What is the name of the 3D camera system developed for James Cameron’s Avatar?

The 3D camera system developed for James Cameron’s Avatar was the Fusion Camera System. Cameron developed it with cinematographer Vince Pace to capture stereoscopic images for the film’s intended 3D presentation.

The system used paired high-definition cameras arranged to imitate the spacing and movement of human eyes. This allowed the filmmakers to record separate images for the left and right eyes and create a more natural stereoscopic effect than simply converting a finished 2D movie.

Avatar’s production combined the Fusion system with digital filmmaking, performance capture, and computer-generated environments. The camera technology was especially important during live-action scenes, where Cameron wanted actors and physical sets to integrate convincingly with Pandora’s digital world.

The system is sometimes confused with IMAX, which is a presentation format and exhibition brand rather than the specific camera system created for Avatar. Avatar was shown in several formats, but Fusion refers to the production technology associated with its 3D photography.