Best 3D Cameras for 2018

While the primary reason to purchase a 3D TV is to watch movies in the third dimension, you’ll also have the option of creating your own 3D programming, provided of course you invest in what we believe to be the best 3D cameras.  Each of our top choices will allow you to record not only still images, but movies that you can display in 3D on your TV.

There aren’t a lot of 3D digital cameras on the market, but you’ll still have plenty of choices for hardware to help you create three dimensional images and videos that will pop off the screen. Best of all, these cameras can create both normal 2D images and movies too, giving these cameras plenty of flexibility to be used on a daily basis.

1. Fujifilm Real 3D W3 – Best Overall 3D Camera

WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: Uses dual lenses and dual image sensors to create realistic 3D.

The Fujifilm Real 3D W3 camera makes use of dual lenses and dual image sensors to create its 3D photographs, which is a great design for this type of photography. Each lens and image sensor pair creates a slightly different image, and the Real 3D W3’s software then combines the two images to make the 3D effect. This is similar to how your eyes see in three dimensions, as each eye sees a slightly different image, and your brain combines them. If you cover one eye, you’ll notice that your depth perception suffers, because your brain only receives one image and can’t “see” the scene in three dimensions.

The Real 3D W3 is one of the few models on the best 3D cameras 2018 list that includes a 3D enabled display screen, where no special glasses are needed to view your handy work. You do need to be looking almost straight on at the screen to ensure you can see the 3D effect, as the effect fades when viewing the screen at an angle.

This model has only 10 megapixels of resolution, which is quite a bit lower than most of the fixed lens cameras currently on the market. So even though you can shoot standard 2D images with it, this camera really isn’t worth its cost unless you’re planning to take full advantage of the Fujifilm W3’s three dimensional capabilities much of the time.

2. Sony SLT-A58K – Best 3D DSLR

WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: 3D panorama feature is rarely found in a DSLR camera.

The Sony SLT-A58K DSLR camera offers its 3D capabilities through its 3D Sweep Panorama mode, where the camera records dozens of photos as you sweep the camera vertically or horizontally and then stitches them together to provide the 3D image. (Sweep Panorama also works for 2D images.)

This model has no ability to record 3D movies, and its LCD screen has no 3D enabled display to see the still images you record. Still, it’s nice to have the ability to use a DSLR camera to create high quality three dimensional photos that you can display on a 3D TV. And the A58K will record high quality 2D images too, thanks to its large image sensor and 20.1 megapixels of resolution, making it a fairly versatile camera all around.

3. Samsung NX300 With 3D Lens – Best Mirrorless 3D Camera and Lens

WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: Special lens provides 2D and 3D capabilities in mirrorless camera.

When you pair the Samsung 2D/3D 45mm lens with the Samsung NX300 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (ILC), you end up with a 3D enabled model. You may be able to find the NX300 paired with the 2D/3D lens as a kit, or you may have to purchase the 2D/3D lens separately from the camera body. This camera only has 3D photographic capabilities when a 3D enabled lens is attached.

The NX300 is a strong mirrorless ILC, offering 20.3 megapixels of resolution in a large image sensor. Because the NX300 is a mirrorless design, its camera body is smaller than what’s found with DSLRs, as it measures only 1.6 inches in thickness before you attach the 2D/3D lens. This model also has an articulated display screen, making it easy to tilt the screen to a comfortable viewing angle when the camera is attached to a tripod. Like the Sony, it’s display won’t allow you to view 3D images.

4. Panasonic Lumix 3D1 – Best Compact 3D Camera

WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: Dual lens design records impressive and realistic 3D images and 3D movies.

The sleek looking Panasonic Lumix 3D1 camera provides point and shoot simplicity in a 3D camera that measures less than 1 inch in thickness, meaning it will fit easily in a pocket.

The 3D1 also can record 3D movies, using its dual lens design. However, unlike the Fujifilm model mentioned above, the Lumix 3D1 only has one image sensor that both lenses use. When you’re shooting in 2D mode, you can use one lens to record a reduced resolution still image and the other lens to record video.

Its image sensor has a maximum 12 megapixels of resolution, which ranks at the low end of today’s digital camera market.

5. Kimera Big Shot 3D – Best DIY Camera

WHY IT’S A TOP PICK: Assembling this 3D camera yourself makes it more fun to use.

If you’re interested in learning more about 3D cameras, how they work, etc, the Kimera Big Shot 3D model is an interesting option for a low price. This model ships to you in loose pieces, where upon you’ll need to assemble the camera, which is relatively easy to do and can be a lot of fun.

This Kimera model is the least expensive model in our best 3D cameras list, in large part because it offers only 3 megapixels of resolution. This is more of a toy camera than a serious camera. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that the Big Shot 3D camera will not be able to come anywhere close to matching the other models on this list in terms of 2D image quality. So if you’re looking for a fun, inexpensive 3D camera, this model may fit your needs. If you’re looking for a solid everyday camera, you’ll want to skip this model.