Canon has developed a new app that enables you to shoot 3D imagery using a standard issue camera and lens – no need for special 3D optics or expensive camera rigs – effectively democratizing this previously cost-prohibitive form of content.
Unveiled at the CP+ 2025 show in Japan, the new app exploits the Dual Pixel sensor in the Canon EOS R5 to record two images in a single file – combining a regular image and one with parallax information.
It's the same technology as Canon's Dual Pixel RAW – which, for example, enables you to make adjustments to bokeh, lighting and sharpness after you've already taken a picture on the R5.
"This Canon camera has a Dual Pixel sensor," a Canon engineer explained to me. "That means two photodiodes in one pixel. Currently we are using that for the autofocus. However, we can use that pixel to [produce] 3D.
"So we can take a photo as RAW data – we call it DPRAW, the extension is .CR3 – and then we made special application software for 3D."
In front of me is a stock EOS R5 and lens photographing a (slightly unsettling) doll. He takes me to a large screen where the photo is displayed, and using a mouse starts rotating the image – revealing that it has a third dimension.
"This is made from one picture," he beams. "We can make a 3D data from the one picture."
Very cool – and it appears to achieve a similar 180° level of 3D modeling as the very expensive Canon RF 5.2mm f/2.8L Dual FIsheye lens, which will set you back a cool $2,000 / £2,100 / AU$3,300.
"Of course, then we want to make it 360°," he continues, taking me to a rotating turntable where an Asian ornament is being photographed by another R5. "So we just rotate and we take 12 pictures, or a little more, then combine them."
I'm led to a large touchscreen, where a selection of 360° 3D images are able to be fully panned, zoomed and rotated at the pinch or swipe of my fingertips.
I ask him to confirm again if an app and a stock camera / lens combo can really achieve what the Dual Fisheye optics are able to.
"Yes, you just need [the] application software. We also sell Dual Fisheye, but you have to pay more. But this is regular [camera and lens]. Many solutions, so you can try [the app] and then move to Fisheye [if you like the technology]."
It's really a remarkable feat – and as it was explained to me, you can use any lens to shoot 3D images, even a standard kit lens. So this app is real, it works, but how do we get access to it – is there a release date?
"Actually not yet – but if it has a good reputation here [at CP+] it might be good for the future!"
Check out the below video I took of the exhibit, where you can see the whole process in action.
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