Top 15 Reality Capture Alternatives to Consider in 2024

Reality Capture by Capturing Reality, a Slovak company founded in 2013, offers groundbreaking 3D modeling software used across various industries like cultural heritage, gaming, and VFX. It generates textured 3D meshes and orthographic projections efficiently, appealing to professionals due to seamless integration into workflows.

Alternatives to Reality Capture in 2024

For those exploring options beyond Reality Capture, alternatives include Pix4D, ReCap Pro, Agisoft, Metashape, 3DF Zephyr, Meshroom, ContextCapture, Canvas, PolyCam, SiteScape, Scandy Pro, Kiri, WiDAR, Scaniverse, and PolyCam Pro.

Pix4D

Considered a trailblazer in the domain of drone mapping and photogrammetry software, Pix4D reigns supreme in its worldwide offices. Its essence lies in empowering individuals to create professional 3D maps, with a broad-ranging image source compatibility that includes hand-captured, drone-taken, and plane images.

Top Features of Pix4D

Pix4Dmapper: A potent photogrammetry software offering the transformation of images into precise 2D maps and 3D models.
Includes personal customer support, and access to abundant learning resources.
Pix4Dreact: A cutting-edge solution catering to public safety and emergency response sectors by creating 2D maps from drone images.
Pix4Dcapture: A comprehensive flight planning mobile app designed for seamless mapping and 3D modeling.

Feature	Description
Subscription Benefits	Subscription includes Software upgrades, learning paths for training, and optional Cloud processing with a Pix4Dmapper license.
Pix4Dcapture	Users get flexible control over flight plan and parameters. Available for both Android and iOS.
Payment Options	Supports various payment methods such as credit card, PayPal, and wire transfers for certain amounts.

Pix4D Limitations

Despite its many strengths, Pix4D does not seem to offer refunds for cancellations, and changes to subscriptions are only reflected at the end of the billing cycle.

Pix4D Pricing

The exact pricing isn’t specified, but Pix4D offers flexible subscription models that can be modified or cancelled at any time. Payments are accepted through credit cards, PayPal, and wire transfers for amounts above 1500 USD, EUR, CHF.

Pix4D Use Cases

Public Safety and Emergency Response

Pix4Dreact is a lifesaver in times of crisis. It creates 2D maps from drone images, which can provide essential insights for emergency response teams.

Professional Map Creation

With its potent Pix4Dmapper software, Pix4D makes the creation of professional 3D maps and models from varied image sources an effortless task.

Aerial Imaging

Pix4D allows for wide-ranging aerial image mapping applications, broadening the possibilities in sectors that heavily rely on aerial imagery.

ReCap Pro

A product of Autodesk, ReCap Pro connects the physical world to the digital realm using 3D scanning technology, creating intricate 3D models from photographs and laser scans.

ReCap Pro Top Features

Facilitates collaboration through reality-based design.
Incorporates ReCap Photo service, an innovative technology processing drone imagery to create 3D representations of site conditions and objects.
Offers ReCap Pro SDK for the seamless integration of reality data into Autodesk design and construction tools.
Utilizes high-precision GPS technology for high accuracy photo reconstruction, without the need for ground control points preparation.

Unique feature	Benefits
Side-side comparison in RealView and Overhead Map View	Allows for easy comparison and precise modeling.
XY axis setting for user coordinate system in Overhead View using compass widget	Improves navigation and orientation within the model.
GoPro image importing and GPS tag support	Enables geolocation, scaling and compatibility with widely used media formats.

ReCap Pro Limitations

For optimal use, ReCap Pro requires high specification hardware and may not run well on standard computers.
There might be potential limitations in terms of software integrations, like Bentley’s reality modeling software and Pix4D’s drone mapping software.

ReCap Pro Pricing

ReCap Pro is a premium software offering extensive features with pricing starting at $26 per month. It also offers a free trial, and licenses are sold on monthly, yearly, or 3-yearly plans for all-feature access.

ReCap Pro Use Cases

Use Case 1: Construction and Engineering Projects

ReCap Pro translates real-world conditions into complex, accurate 3D models, making it highly beneficial for construction and engineering projects.

