The invention is directed to systems, methods and computer program products for optimizing usage of image sensors in a stereoscopic environment. The method includes: (a) providing a first image sensor, where the first image sensor is associated with a first image sensor area and a first imaging area; (b) determining a distance from the camera to an object to be captured; and (c) shifting the first imaging area along a length of the first image sensor area, where the amount of the shifting is based at least partially on the distance from the camera to the object, and where the first imaging area can shift along an entire length of the first image sensor area. The invention optimizes usage of an image sensor by permitting an increase in disparity control. Additionally, the invention reduces the closest permissible distance of an object to be captured using a stereoscopic camera.