For high-quality 3D models from unordered photos or laser scans, Reality Capture is your best pick, especially for businesses seeking photogrammetry software. However, for a versatile software compatible with various operating systems and offering various texture mapping options, Metashape holds the crown.
Key Differences Between Reality Capture and Metashape
- Reality Capture is optimized for linear processing, whereas processing times in Metashape vary with the level of accuracy desired.
- Metashape supports various operating systems including Windows, Linux, MacOS while Reality Capture is limited to Windows.
- Reality Capture’s license is limited to 32 CPU cores and 3 GPU cards, with further licenses needed for higher configurations. Metashape, on the other hand, has no limitations on GPU usage.
- Reality Capture costs $10 per 3,500 credits, while Metashape offers a perpetual license at $3499 for the professional version and $179 for the standard version.
| Comparison | RealityCapture | Metashape |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Release | 2016 | Unspecified |
| Application Use | Cultural heritage, gaming, scanning, surveying, mapping, VFX, VR | GIS, cultural heritage documentation, VFX production, object measurement |
| OS Compatibility | Windows only, 64-bit | Windows, Linux, MacOS |
| Main Features | Image registration, calibration, polygon mesh calculation, texturing, georeferencing, measurement, inspection | 3D modelling, texture mapping, model scaling, depth map building |
| Hardware optimization | Works efficiently with 4 CPU cores, 16 GB RAM, 386 CUDA cores | Unspecified |
| Pricing | $10 per 3,500 credits | $179 – $3499 for a perpetual license. Educational discount: $59 |
| License limits | Up to 32 CPU cores, 3 GPU cards, higher configurations require more licenses | No known limits |
| UI | Reminiscent of video editing software. Modules include Workflow, Alignment & Reconstruction | UI includes dark mode. Workflow dropdown for process guidance |
| Export Formats | Video, still image, Sketchfab | .obj, .pdf, .stl, glTF, X3D (for standard edition) |
| Processing Speed | Linear, doubles as input doubles. Runs photogrammetry locally | Varies, high accuracy takes 9+ hours. Cloud dataset processing offered |
What Is RealityCapture and Who’s It For?
RealityCapture (RC) is a 3D computer graphics software developed in 2016 by the Slovak company Capturing Reality, now owned by Epic Games. The software generates 3D models from unordered photos or laser scans, making it an invaluable tool in fields such as gaming, surveying, VFX, VR and more. It is designed for businesses seeking photogrammetry software applications such as architects who utilize its features to design houses, constructions, and visualize their potential settings.
Pros of RealityCapture
- Highly efficient, works effectively on mid-level systems
- For visual needs, it exports directly to video, still image, or 3D-sharing platform Sketchfab.
- Generates 3D models using up to 2500 photos
Cons of RealityCapture
- Supports limited Nvidia graphics card
- Processing time doubles as input data doubles
- Demo version doesn’t offer export possibilities
What Is Metashape and Who’s It For?
Metashape, brought to you by Agisoft, is a photogrammetry software intended to create 2D or 3D models from images. By extending its usage to fields such as GIS, cultural heritage documentation, VFX production, and indirect object measurements, this software is an all-rounder tool. It’s perfect for users needing photogrammetry applications ranging from amateur photographers to professional VFX creators, education and research practitioners with generous educational discounts.
Pros of Metashape
- Performs auto mesh refinement and improvement during processing
- Offers different texture mapping options
- Includes AI land-use classification, cloud processing support in professional edition
Cons of Metashape
- High accuracy processing times can span from 9 to 19+ hours
- Professional version comes with a hefty price tag
- Markers are highly recommended for image alignment which may slow down work for beginners
Reality Capture or Metashape – The Final Verdict?
Deciding between Reality Capture and Metashape largely depends on your particular use case, the complexity of your project, and your budget. By delving into their capabilities, let’s help you determine the right pick.
Game Developers and VFX Artists
Reality Capture is a potent solution for game developers and VFX artists. Its swift linearity ensures processing time only doubles as input doubles, keeping efficiency intact. Furthermore, it provides robust features like out-of-core meshing, coloring, and texturing for detailed model creation. Additionally, its acquisition by Epic Games promises integration into Unreal Engine, instigating exciting future possibilities.
Architectural Visualization and Spatial Planning Professionals
Metashape shines as an effective tool for architects. Providing a myriad of export options and compatibility with Meshlab, Cloudcompare, Sketchfab, it offers flexibility. Furthermore, it utilizes a “Height field” feature, ideal for modeling terrains or base reliefs, particularly handy in aerial photography and spatial planning.
Education Sector and Researchers
For those in the education field or independent researchers, Metashape’s Standard edition priced at a nominal $179, or an even lower $59 with an educational discount, emerges as the go-to choice. Not forgetting its multidimensional OS compatibility adds to its convenience.
High-Volume Photogrammetry Needs
For high-volume photogrammetry needs, Reality Capture with its ability to churn out 3D models with up to 2500 photos holds the edge. Coupled with the fact that processing results are also displayed as point clouds, this makes it ideal for businesses looking for photogrammetry software.
If you’re on the hunt for a software capable of swiftly creating intricate 3D models, opt for Reality Capture; for projects requiring diverse export options and multi-OS compatibility with a budget-friendly tag, Metashape is your sure shot.
