Meshroom outshines Regard3D for advanced, large-scale photogrammetry projects and offers better market presence and community support. However, Regard3D is more straightforward for smaller, simpler, and non-commercial 3D modeling tasks.

Detailed comparison: Meshroom vs Regard3D

Key Differences Between Meshroom and Regard3D

  • Meshroom is based on the AliceVision framework and is designed for complex, large-scale photogrammetry projects. Regard3D is intended for simpler 3D modeling tasks.
  • Regard3D has built-in functionalities such as point cloud setting and voxel recognition, while Meshroom offers real-time 3D capture with Kinect or Xtion Pro Live.
  • Regard3D tends to be better for those who prefer straightforward use, while Meshroom allows more customization.
  • Community support is more extensive for Meshroom users, while Regard3D has comparatively limited support and contact options.
Comparison Meshroom Regard3D
Open-source Yes Yes
Key Function 3D Reconstruction Structure-from-motion for 3D models
Primary Framework AliceVision OpenMVG
Software Integration Blender, Maya, Houdini plugins, CCTag library, PopSIFT MinGW
Special Applications Real-time 3D capture with Microsoft Kinect or Asus Xtion Pro Live, extended photogrammetry for large-scale projects Creation of animations and time-lapse sequences of models, small structure injection method
OS Compatibility Windows, OSX, Linux Windows, Mac
Target Users 3D printing, scanning, photogrammetry industries 3D modeling, structural analysis industries
Usage Complexity Adjustable settings, video input acceptable but of lower quality Specific photo requirements, limited community support, complex for Linux users
Key Feature Augmented, Live Reconstruction modes Automatic image alignment, point cloud setting, Voxel and point pattern recognition
Item Preparation Coating advised for glossy/transparent objects Specific EXIF info required in images
Technical Requirement Designed for integration in render farm systems OpenGL-enabled graphics card/chip,64-bit OS (Windows 7 or newer, Mac: OS X 10.7 or newer)

What Is Meshroom and Who’s It For?

Meshroom is a free, open-source 3D reconstruction software based on the AliceVision framework. The fruit of an enduring academia-industry collaboration, it offers robust production-quality algorithms for 3D reconstruction and camera tracking. Its history traces back to a 2010 partnership between an IMAGINE research team and Mikros Image. Over the years, it has evolved into a tool designed for integration in render farm systems and studio pipeline customization.
Meshroom photogrammetry software is ideal for Windows and OSX/Linux users requiring 3D printing, 3D scanning, large-scale photogrammetry projects, and real-time 3D capture. This software benefits industries like Robotics, Medicine, Video Games, Movies, and Geomatics.

Colorful 3D rendering of a textured object on Meshroom's user interface

Pros of Meshroom

  • Free, open-source software
  • Robust, quality algorithms
  • Specially designed for render farm systems
  • Targets textured, rough items ideal for photogrammetry

Cons of Meshroom

  • Requires citation for publishing
  • Video input yields lower quality than still images

What Is Regard3D and Who’s It For?

Regard3D is an open-source structure-from-motion application capable of creating 3D models from photos taken at different angles. It boasts a user-friendly interface and valuable features. Rated 4/5 for ease, design, and features, it offers functions like point cloud setting and triangulation. Regard3D serves as a worthy competitor to Agisoft, Colmap, Agi-soft, and Render3D.
This software caters to users intent on compiling 3D models from JPEG, PNG, TIFF, and RAW files. Noted for creating animations and time-lapse sequences, it is compatible with OpenGL-enabled graphics cards/chips, making it a go-to tool in Windows 7+ and Mac OS X 10.7+ systems.

Colorful active Regard3D application screen on a desktop computer

Pros of Regard3D

  • Supports a wide range of file formats
  • Offers advanced features like voxel recognition
  • Enables creation of animations and time-lapse sequences

Cons of Regard3D

  • Limited community support
  • Compiling from source is not user-friendly
  • Requires explicit EXIF info in images

Meshroom vs Regard3D: Pricing

Both Meshroom and Regard3D are open-source 3D Reconstruction technologies, thus they are free of charge.

Meshroom

Meshroom is a free, open-source 3D Reconstruction Software based on the AliceVision framework. Despite being a high-quality product of collaboration between academia and industry, no cost is associated with its usage. Since it’s an open-source project, it requires citation when used for publication.

Regard3D

Regard3D, similar to Meshroom, is an open-source application that generates 3D models from pictures. Under the MIT License, Regard3D is freely available to users and charges no fees. Notably, the user-friendly tool does not demand payment despite its advanced functionalities and regular upgrades.

Meshroom Vs Regard3D: Deciphering the Fine Line

With both Meshroom and Regard3D offering impressive 3D reconstruction capabilities, the choice mainly boils down to your specific requirements and work environment.

Open-Source Enthusiasts

For open-source devotees who value collaborative workspaces, Meshroom is a clear winner. With its roots in academia-industry partnership, it underscores the power of open-source software. From baseline technologies like Blender, Maya, to complex AliceVision frameworks, Meshroom delivers robust performance.

Open-source enthusiast reviewing code on dual monitors

Windows Users

Regard3D, with simple Windows installation, offers a user-friendly experience. It falls short for Linux users, yet, for the Windows populace, it’s an ideal choice. Famed for its automatic image alignment and point cloud setting, Regard3D’s high user ratings tilt the scale in its favour for this segment.

Windows user running a 3D model simulation on a desktop

Healthcare & Robotics Professionals

Industries like healthcare and robotics seeking a realistic 3D depiction should opt for Meshroom. Whether mapping a CT scanned human body or constructing textured, photorealistic models for robotics, Meshroom’s potent algorithms drive precision and quality.

Robotics engineer using 3D modeling software to study robot design

Animation & Time-lapse Creators

Turn to Regard3D for creating impressive animations and time-lapse sequences. With its voxel and point pattern recognition wrapped in an advanced feature set, it enriches your creations with fine details.

Animator at a drawing board, working on a time-lapse sequence

In the Meshroom vs. Regard3D face-off, Meshroom leads for open-source and industry application, but for Windows users and animation creators, Regard3D ends up on top. Your specific project requirements should guide your choice.

Tiffany Brise

Content writer @ Aircada, patiently awaiting a consumer AR headset that doesn’t suck.

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