For digital model creation from photographs, Metashape with diverse editing tools, export formats, and extensive compatibility is an optimal choice. Professionals requiring advanced features may benefit from this, while PhotoScan is perfect for quick, high-quality photo digitization with cloud integration in a user-friendly app.
Key Differences Between Metashape and Photoscan
Creation & Purpose: Metashape enables complex 2D/3D model creation. PhotoScan is designed for swift digitization of physical photos.
User Experience: Metashape gives extensive editing options with professional-grade tools. PhotoScan ensures simplicity and intuitiveness.
Operating System: Metashape works on Windows, Linux, MacOS. PhotoScan is Android and IOS compatible.
Price: Metashape is priced between $179 to $3499 for perpetual licenses. PhotoScan is a free app.
Timescale: Metashape processing can take up to 19+ hours for high accuracy. PhotoScan delivers a scan in 15 to 30 seconds.
Use cases: Metashape is used in GIS, VFX, object measurement. Photoscan is used in personal archiving, professional museum and educational settings.
Cloud integration: Metashape has optional cloud dataset processing. PhotoScan automatically saves to Google Photos.
Comparison
Metashape by Agisoft
PhotoScan by Google
Application
Photogrammetry for creating 2D or 3D models from images
Transforms physical photos into digital scans
Use Cases
GIS, cultural heritage documentation, VFX production, indirect object measurement
Personal archiving, professional settings in museums and historical societies, and educational purposes
Price
Professional version $3499, Standard $179 for perpetual license, Educational discount available
Free
Processing System Compatibility
Windows, Linux, MacOS
Android 5.0 and above, iOS
Processing Time
Vary; high accuracy could take from 9 hours to 19+
15 to 30 seconds per scan
Optimization Support
Cloud processing support, AI land-use classification
AI technology, image recognition, enhancement algorithms
Output
3D Models and 2D Depth Maps
Digital Scans
Image Enhancement Options
Mesh from depth maps for refining noise, Model scaling based on precise points
Automatic cropping via edge detection, perspective correction, smart rotation, stitching multiple images together
Export Options
.obj, .pdf, .stl
Images saved in Google Photos
Integration
Virtual Desktop, Applications like Meshlab, Cloudcompare, Sketchfab
Google Photos, Cloud services for storage and sharing
What Is Metashape by Agisoft and Who’s It For?
Metashape by Agisoft is a powerful photogrammetry tool that turns images into 2D or 3D models. It thrives in dynamic sectors such as GIS, cultural heritage documentation, VFX production, and indirect object measurement. With its smooth operation across Windows, Linux, macOS, it’s a flexible solution for professionals demanding high-end 3D modeling with no restriction on photo numbers or GPU usage. Enhanced with a dark-themed UI, export features in various formats, and AI-aided features in the professional edition, Metashape is intended for tech-oriented professionals and institutions focused on precise, scalable 3D modeling.
Pros of Metashape by Agisoft
Can handle high volumes of images without restrictions.
Multi-platform application.
Dark-mode enabled UI.
High export flexibility including .obj, .pdf, and .stl formats.
Professional edition includes AI features.
Cons of Metashape by Agisoft
High accuracy processing can take up to 19+ hours.
High price point in professional edition.
What Is PhotoScan by Google and Who’s It For?
Launched in 2018, Google’s PhotoScan is designed to transform physical photos into high-definition digital scans. Leverage advanced AI, image recognition, and enhancement algorithms, it ensures the finest image quality. A user-friendly app, it’s available for both Android and iOS users, promising fast scans while removing glare and distortions. This digital tool caters to anyone seeking straightforward digitization of photo collections, like museums, historical societies, or personal archiving enthusiasts. It’s also remarkably suited for any education applications needing image digitization.
Pros of PhotoScan by Google
AI enhanced image quality.
Fast and automatic scanning process.
Integrated with Google Photos for easy organization and sharing.
Supports Android and iOS platforms.
Cons of PhotoScan by Google
Output quality can be influenced by environmental factors.
Requires access to device’s camera and files.
Which navigates the 3D space better: Metashape or PhotoScan?
After an exhaustive comparison, let’s swim through the various audience segments, sharpening the angle of choice for Metashape and PhotoScan.
Technology Developers
If you’re a technology developer striving to create sophisticated 3D models from depth maps or seeking an extensive range of texture mapping options, Metashape’s robust features get your vote. PhotoScan, on the other hand, falls short in its offerings.
AR/VR Creators
AR/VR Creators, gear up! Enhancing your virtual worlds could be one step closer with Metashape’s support for Virtual Desktop compatibility. The AI land-use classification might open up innovative avenues in your AR/VR landscapes. Again, Metashape outperforms PhotoScan.
Personal Archivists & Heritage Documentators
Heavily invested in digitizing and restoring photographs at your own pace? With its advanced glare-removal and distortion-reduction tools, PhotoScan makes a strong case for personal archivists and heritage documentators. Metashape might prove unduly sophisticated and time-intensive for such specific use-cases.
Of the Metashape vs PhotoScan face-off, Metashape’s might in creating detailed 3D models gives it a technical edge for developers and AR/VR creators. But for smoother digitization of personal photo collections, Google’s PhotoScan stands taller due to its user-friendly approach.
Patrick Daugherty
Content writer @ Aircada. Merging AR expertise with a love for late-night gaming sessions.
