Reality Capture vs Agisoft: The Verdict on User Experience

When weighing Reality Capture vs Agisoft, Reality Capture is preferred for businesses seeking seamless integration into their workflow and robust photogrammetry capabilities, despite being limited to 32 CPU cores and 3 GPU cards. Agisoft, with affordability and unlimited photos or GPU usage, is more suitable for educational and commercial uses requiring high-value photogrammetry on a budget.

Key Differences Between Reality Capture and Agisoft

• Integration:Reality Capture holds its ground in professional workflows with traction in gaming, VFX and VR.
• Hardware Limitation: RC, being limited to 32 CPU cores and 3 GPU cards, whereas Agisoft capitalizes on unlimited photos and GPU usage.
• Pricing: Reality Capture has complex pricing ($10/3,500 credits) Vs. Agisoft’s clearer pricing structure ($179 standard edition).
• Utility: Agisoft finds favor in the edtech sector due its high-value affordability and Reality Capture shines in business-focused photogrammetry applications.
• Software Developer Kit: Available only for Reality Capture with command line operation support.

Comparison	RealityCapture	Agisoft Metashape
Developer Name	Capturing Reality	Agisoft
Target Market	Businesses looking for photogrammetry software	Commercial – high value-for-money
Application Fields	Cultural heritage, gaming, surveying etc	Gaming, GIS, cultural heritage etc
Pricing Model	$10 per 3,500 credits	$179 for standard edition perpetual license
Software Capabilities	3D modeling, georeferencing etc	Refining mesh, direct import of videos etc
Nvidia Graphics Card Support	Limited	Enhances performance
Performance	Works linearly, doubles as input doubles	Speed more than doubled over years
Demo Available	Yes, without export possibilities	Provision for 30-day fully functional trial
Models from Photos	3D models with 2500 photos	No limitations on number of photos
Export Options	Directly to video, still image, Sketchfab	Formats including OBJ, 3D pdf, 3D printing
Optimization Tools	Smoothing tool	Masking tools, scaling, cropping tools
Integration	Attracts professionals due to workflow integration	Supported in immersive tech, gaming, AR/VR etc

What Is RealityCapture (RC) and Who’s It For?

RealityCapture (RC) is a 3D computer graphics software developed by Slovak company, Capturing Reality. Since its introduction in 2016, RC has seamlessly created 3D models from unordered photos or laser scans. Utilized in various fields including gaming, mapping, virtual reality, and more, it offers features such as meshing, texturing, and georeferencing. Catering mainly to businesses seeking efficient photogrammetry software, it also benefits architects by allowing visualization of future building settings.

Pros of RealityCapture

• High processing efficiency with mid-level systems
• Integration into professional workflow
• Capability of creating 3D models with up to 2,500 photos
• Faster local photogrammetry than Autodesk’s cloud service

Cons of RealityCapture

• Limited Nvidia graphics card support
• Software license barrier tied to CPU cores and GPU cards limits
• Lack of technical support for Promo license users
• Additional licenses needed for higher configurations

What Is Agisoft Metashape and Who’s It For?

Formerly known as ‘Photoscan’, Agisoft’s Metashape is a competitive photogrammetric software. Without restrictions on photo numbers or GPUs used, and offering tools like refining mesh and background removal, Metashape serves as an affordable and high value-for-money solution. It caters to both the commercial market and applications such as GIS, cultural heritage documentation, and visual effects production. Apart from being a solid player in gaming and immersive tech, it also has potential in 3D printing.

Pros of Agisoft Metashape

• No limitations on number of photos or GPUs
• Significant performance improvement over time
• High quality, detailed 3D models
• Vast range of export formats including 3D pdf and .stl for 3D printing

Cons of Agisoft Metashape

• Performance enhancement needed for integrated GPUs
• Complicated process involving multiple distinct steps
• Separate tools required to streamline dense point clouds

The Final Choice: RealityCapture or Agisoft?

Having explored the immersive landscapes of RealityCapture and Agisoft, the apex verdict boils down to your unique needs. Let’s dissect this for different user perspectives:

Game Developers

RealityCapture, with its integration into Unreal Engine, offers seamless workflow that’s smartly wired for gaming applications. Batching 3D models from up to 2500 photos, with efficient processing even on mid-level systems, it is built robustly for game developers. A factor to consider is its limited Nvidia graphics card support and the commercial pricing of $10 per 3,500 credits.

Architects and Surveyors

For professionals requiring georeferencing functionality, RealityCapture is a sound investment. It provides architects the ability to visualize future designs and present them to clients more effectively. Surveyors working on mapping projects could comfortably leverage its linear processing model.

Educational and SME Segments

Agisoft’s Metashape, due to its alluring combination of affordability and high performance, is a surefire candidate. Its pricing model of $179 for the standard edition perpetual license, with a discounted $59 for educational use proves substantially beneficial for these segments. A 30-day fully functional trial further sweetens the deal.

Do you develop games or strive for quality architectural visualizations? Opt for RealityCapture. Seeking cost-efficiency without compromising on power? Agisoft’s Metashape is your answer.