For users seeking advanced 3D scanning capabilities with diverse export formats and collaborative features, PolyCam is worth opting for. If data privacy and scan editing abilities are your priority, choose Scandy Pro. Consider your device compatibility and budget as well.
Key Differences Between PolyCam and Scandy Pro
- PolyCam offers LiDAR scanning, 360-degree panorama capture, while Scandy Pro operates through photogrammetry.
- PolyCam provides collaborative editing with sharing across a platform; Scandy Pro focuses on privacy with all data processing and storage on-device.
- Scandy Pro is compatible with multiple programming languages; PolyCam’s models can be used in Blender, Cinema4D, Unity, Unreal.
- The pricing plan of PolyCam is $14.99/month or $79.99/year; Scandy Pro charges $1.99/week, $5.99/month, or $49.99/year.
- PolyCam supports drone mapping, Scandy Pro does not.
| Comparison | Polycam | Scandy Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Technologies Used | LiDAR scanning, Photogrammetry, 360-degree panorama capture, Apple’s Object Capture technology for photogrammetry processing | Photogrammetry, 3D scanning using pmd pico flexx ToF sensor |
| Application Area | For contractors, interior designers, architects, VFX, filmmaking, 3D art, scene building | General-purpose app mainly used for 3D scanning |
| Key Features | 3D capture, photo mode, LiDAR scanning, 360 photos, Room Mode, Video making feature, Measurement tool | On-device scanning, Export in various formats, Modifying and editing captured scans |
| Collaboration | Yes, through the Teams feature and community platform | No, mainly individual usage |
| Exports | Various formats in Pro edition, including mesh data, point cloud data, blueprint | Exports in OBJ, PLY, STL formats, Single-scan exports can be purchased separately |
| Device Support | iOS 15.2+, Android 8.0+, LiDAR works on iPhone 12 Pro, higher; Photo Mode compatible with all iOS devices | iPhone X and later, iPad Pros (2018 and later), Android |
| Data Processing | On-device, AI-based 360 Capture system | All data processing occurs on-device |
| Pricing | Pro edition at $14.99/month or $79.99/year | $1.99/week, $5.99/month, $49.99/year for unlimited scans |
| VR/AR Support | Yes, AR view of 3D models | No |
| Recent Updates | Room Mode, Teams feature | Bug fix for red screen on scan start |
What Is Polycam and Who’s It For?
Polycam, conceptualized and developed by Polycam Inc, is a 3D scanning application deployable on platforms such as iOS and Android. Devoted to LiDAR scanning, photogrammetry, and 360-degree panorama capturing, it is a boon for professionals such as contractors, interior designers, architects and creative individuals engaged in VFX, filmmaking, 3D art, and scene building.
The features provided will pamper you with choices and offer incredible user experience. Want to view 3D models in Augmented Reality (AR)? Tick. Need collaborative editing options? Tick. Looking to perform drone mapping? Tick. The Pro edition draws its strength from unlimited photo-mode capturing and flexible export formats.
Pros of Polycam
- Ai-based 360 Capture
- Room Mode for advanced floor designs
- In-built video making and measurement tools
- Compatibility with popular platforms like Blender, Cinema4D, Unity, Unreal
Cons of Polycam
- Android version lacks Photo Mode feature, expected to be delivered soon
- Observable texture size limit on mobile web browsers
- LiDAR scanning requires specific devices such as iPhone 12 Pro or higher
What Is Scandy Pro and Who’s It For?
Designed by Scandy Inc, Scandy Pro is an on-device 3D scanning application suitable for iPhone and iPad Pros users. Scandy Pro shines with its scanning capabilities, allowing users to save and export scans in multiple file formats and scales. However, the app’s imprint reaches beyond just scanning; Scandy Pro also generously extends to GPU-intensive operations, single-scan exports, and on-device data processing.
Known for its privacy-centric operations and strong partnership with PMD, a leading 3D sensor developer, Scandy Pro is a versatile tool working through photogrammetry, transforming 2D photos into 3D models while preserving high-res details as minuscule as 0.3mm.
Pros of Scandy Pro
- On-device data processing ensuring maximum privacy
- Compatible with numerous programming languages
- Shares results easily via popular platforms
- User-friendly editing capabilities
Cons of Scandy Pro
- No cloud storage or backup
- Potential lag due to GPU-intensive operations
- Data permanency leading to non-recoverable losses once deleted
PolyCam vs Scandy Pro: Pricing
While both PolyCam and Scandy Pro offer subscription-based pricing, Scandy Pro also allows for individual, single-scan purchases.
PolyCam
PolyCam offers a Pro edition at a subscription rate of $14.99 per month or $79.99 annually. The Pro edition accesses advanced export formats and unlimited Photo Mode captures.
Scandy Pro
Scandy Pro pricing is structured in packages: $1.99 for a weekly subscription, $5.99 a month, and $49.99 annually, all availing users with unlimited scans. The app also offers the option to purchase single-scan exports separately.
The Final Verdict | Polycam VS Scandy Pro
With a comprehensive rundown of Polycam and Scandy Pro under your belt, the stark contrasts between the two are clear. As your guide, I’m here to break down which budding game developers, AR/VR creators, tech enthusiasts, and interior designers should lean towards and why.
Game Developers and AR/VR Creators
In the realm of game creation and AR/VR design, Polycam has the advantage. With support for high-end platforms like Blender, Unity, and Unreal, plus the fresh implementation of Apple’s Object Capture technology, Polycam steps ahead in the race. The convenience of a web version and 3D modelling for Android users on the horizon further sweetens the deal, though be wary of texture limitations on mobile web browsers.
Tech Enthusiasts
For tech aficionados with a sweet spot for emerging technologies, both products offer enticing features. However, Scandy Pro’s commitment to privacy, all data operations on-device, and its partnership with a leading 3D sensor developer, PMD, swings the balance. Be cautioned about the GPU intensive nature of Scandy Pro and lack of cloud storage, as data loss cannot be recovered.
Interior Designers
An absolute boon for interior designers is Polycam. The newly added Room Mode for interactive floor plans and furniture placement paired with a measurement tool of inch-level accuracy make it a designer’s best friend. Take the advantage of viewing your 3D models in AR, though you do need a LiDAR sensor-equipped device for optimal experience.
Ultimately, when your interests are vested in game development and interior design, Polycam stands out with its versatile features and advanced technology adoption. For tech enthusiasts prioritizing privacy and gadget operations, Scandy Pro is the go-to choice. Despite their distinctive benefit packages, both technologies push the envelope in the 3D scanning landscape.
