Understanding the Basics: PolyCam vs Reality Capture

For professionals seeking streamlined, user-friendly 3D scanning, Polycam outshines Reality Capture. Ideal for designers, filmmakers, and architects, it leverages leading-edge technologies such as LiDAR and Object Capture.

Key Differences Between Polycam and Reality Capture

• Interface: Polycam features an approachable, app-based user interface, while Reality Capture caters to a more technical audience with its software-like UI.
• Scanning Technologies: Polycam offers LiDAR scanning and photogrammetry. Reality Capture utilizes unordered photos or laser scans for 3D model creation.
• Features: Polycam provides AI-based 360-degree capture, AR viewing, and collaborative editing features. Reality Capture offers image registration, georeferencing, and inspection capabilities.
• Pricing: Polycam adopts a subscription model, while Reality Capture operates on a credit-based system.

Comparison	Polycam	RealityCapture
Product Type	3D Scanning App	3D Computer Graphics Software
Key Features	3D capture, 360 Capture, LiDAR, Room Mode, Collaborative Editing, Measurement Tool	Image Registration, Calibration, Polygon Mesh Calculation, Texturing, Georeferencing
Application Areas	Contracting, Design, Architecture, VFX, Filmmaking, 3D Art	Heritage, Gaming, Full Body Scanning, Surveying, Mapping, VFX, VR
Platform Compatibility	iOS 15.2+, Android 8.0+, Web	Windows 7/8/8.1/10 (64bit)
Collaboration	Polycam for Teams	Command Line Operation, Software Development Kit Available
Sophisticated Technology	Apple’s Object Capture, LiDAR	Out-of-core Meshing, Coloring and Texturing
Pricing	$14.99/month for Pro Edition	$10 per 3,500 credits
Export Options	Various formats for Polycam Pro, Compatible with Blender, Cinema4D, Unity, Unreal	Direct to Video, Still Image, SketchFAB
Extra Features	Drone Mapping, Room Mode for floorplans, AI-based 360 Capture	Generates VR scenes, Textured 3D Meshes
Hardware Requirement	iPhone 12 Pro/Max, 2020+ iPad Pro for LiDAR	4 CPU cores, 16 GB RAM, 386 CUDA cores

What Is Polycam and Who’s It For?

Polycam is a dynamic 3D scanning app developed by Polycam Inc. for iOS, Android, and web. Enriched with features like LiDAR scanning, photogrammetry, and 360-degree panorama, it’s ideal for contractors, designers, artists, and filmmakers who are keen on creating scene buildings or 3D art. Polycam also suits tech-savvy architects looking for precision in their work.

Pros of Polycam

• Availability across major platforms
• Collaborative editing with sharing feature
• Advanced export options with Pro edition

Cons of Polycam

• LiDAR functionality limited to specific devices
• Textured captures may appear black on mobile web browsers if larger than 4K
• Photo Mode on Android version still under development

What Is RealityCapture and Who’s It For?

RealityCapture is a comprehensive 3D graphics software engineered by Capturing Reality. It bridges the gap between unordered photos or laser scans and 3D models seamlessly. Primarily catering to sectors like gaming, VFX, VR, mapping, and more, it also has potential applications for architects who wish to enlighten their designs with realistic 3D visualizations.

Pros of RealityCapture

• Efficient out-of-core meshing, coloring, and texturing
• Compatible with mid-range systems
• Generates virtual reality scenes and geo-referenced maps

Cons of RealityCapture

• Limited Nvidia graphics card support
• No technical support for Promo license
• Enhancements required for processing imperfections on hard surfaces

PolyCam vs RealityCapture: Pricing

The professional edition of PolyCam is available for monthly or yearly subscriptions, whereas RealityCapture uses a credit-based pricing system.

PolyCam

PolyCam Pro offers advanced feature access at a cost of $14.99/month or $79.99/year. This edition unlocks features such as advanced export formats and unlimited Photo Mode captures.

RealityCapture

RealityCapture pricing is structured around the use of credits. Every 3,500 credits cost $10, influencing the final cost based on the project’s complexity and resources used during the process.

The Verdict: PolyCam Versus Reality Capture,

In the evolving landscape of AR/VR technology, two shining contestants have emerged: PolyCam and Reality Capture. But which app should you place your bets on? Let’s dissect it, audience segment by audience segment.

Game Developers

For game developers, the spotlit choice is PolyCam. PolyCam caters well to the needs of game creators with its compatibility with platforms such as Unity and Unreal. Moreover, real-time 3D asset creation capabilities, collaboration tools, and export options offered by PolyCam revamp the game design workflow speedily and effortlessly. Reinforce your game with PolyCam’s robust AI-based features for an impressive performance.

Architects and Designers

Audaciously, we recommend Reality Capture for Architects and Designers. Its texturing capability, georeferencing, and measurement tools far outpace that of PolyCam. Overflowing with a brilliant ability to visualize future settings of buildings, Reality Capture proves to be a formidable tool for architectural visualization or client presentation.

Visual Effects Creators

Undeniably, our nod goes to PolyCam for VFX enthusiasts. It’s ability to generate floor plans, provide accurate measurements and offering a multitude of video making features make it a beacon of choice for the industry’s creators. PolyCam’s Object Capture technology further aids in generating high-quality 3D models for creating staggering visual effects.

Determined by its undiluted focus on professional applications and future integrations planned with Unreal Engine, Reality Capture edges out for experienced professionals looking for precise tools. Still, with a panoramic selection of features that include AI-based systems and flexible offerings, PolyCam reigns supreme for broader applications.