Use Case 2: Surveying and Measurement

This software simplifies the time-consuming survey process and is compatible with numerous mobile devices, including iPad Pro, for on-site data measurement, viewing, and marking up.

Use Case 3: Academia and Research

With its accurate 3D modeling and reality capture capabilities, ReCap Pro serves as a powerful tool for academic researchers in the areas of architecture, archaeology, and environmental sciences.

Scandy Pro

Serving as a pioneer in the 3D scanning territory since 2014, Scandy Pro is an ingenious application developed by Scandy Inc. Designed to induce compatibility with a range of Apple devices, this app is a dynamic option for 3D modeling and graphics enthusiasts, prioritizing meticulously detailed scanning and on-device privacy.

Scandy Pro Top Features

Compatibility with multiple iPhone and iPad Pro models.
Allows saving and exportation of scans in numerous file formats and scales.
All rendering occurs on-device, eliminating the requirement for cloud registration or storage.
Single-scan exports available separately.
Available on Android.
Operates through photogrammetry, leveraging 2D photos to generate 3D models.

Feature	Description
Processing and Storage	All scan data, processing, and storage occurs only within the device to ensure utmost privacy.
Scan Resolution	Ability to capture detail as minuscule as 0.3mm within a 0.25m bounding box.
Scan Sharing	Enables users to share scan results on social media, and other platforms.

Scandy Pro Limitations

GPU intensive thereby leading to potential slowdown after numerous consecutive scans.
No cloud storage or backup facilities, eliminating data retrieval possibilities after deletion.

Scandy Pro Pricing

Scandy Pro operates on a subscription model with options at $1.99/week, $5.99/month, and $49.99/year for unlimited scans. Additionally, per scan exports can be acquired separately, offering flexibility to casual users. However, it’s noteworthy to mention that Scandy Pro also presents one free scan export per week, echoing its commitment to user-friendly policies.

Scandy Pro Use Cases

Use case 1: 3D Model Creation

Photogrammetry artists, 3D model creators and designers can leverage Scandy Pro’s high-resolution scans and diverse export formats to create detailed 3D models from real-world objects or environments.

Use case 2: Social Media Sharing

Social media enthusiasts will find Scandy Pro particularly appealing with its provisions to share results directly on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Whatsapp, Line, Email, iCloud, and iMessage, thereby enhancing their social presence.

Use case 3: Academic Research

Researchers in fields like Archaeology or Architecture can use Scandy Pro to capture intricate details of artifacts or buildings and later use these scans in their studies or 3D visualizations.

Kiri

Meet Kiri, a cutting-edge player in the realm of 3D scanning, modeling, and processing. Specializing in photogrammetry technology, Kiri embodies innovation via its application of artificial intelligence and is slated for a major upgrade with the integration of Neural Radiance Fields technology.

Kiri Top Features

AI-powered 3D Scanning: Clean, precise 3D models are achieved through the intelligent estimation of featureless parts.
Neural Radiance Fields Technology: On the horizon for June 2023, this upgrade offers breathtaking 3D reconstruction capabilities akin to Google Earth.
Scalable Performance: Kiri accommodates users via a free app, allowing up to 70 photos per scan, and a premium option for up to 200 photos.

Feature	Benefit
Professional 3D Scanning	Tailor-made for application in mechanical engineering and other professional fields.
Community Interaction	Dedicated Discord server for interaction, feedback, and updates.
User-friendly App	Compatible with iOS and Android, it requires no high-powered PC as processing occurs on Kiri’s servers.

Kiri Downsides

Access to servers requires sign-ups, potentially a barrier for some users.
Export of scan data requires copying a download link and sending it to oneself, which may be an inconvenience.
Kiri app’s features are still expanding and may not cover some specialized needs for 3D modeling.

Kiri Pricing

Kiri’s app is free for everyone, with an option for a premium subscription that delivers faster server speeds, unlimited exports, and the ability to scan more photos.

Kiri Use Cases

Use Case 1: Mechanical Engineering

Kiri’s proficiency in professional 3D scanning positions it at the front line for mechanical engineers, providing precise and clean modeling.

Use Case 2: Gaming and Digital Art

The photogrammetry feature enlivens game graphics and digital art by recreating true-to-life exteriors of objects.

