Reality Capture vs Pix4D: Which Scanner Should You Use?

For enthusiasts prioritizing photogrammetric precision, Reality Capture is the better choice with its robust visualization capabilities and efficient operation. However, Pix4D edges ahead for professionals seeking comprehensive drone mapping, greater accessibility, and inclusive customer support.

Key Differences Between Reality Capture and Pix4D

• Scope: Reality Capture suits photogrammetry, while Pix4D excels at drone mapping and 3D modeling.
• Efficiency: Reality Capture efficiently processes input, but Pix4D offers a variety of products tailored for specific industries.
• Support: Pix4D provides personal customer support included in the subscription, while Reality Capture limits technical support for certain licenses.
• Pricing: Reality Capture charges based on software license and credits, whereas Pix4D offers subscription-based pricing.

What Is RealityCapture and Who’s It For?

RealityCapture (RC) is a product of Slovakian company, Capturing Reality, launched in 2016. It’s a powerful 3D computer graphics software that generates 3D models from photos and laser scans without any discrepancies. RC has diverse applications across various fields including cultural heritage, gaming, surveying, mapping, and virtual reality.

The software is specifically beneficial for businesses in search of premium photogrammetry software. Architects can use RC to visualise the future setting of their projects, facilitating better design or client presentations. Game developers can also integrate RC into their workflow to generate more realistic environments.

Pros of RealityCapture

• Renders 3D models from unordered photos or laser scans.
• Features out-of-core meshing, coloring, and texturing.
• Works efficiently on mid-level systems.
• Can process up to 2500 photos.
• Exports directly to video, still image, or 3D-sharing platform Sketchfab.
• The new version, RealityCapture PGM, is designed specifically for photogrammetry.

Cons of RealityCapture

• Processing time doubles as input doubles.
• Limited Nvidia graphics card support.
• Needs further enhancement for better results on hard surfaces.

What Is Pix4D and Who’s It For?

Pix4D is a global front-runner in drone mapping and photogrammetry software with offices spread across the globe. Their solutions help users create professional 3D maps from various image sources including images captured by hand or taken by drones and planes, which then convert into georeferenced 2D mosaics and 3D models.

The software caters to a wide range of applications across diverse industries. Particularly, Pix4Dreact aims at the public safety & emergency response sectors, where it renders quick 2D maps from drone images. In addition, Pix4D offers Pix4Dcapture, a flight planning mobile application, providing a comprehensive package for mapping and 3D modeling.

Pros of Pix4D

• Can convert hand-captured, drone-taken, and plane images into georeferenced 2D mosaics and 3D models.
• Provides diverse applications of aerial image mapping.
• Caters to wide range of industries.
• Offers free drone flight planning and image acquisition with Pix4D software integration through Pix4Dcapture.
• Subscriptions are renewable, modifiable, and cancellable anytime.

Cons of Pix4D

• Refunds are not offered for cancellations.
• Billing cycle based: subscription cancellations and downgrade changes are reflected only at the end.
• Cloud processing only available for a Pix4Dmapper license.

RealityCapture vs Pix4D: Pricing

RealityCapture’s pricing is defined by a credits-based model while Pix4D defines its pricing via subscription tiers.

RealityCapture

Pricing of RealityCapture is determined based on usage, where $10 provides 3,500 credits. It is designed to cater to businesses seeking state-of-the-art photogrammetry software solutions. Demo versions are offered without export capabilities and the Promo license is bound by a maximum image count of 2,500, devoid of technical support.

Pix4D

Pix4D provides a subscription-based payment structure, including personalised support and product upgradation through the life of the subscription. Cloud processing may be acquired additionally for a Pix4Dmapper license. Changes to the subscription, including cancellation or downgrade effects will be implemented at the close of the billing cycle. Payments exceeding 1500 US$, €, or CHF can be conducted through wire transfers.

Code Examples for Reality Capture & Pix4D

Reality Capture

Here’s a unique and imaginative code snippet for Reality Capture. The example demonstrates how to craft a 3D model from point cloud data using Unity. Ensure you have the relevant Unity and Reality Capture SDK installed for the code to function.

    // Initialize point cloud visualization
    public class PointCloud : MonoBehaviour
    {
        public string PointCloudFileName = "example.xyz";
        public PointCloudManager.PresentationType Presentation = PointCloudManager.PresentationType.Dots;
        public float Scale = 1;
        public int PointSize = 3;
    
        void Start ()
        {
            PointCloudManager.PointCloud2Mesh threaded = new PointCloudManager.PointCloud2Mesh();
            threaded.PointFile = PointCloudFileName;
            threaded.OutputGameObject = gameObject;
            threaded.Presentation = Presentation;
            threaded.Scale = Scale;
            threaded.PointSize = PointSize;
            StartCoroutine(threaded.Load());
        }
    }

Pix4D

Next, let’s delve into a beginners-intermediate level crazy engaging Pix4D code snippet. This script walks you through the process of invoking Pix4D’s API to create a new project and start a computer vision processing task. It requires Pix4D’s SDK or API key to function correctly.

    import pix4d

    # Initialize Pix4D's API
    api = pix4d.Pix4DAPI()

    # Login into the API
    api.login("YourApiKey", "YourApiSecret")

    # Create a new project
    new_project = api.create_project("MyNewProject", pix4d.ProcessingOptions().withDefaultOptions())

    # Start a new processing task
    task = new_project.start_processing()

    # Wait for task to finish
    task.wait_for_completion()

    # Download result
    output_file = task.download_result("output.zip")

Reality Capture vs Pix4D: Which Satisfies Your AR/VR Needs?

Designers, developers, and tech aficionados have two topnotch choices at their disposal. Let’s determine the best fit for your AR/VR needs.

Game Developers

RealityCapture is a behemoth in the gaming sphere, bolstered by Epic Games’ acquisition, its tight integration into Unreal Engine, and seamless workflow. Its contention with Pix4D’s robust drone mapping falls short when gaming applications take precedence. Although Pix4D provides excellent 3D maps, RealityCapture outstrips with better photogrammetry.

Architects and Surveyors

Professionals in these niches may find Pix4D more compatible. While RealityCapture does offer applications, Pix4D’s superior georeferenced maps and precise mosaics – sourced from varied platforms – equip architects and surveyors with a broader, more precise canvas. To top it off, Pix4D offers unparalleled customer support and access to top-tier learning resources.

Emergency Services

For those working in emergency management, Pix4Dreact‘s rapid 2D map creation from drone imagery is an unarguable asset. RealityCapture, while efficient at creating VR scenes and textured 3D outputs, falls behind Pix4D’s dedicated solutions for public safety and quick, crucial insights.

On the balance, RealityCapture excels in gaming and immersive experiences, while Pix4D shines brighter with precise georeferenced outputs useful in architecture and emergency services. Both ride on their strengths yet cater to a varied audience with unique needs.