For 3D graphics software with photogrammetry capabilities, RealityCapture is the preferred choice, offering powerful functionalities in contrast to PhotoScan‘s simple-usage digital photo scanning. Aimed at professionals seeking advanced imagery solutions, RealityCapture integrates with standard workflows favorably.

Comparison of Reality Capture and PhotoScan

Key Differences Between RealityCapture and PhotoScan

  • Functionality: RealityCapture specializes in creating 3D models from photos/laser scans, while PhotoScan digitizes physical photos.
  • User Base: RealityCapture attracts professionals in different fields due to its advanced functionalities; PhotoScan is geared toward consumers needing quality scans.
  • Platform: RealityCapture operates on 64-bit Windows, whereas PhotoScan is available on both Android and iOS.
  • Processing: RealityCapture’s processing time scales linearly with input, while PhotoScan processes a scan within 15 to 30 seconds.
  • Integration: RealityCapture combines well with industry-standard workflows and Unreal Engine. PhotoScan integrates with Google Photos for easy sharing/storage of scans.
Comparison RealityCapture (RC) Google PhotoScan
Developed By Capturing Reality Google
Public Release Year 2016 2018
Primary Function Creates 3D models from photos or laser scans Digitizes physical photos with enhanced quality
Fields of Application Cultural heritage, gaming, full body scanning, surveying, mapping, VFX, VR Personal archiving, museums, historical societies, educational
Required System Configurations Runs on 64-bit machines with 8GB RAM, 64bit Windows 7/8/8.1/10, Nvidia CUDA 2.0+ GPU Works on Android 5.0 and above & iOS devices
User Interface Reminiscent of video editing software User-friendly, simple, highly intuitive
Processing Time Linear time-to-output rate Processes a scan within 15 and 30 seconds
Key Features Image registration, calibration, polygon mesh calculation, texturing, georeferencing, measurement, inspection, generation of VR scenes, textured 3D meshes, orthographic projections AI technology, image recognition, quality enhancement algorithms, automatic cropping, perspective correction, smart rotation, removal of glares and distortions, stitching of multiple images
Integration Command line operation, SDK available, future integration into Unreal Engine Integration with Google Photos and Cloud services
Pricing $10 per 3,500 credits Free

What Is RealityCapture and Who’s It For?

RealityCapture (RC) is a state-of-the-art 3D computer graphics software devised by a Slovak company, Capturing Reality. First seen in the public domain in 2016, this tool can generate realistic 3D models from unordered photos or laser scans, presenting a seamless integration opportunity for sectors like cultural heritage, gaming, surveying, mapping, VFX, and VR. By extending its capability towards linear functioning, it has achieved significant popularity among businesses seeking photogrammetry software.

Colorful representation of RealityCapture software interface showcasing 3D model creation

Pros of RealityCapture

  • Brilliant for photogrammetry and laser scans
  • Intuitive software interface resembling video editing software
  • Flexible price-points with $10 per 3,500 credits

Cons of RealityCapture

  • Limited Nvidia graphics card support
  • Absence of lasers in the new Photogrammetry dedicated version
  • Limited technical support for Promo license

What Is PhotoScan and Who’s It For?

PhotoScan is an innovative app developed by Google designed to transform physical photos into high-definition digital scans. Launched in 2018, PhotoScan utilizes cutting-edge AI technology, image recognition, and enhancement algorithms to deliver visually appealing images that can be easily saved to Google Photos or shared online. It caters to a broad user profile, including individuals, museums, historical societies, and educational institutions aiming to digitize large photo collections swiftly.

Colorful imagery showing a hand using PhotoScan app on a smartphone scanning an old photograph

Pros of PhotoScan

  • Quick scanning time between 15 and 30 seconds
  • Exceptional image enhancement capabilities
  • Easy integration with Google Photos and other cloud services

Cons of PhotoScan

  • Scanning quality dependent on phone camera quality and the lack of glare
  • Output resolution of 72 ppi may not satisfy all users
  • Reorientation feature may not always correct photo alignment

RealityCapture vs PhotoScan: Pricing

In contrast to RealityCapture’s credit-based pricing costing $10 per 3,500 credits, Google’s PhotoScan is offered free to users.

RealityCapture

RealityCapture adopts a credit-based pricing model, costing $10 per 3,500 credits. The application’s features and functionality are available to users upon purchase of the required credits. Users with high configuration needs might need to purchase additional licenses.

PhotoScan

PhotoScan by Google is a free-to-use application. It provides high-definition digital scans at no cost, appealing to individual users and professionals alike seeking efficient and low-cost digitizing solutions.

Reality Capture vs PhotoScan: Unveiling the Conclusive Verdict

A diligently dissected comparison of two leading technologies, Reality Capture and PhotoScan nearing its culmination leaves the crux question still unanswered: Which one should you opt for? It ultimately boils down to the specific user’s needs. Diving into the platforms’ offerings tailored to diverse audience types can pave the way for an insightful verdict.

GAME DEVELOPERS & AR/VR CREATORS

For game developers and AR/VR creators, the verdict tilts toward Reality Capture (RC) leveraging its potent features such as texturing, georeferencing, image registration, and polygon mesh calculation. The total integration with Unreal Engine after its recent acquisition by Epic Games makes it even more compelling.

Game developer using Reality Capture software for creating high definition 3D models for a game project

PRO ARCHITECTS

Professional Architects, you’re better off with Reality Capture, especially if architectural design and rendering are foremost. RC’s ability to generate 3Dmodels from unordered photos/laser scans opens the doors to intricate design visualizations and advanced client presentations.

Architect using Reality Capture to visualize 3D model of a future building design

PERSONAL PHOTO ENTHUSIASTS AND EDUCATORS

If you are a personal photo enthusiast or into educational disseminations, gear up for PhotoScan. Its AI-backed image enhancement algorithms, rapid scanning, glare removal and distortion reduction, and intuitive UX make for a near-perfect photo archiving solution. Add its seamless integration with Google Photos for effortless editing, and sharing, and it’s a breeze for non-tech savvy users.

Person archiving old physical photos using Google Photoscan on their smartphone

When comparing Reality Capture to PhotoScan, developers, game makers, and AR/VR creators lean towards the former for its potent toolset, while normal users and educators find PhotoScan’s simplicity appealing. Your choice hinges on your specific use-case scenario.

Patrick Daugherty

Content writer @ Aircada. Merging AR expertise with a love for late-night gaming sessions.

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