Use Case 3: Community-based Development

Kiri’s user-friendly app and active Discord server makes it a prime choice for users who value an interactive and responsive platform.

WiDAR

Developed by physicist Fabio da Silva, WiDAR stands at the vanguard of Augmented Reality (AR). This revolutionary technology breathes life into the realm of 3D Graphics & Modeling. Using 12 transmitting antennas, WiDAR redefines the boundaries of reality capture, enabling the detection of objects – even humans – behind barriers such as walls, wood, and glass.

WiDAR Top|Best Features

High Imaging Capability: WiDAR employs 12 transmitting antennas to create detailed and accurate images.
Dynamic Object Detection: Its system can discern objects and humans, even behind walls.
Transient Rendering Computation: WiDAR utilizes a machine learning-derived technique for superior image processing.
Large Data Handling: The system can correlate patterns in 1.5 billion samples per second.
High-resolution Image Generation: WiDAR can produce 4096-pixel images.
3D Scanning and Editing: With its integrated 3D production app, 3D models can be scanned and edited on both iPhones and iPads.

Operating Frequency	200 MHz – 10 GHz
Transmission	Distinct pulse signatures from each antenna
Commercialization	Through Wavsens LLC

WiDAR Limitations| Disadvantages | Downsides

While WiDAR houses numerous advanced features, it isn’t without its limitations. Primarily, it’s currently under development by a small team, making scalability a potential concern. Secondly, the technology is compatible with a limited range of devices – iPhone 8 Plus and onwards, and the 3rd generation iPads and above.

WiDAR Use Cases

Use Case 1: Search and Rescue

Limitations in human sight often hinder efficient search and rescue operations. WiDAR can aid firefighters in navigation by detecting humans behind walls. Its ability to penetrate various materials make it a revolutionary tool in such critical missions.

Use Case 2: Healthcare

WiDAR’s capability to track vital signs could open new doors in remote patient monitoring, improving healthcare access. Its precision and high processing capacity make it an innovative player in healthcare technology.

Use Case 3: Transportation

In the realm of transportation, WiDAR could enhance safety and efficiency by assuring accurate indoor localization and non-destructive evaluation. Its potential applications in tracking and navigation could revolutionize the transportation industry.

Scaniverse

Unlock the power of 3D scanning with Scaniverse, an innovative mobile app that caters to all recent iPhones and iPads. With a flair for creating highly accurate 3D models via photogrammetry, Scaniverse thrives where other apps fade.

Scaniverse Top Features

Phenomenal Accuracy: Leveraging the capabilities of LiDAR-enabled devices, Scaniverse ensures your models are metrically accurate.
Multi-format Export Options: OBJ, FBX, USDZ, LAS – whatever your preferred format, Scaniverse has you covered.
Broad Compatibility: Import your models directly into renowned 3D modeling software like Blender and Maya, as well as game engines such as Unity and Unreal.
Detail Mode: For high-quality, detailed, and accurate 3D models, there’s no beating Scaniverse’s Detail Mode.
Web and AR views: View your scans in immersive 3D or augmented reality (AR) presentations.

Non-LiDAR Device support	Scaniverse 2.0 holds a competitive edge over its predecessors by extending support to non-LiDAR devices.
Future Processing Options	The scene is never set in stone – Scaniverse allows for raw data exports, allowing future processing and adaptability.
Mesh Simplification	In a bid to streamline model building, Scaniverse provides mesh simplification.

Scaniverse Limitations

Limited support for Landscape and Portrait mode may inconvenience certain users.
Previous versions offer no support for viewing scans on non-LiDAR devices – a limitation addressed with the launch of Scaniverse 2.0.

Scaniverse Pricing

Here’s a welcome surprise – Scaniverse is completely free. Yes, you read that right: a feature-rich, user-friendly AR modelling app that won’t cost you a dime.

Scaniverse Use Cases

Casual Scanning

Scaniverse is perfect for those seeking a user-friendly yet accurate solution for their casual scanning needs. Whether it’s capturing 3D references or creating models for AR visualizations, this app delivers.

Aided Design

Exporting point clouds in multiple formats makes Scaniverse the ideal companion for 3D modeling and game design software. With ready-to-use, precise models, you can streamline your projects like never before.

