s a real shame TVs aren’t yet up to the task, but Fujifilm has done everything in its power to broaden your options besides.

The bottom line

A fantastic first-gen crack at a new genre, only let down by viewing restrictions. The rest of the world is playing catch up to this, but when they get there, you’ll be waiting with the Fujifilm FinePix Real 3D in hand.