RealityCapture
RealityCapture is a high-precision photogrammetry software that creates ultra-realistic 3D models from images or laser scans for industries like gaming, architecture, and cultural heritage.
Polycam
Polycam is a powerful 3D scanning application that uses LiDAR and photogrammetry to help you create high-quality 3D models, floor plans, and digital twins using your mobile device or web browser.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | RealityCapture | Polycam |
|---|---|---|
| Website | capturingreality.com | poly.cam |
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting Price | Free | Free |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 7 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✓ Has free plan | ✓ Has free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✘ No product demo |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2013 | 2020 |
| Headquarters | Bratislava, Slovakia | San Francisco, USA |
Overview
RealityCapture
RealityCapture is a professional photogrammetry solution that transforms your photos and laser scans into high-resolution 3D models. You can process thousands of images simultaneously to create textured meshes, orthographic projections, and geo-referenced maps with remarkable speed. It handles everything from small objects to entire city blocks, making it a go-to tool for digital twin creation and asset scanning.
You can merge different data sources, such as terrestrial laser scans and drone imagery, into a single integrated project. The software is designed to run on standard hardware with an NVIDIA GPU, allowing you to generate production-ready assets without needing a massive server farm. Whether you are building environments for a video game or documenting a historical site, you get the tools to ensure every measurement and texture is accurate.
Polycam
Polycam is a versatile 3D scanning tool that turns your smartphone or tablet into a professional-grade modeling suite. By using LiDAR and photogrammetry technology, you can capture physical objects and spaces to create accurate 3D reconstructions. Whether you are an architect measuring a room or a game developer sourcing assets, you can generate high-resolution textures and precise geometry in minutes.
You can easily share your captures via web links or export them into over a dozen professional file formats like OBJ, GLTF, and DXF. The platform also features a collaborative social feed where you can explore thousands of free 3D assets created by the community. It simplifies the transition from the physical world to digital environments, making 3D capture accessible to everyone from hobbyists to enterprise teams.
Overview
RealityCapture Features
- Out-of-Core Processing Process an unlimited number of images and massive datasets without being restricted by your computer's RAM capacity.
- Laser Scan Integration Combine terrestrial laser scans with standard photos in one project to achieve the highest possible geometric accuracy.
- Automated Alignment Align thousands of images automatically to create a sparse point cloud and camera registration in just minutes.
- Color Correction Apply automated color and texture normalization across all your images to ensure a consistent look for your 3D models.
- Georeferencing Import GPS data or ground control points to place your models in real-world coordinates for surveying and GIS work.
- Batch Processing Use the command-line interface to automate repetitive tasks and process multiple datasets while you focus on other work.
Polycam Features
- LiDAR Scanning. Capture large spaces and entire rooms in real-time with incredible speed using your device's LiDAR sensor.
- Photo Mode. Transform a series of photos into high-quality 3D models with detailed textures using advanced photogrammetry processing.
- RoomPlan Mapping. Generate accurate floor plans and architectural 3D models of interior spaces automatically as you walk through them.
- Professional Exports. Download your models in formats like .obj, .fbx, .stl, and .dae to use in Blender, Revit, or Unity.
- Web Editing. Upload photos from any camera to the web version for cloud processing and manage your library from your desktop.
- Measurement Tools. Take precise linear measurements and calculate area or volume directly within your 3D captures for project planning.
- AI Texture Generation. Enhance your models with AI-driven tools that help you refine surfaces and create realistic materials for your assets.
- Team Collaboration. Share private links with clients or teammates so they can view and interact with your 3D scans in any browser.
Pricing Comparison
RealityCapture Pricing
- Full feature access
- For revenue under $1M/year
- Unlimited images and scans
- No pay-per-input fees
- Community support access
- Everything in Free, plus:
- For revenue over $1M/year
- Annual subscription per seat
- Direct technical support
- Floating license options
- Offline activation capabilities
Polycam Pricing
- Unlimited LiDAR captures
- Limited Photo Mode captures
- Basic sharing links
- Access to Explore feed
- Web viewer access
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Unlimited Photo Mode processing
- All professional export formats
- Blueprint and floor plan exports
- Private captures and sharing
- Priority cloud processing
Pros & Cons
RealityCapture
Pros
- Industry-leading processing speed for large datasets
- Excellent alignment of disparate image sources
- High-quality texture projection and mesh detail
- Free for small businesses and students
- Low hardware requirements compared to competitors
Cons
- Requires an NVIDIA graphics card
- Windows-only deployment limits hardware choices
- Steep learning curve for advanced settings
Polycam
Pros
- Extremely fast processing times for LiDAR scans
- Intuitive mobile interface makes scanning very easy
- High-quality texture resolution for photogrammetry captures
- Seamless export process to major 3D software
- Active community provides endless free 3D assets
Cons
- Requires latest hardware for best LiDAR results
- Subscription is required for most export formats
- Large scans can consume significant device storage