Social Sharing

Easily create videos from your scans and share your creations on social media directly from the Scaniverse platform.

PolyCam Pro

An app designed to bring LiDAR scanning and photogrammetry to your mobile device or DSLR camera, PolyCam Pro has gained worldwide popularity in the 3D scanning space. Free for basic users and reasonable for Pro subscribers, it’s simplifying the process of capturing reality across industries.

PolyCam Pro Top Features

Straightforward LiDAR Scanning on Pro iOS devices for quick 3D captures.
Photo Mode that turns your smartphone into a photogrammetry powerhouse.
360 Photos Mode for instant spherical imaging and skybox images.
Free 3D Models for immediate use across creative projects.
Teams Function for collaborative content and user management.
Compatible with Blender, Unity, Unreal, Cinema4D for extensive utilization.

Feature	Description
Drone Mapping	Converts drone footage into 3D models seamlessly.
AR Videos Creation	Enables the creation of AR videos, enhancing e-commerce experiences.
Object Recognition	Identifies and adds generic furniture to room scans in Room Mode.

PolyCam Pro Downsides

LiDAR Scanning feature is only supported on Pro iOS devices.
Photo Mode on Android is still under development.
360 Capture comes with a watermark in the free base edition.

PolyCam Pro Pricing

PolyCam Pro offers a free version for basic users, with premium features available at $39.99 per year for those seeking more comprehensive functionality and watermark-free exports.

PolyCam Pro Use Cases

Use Case 1: Professional 3D Workflow

Perfect for creating detailed floor plans and architectural renderings, facilitating VFX and filmmaking, 3D artistry, and scene building.

Use Case 2: Interior Designers and Architects

Ideal for capturing precise dimensions of rooms for improvements, creating stunning 3D models, and generating architecture plans.

Use Case 3: E-commerce

AR videos creation enhances product visualization, accurately representing items for sale.

Agisoft

Agisoft is a robust player in the field of photogrammetric software, particularly renowned for its product – Metashape. Previously known as ‘Photoscan’, Metashape has carved a niche for itself in the commercial market.

Agisoft Top Features

Exceptional Performance: Over the years, Metashape’s processing speed has more than doubled, announcing noteworthy improvements.
High-Quality Models: The software can generate superior models via its mesh-generation functionality, using depth maps to eliminate noise and enhance details.
Refining and Constructing Mesh: Apart from creating a mesh from depth maps, the software incorporates tools for refining it, leading to more precise models.
Import Directly from Video: Agisoft Metashape introduces a unique tool which allows for direct video import, decomposing them into individual frames for user convenience.
Advanced Masking Tools: The software features comprehensive masking tools for effective background removal and a streamlined point cloud environment.

Feature	Description
Export:	Models can be exported in various formats: Wavefront OBJ, 3D pdf, and even for 3D printing (.stl).
360-degree Models:	Metashape provides the capacity to create 360-degree models, with tools for marking, scaling, removing unwanted points, and cropping.
30-day Fully Functional Trial:	Agisoft offers a 30-day fully functional trial for users to ascertain Metashape’s value before purchase.

Agisoft Disadvantages

Although GPU usage enhances performance, users need to exercise discretion and caution when dealing with integrated GPUs.

Agisoft Pricing

Agisoft provides the Metashape standard edition as a perpetual license for $179, with an educational discount option reducing the price to $59. This places Agisoft as an affordable choice in the commercial market.

Agisoft Use Cases

Use Case 1 – GIS applications

Agisoft caters well to Geographic Information Systems by providing high-quality, detailed models and easy-to-use export features.

Use Case 2 – Cultural Heritage Documentation

Metashape’s ability to provide refined meshes and high-detail models makes it ideal for preserving and documenting cultural heritage.

Use Case 3 – Visual Effects Production

The import from video feature alongside the superb model generation capabilities prove Agisoft a powerful tool in the realm of visual effects production.

Metashape

In the realm of 3D modeling and graphics, Metashape stands out as a photogrammetric application. Developed by Agisoft, it’s designed to build either 2D or 3D models from captured images. Operating seamlessly across Windows, Linux, and MacOS, Metashape navigates the expanse from indirect object measurement to VFX production.

