Going Beyond the Surface: Meshroom vs Reality Capture

For open-source enthusiasts and developers preferring customization, Meshroom’s robust algorithms and integration capabilities shine. However, RealityCapture, with its efficient processing, seamless 3D model creation, and wide industry application, is a superior option for professional users seeking high-performance photogrammetry software.

Key Differences Between Meshroom and Reality Capture

• Coding: Open-source Meshroom allows customization, while RealityCapture offers a software developer kit and command line operation.
• Performance: Meshroom targets textured, rough items ideal for photogrammetry, RealityCapture generates seamless 3D models from photos or laser scans.
• Processing: RealityCapture works linearly, doubling processing time as input doubles, while Meshroom allows for extended photogrammetry for large-scale projects.
• Pricing: Meshroom is free and open-source, RealityCapture offers a pay-per-use model, costing $10 per 3,500 credits.
• Integration: Meshroom is designed for integration in render farm systems, RealityCapture integrates into professional workflows and will be integrated into Unreal Engine.
• Target User: Meshroom is suited to academia, tech developers, and hobbyists, RealityCapture caters to businesses and professionals across different fields.

What Is Meshroom and Who’s It For?

Meshroom is a free and open-source 3D Reconstruction Software, developed around the powerful AliceVision framework. The software’s inception traces back to the collaboration between IMAGINE research team and Mikros Image in 2010, resulting in the release of an open-source SfM pipeline named openMVG in 2013. Designed specifically for integration in render farm systems, Meshroom allows customizations to suit studio pipelines and extends support for tools like Blender and Maya.

Primarily, Meshroom targets textured and rough items and is extensively used in 3D printing, photogrammetry, and 3D scanning. It caters to the rising demand for hands-free tech post-COVID-19 and offers services to both Windows and OSX/Linux users. The software is particularly beneficial for industries like Robotics, Medicine, Video games, Movies, and Geomatics.

Pros of Meshroom

• Open-source and Free
• Customizable with robust quality algorithms
• Suitable for textured, rough items ideal for photogrammetry

Cons of Meshroom

• Requires citation when used for publication
• Video inputs provide lower quality than still images
• Powder or chalk coatings needed for glossy or transparent objects

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

RealityCapture, developed by Capturing Reality, is an advanced 3D computer graphics software capable of creating seamless 3D models from unordered photos or laser scans. Launched in 2016, the software operates linearly and doubles processing time as input doubles. Its target audience are businesses pursuing high-performance photogrammetry software and has applications in industries such as cultural heritage, gaming, full body scanning, surveying, mapping, VFX, and VR.

RC offers out-of-core meshing, coloring, and texturing, and is proficient with 4 CPU cores, 16 GB RAM, and 386 CUDA cores. Post its acquisition by Epic Games in 2021, the software is now gearing up for integration into Unreal Engine.

Pros of RealityCapture (RC)

• Efficient with lower hardware configuration
• Coloring, Texturing, and Meshing with zero performance loss
• Integrated into Unreal Engine

Cons of RealityCapture (RC)

• Limited Nvidia graphics card support
• Paid service with pricing based on credits
• Not every feature available in all license types

Meshroom vs Reality Capture: Pricing

Meshroom is a free, open-source software, whereas Reality Capture adopts a credit-based pricing system.

Meshroom

The software is an open-source project free for anyone to use, encouraging a collaborative and universal approach to digital reconstruction technology. However, users are reminded to reference the software in their publications.

Reality Capture

Reality Capture employs a credit-based system for its users. The system works at a rate of $10 for 3,500 credits. Certain limitations apply for the promo license, including a maximum of 2500 photos per project, and the lack of technical support. A free demo version is available without export options.

Meshroom vs Reality Capture: Final Verdict

Distilling down the details, Meshroom and Reality Capture offer unique approaches to photogrammetry with distinctive features catering to different user segments. Let’s cut some to the chase.

Open-Source Enthusiasts

If you are an open-source afficionado looking for a cost-free solution with academia-industry trustworthy algorithm, Meshroom is the answer. It’s integration with Blender, Maya, and Houdini makes it a preferable choice, coupled with its potential for large-scale projects. It also offers a flexible workflow tailored for textured, rough items.

Professional 3D Modelers

For 3D graphic professionals, Reality Capture, outpaces Meshroom. Especially for those working on mapping, VFX, and VR projects. It cleverly manages larger datasets and runs photogrammetry faster, making it a worthy investment. The software’s seamless integration into Unreal Engine is another key selling point.

Individuals New to 3D Modelling

For 3D modeling newcomers, Meshroom’s learning curve is manageable compared to Reality Capture. Users can experiment freely without worrying about software cost. Worth considering if you’re scanning non-glossy, non-transparent items.

Large Scale Businesses

Reality Capture stands robust for businesses requiring high-end photogrammetry software. Although it has a cost attached, its capabilities offset the price, providing value to architects, game developers, and full-body scanning businesses.

Meshroom, with its open-source credentials, caters admirably to hobbyists, researchers, and those exploring 3D modeling. However, if you’re a professional 3D artists or large-scale entity exploiting advanced photogrammetric tools, Reality Capture outshines with speed, quality, and seamless workflow integration.