Metashape Top Features

Depth Map Models: Metashape offers the unique feature of building 3D models from depth maps, ushering in a new level of detail.
Processing Speed: It boasts processing times improved to twice the speed of previous versions, saving valuable time and enhancing productivity.
Sophisticated UI: The user-friendly interface includes a convenient dark mode and a workflow dropdown summarizing process steps.
Virtual Desktop Compatibility: Catering to modern work paradigms, Metashape supports Virtual Desktop environments.
Texturing and Scaling: Metashape’s richness lies in its texture building and model scaling features, enabling customization and accuracy.

Feature	Description
Align Chunks	Allows merger of individual models into a single one
Export Formats	Including versatile options such as .obj, .pdf, and .stl
Cloud Dataset Processing	Cloud computing time is purchasable directly from the software for cloud dataset processing

Metashape Limitations

Processing times can be variable, with high accuracy processing potentially requiring more than 19 hours.
Use of markers is recommended for image alignment, indicating a dependency.
Meshing noise may need refinement using Mesh from depth maps, suggesting potential noise in the initial output.

Metashape Pricing

Metashape is priced at a reasonable $179 for its Standard edition while the professional version is available for $3499. The company also offers a substantial educational discount with licenses reaching as low as $59.

Metashape Use Cases

Use case 1

Metashape can be effectively employed in GIS, providing critical data for mapping and understanding geographical relationships.

Use case 2

In the domain of cultural heritage documentation, Metashape emerges as an invaluable tool, generating highly accurate 3D models of artefacts and historical sites.

Use case 3

As an indirect measurement device, Metashape effectively calculates dimensions and scaling within 3D models, potentially useful in industries such as architecture and engineering.

3DF Zephyr

Step into the world of 3DF Zephyr, an avant-garde software developed by 3Dflow. This Italian software company revolutionizes 3D model reconstruction from photos and automates photogrammetry processes.

3DF Zephyr Top Features

Offers complete 3D model reconstruction automation from photos or videos.
Equipped with multi-GPU support for fast performance and efficiency.
Supports wide variety of camera sensors, drones, and laser scanners.
Includes full photogrammetry, laser scans, and post-processing tools in one application.
Possesses advanced control over four processing steps: meshing, editing, transforming, selection.

What Sets It Apart	Benefit
Integration with laser scanning	Allows for accurate scaling via ground control points.
Auto-Masking Tool	Facility to automatically exclude image background for a cleaner 3D model in Lite and Pro versions.
Print and Detect Coded Targets	In Pro version, enhances precision and automation in data capture and processing.

3DF Zephyr Limitations

Limited to Windows application but can work on Linux with Wine.
Free version only supports single NVIDIA GPU and limits to 50 photos.
Hefty price tag for Pro and Aerial versions.

3DF Zephyr Pricing

3DF Zephyr offers flexible pricing models. The free version comes with basic capabilities, while the Lite version permits unlimited images and dual NVIDIA GPU support for €199.00 + VAT. The Pro and Aerial versions with full features are available for a perpetual license at €4200.00 + VAT or as a monthly subscription at €250.00 + VAT.

3DF Zephyr Use Cases

Use case 1: 3D Content Creation

For content creators looking to blend physical and digital worlds, 3DF Zephyr’s automation and accuracy in 3D model reconstruction from photos and videos can be a game-changer.

Use case 2: Drone Mapping

For drone operators and aerial photographers, the software’s capability to generate true orthophotos, Digital Terrain and Surface models makes it an ideal tool for precision mapping.

Use case 3: Laser Scanning Projects

For surveyors and engineers, features such as the ability to perform CAD drawing, generate sections, paths, contour lines, and integrate with laser scanning become indispensable for large-scale projects.

Meshroom

Introducing Meshroom—a cutting-edge, free, open-source 3D Reconstruction Software based upon the AliceVision framework. Born out of a potent collaboration between academia and industry, this potent tool offers robust and high-quality algorithms for production.

Meshroom Top Features

3D Reconstruction and Camera Tracking algorithms – Designed for high accuracy and precision.
Compatibility with Render Farm Systems – Ensures seamless integration for efficient workflow.
Customization for Studio Pipelines – Provides ample space for personal tweaks and adjustments.
Accommodates Various Input Tools – Accepts Blender, Maya, Houdini plugins, etc.
Real-Time 3D Capture – Targeting textured, rough items ideal for photogrammetry.

Feature	Description
Availability	Compatible with both Windows and OSX/Linux systems.
Photogrammetry Capabilities	Allows extended photogrammetry possibilities for large-scale projects.
Applications	Varied application across industries like Robotics, Medicine, Video games, movies.

Meshroom Limitations

Dependency on Lighting and Texture – Requires coating glossy or transparent objects with powder/flour/chalk spray or using painters tape for better results.
Video Input Quality – Video input is acceptable, but yields lesser quality than still images.

Meshroom Pricing

Adding delight to its expansive set of features, Meshroom is absolutely free! As an open-source tool, it presents users with the promising advantage of scalability sans price constraints.

Meshroom Use Cases

Use case 1 – 3D Printing & Scanning

Meshroom packs immense utility for those into 3D Printing and Scanning, thanks to its impressive photogrammetry features and compatibility with various plugins.

Use case 2 – Movies and Video Games

In the realm of cinematography and video gaming, Meshroom comes in handy for previz systems—with the ability to mesh reality and virtual in an evocative blend.

Use case 3 – Medicine

In medicine, Meshroom enables large-scale projects such as CT scanned human body models to be developed with fine attention to detail and realism.

ContextCapture

Step into the world of ContextCapture, an innovative software by Bentley Systems. Utilizing photos or LiDAR point clouds, this efficient software creates accurate 3D models, breaking the boundaries of reality modeling and visualization. It is part of the Reality Modeling WorkSuite and is built to produce high-quality 3D meshes suitable for varying infrastructure projects.

ContextCapture Top Features

Creates precise reality meshes, 2.5D digital surface models, and true orthophotos.
Fastest processing speed to automate 3D mesh generation workflow.
Offers highest fidelity desktop capabilities for creating digital context.
Integrates seamlessly with GIS formats in any workflow.
Designed for scalability, handling large-scale datasets efficiently.

Feature	Benefit
Uses machine-learning technology	Detects, locates, and classifies reality data
Parallel processing	Leverages GPU computing, multi-core computing, and advanced bundle block adjustment to speed up production
Cloud-based service	Enables processing projects on a scale as large as entire cities

ContextCapture Limitations

Some might find the level of detail generation and adaptive tiling system complex.
With the wide range of capabilities, ContextCapture could have a steep learning curve for novice users.

ContextCapture Pricing

One of the major advantages of ContextCapture is its cost-effective method of creating 3D models. The pricing details are, however, not explicitly provided in the summary and are likely dependent upon the scale and requirements of your project.

ContextCapture Use Cases

Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development

ContextCapture has revolutionized the field of urban planning. By generating precise 3D models, city planners can visualize proposed infrastructure with unparalleled accuracy.

Architecture and Construction

For architects and construction professionals, ContextCapture plays a crucial role in creating detailed 3D models of buildings and structures, aiding the design and construction process.

Cultural Heritage and Tourism

ContextCapture is instrumental in preserving cultural heritage by creating high-quality 3D models of historic artifacts and sites, providing a technological boon for the tourism industry.

Canvas

In the realm of on-the-fly graphics creation, HTML Canvas element takes precedence. Typically harnessed with JavaScript, it draws the curtains for unmatched interactivity throughout the graphical journey.

Canvas Top Features

Flexibility to draw paths, boxes, circles, text, and images.
Supports creation of graphical data presentations, animations, and gaming applications.
Multiple Canvas elements can be included on a single HTML page.
RenderingContext ensures a display on the initially blank Canvas.

Feature	Description
Canvas API	Used to draw “raster” graphics or manipulate objects at pixel level.
Drawing Styles	Enhance graphics quality by applying styles to all subpaths represented with stroke or fill method.
CanvasImageSource	Utilized to draw images directly to canvas.

Canvas Limitations

Actual graphics require scripting – the platform only provides a house for graphics.
Limited native support from Internet Explorer 8, requiring the application of ExplorerCanvas script.