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What are the best 3D scanners capable of capturing colour?

9

Options
Considered

31

User
Recs.

Aug 12, 2023

Last
Updated

8 Options Considered

Best 3D scanners capable of capturing colour	Price	Resolution at maximum scanning distance	Resolution at minimum scanning distance
-- Artec Eva	$14,900	3 mm	0.5 mm
-- DAVID SLS-3	$3,995	0.25 mm	0.05 mm
-- Sense 3D Scanner	$399	Not stated	1 mm
-- EinScan-Pro	$5,399	0.1 mm	0.05 m
-- iReal 2E Color 3D Scanner	$4980	3 mm	0.200 mm

Artec Eva

Top Pro

Can capture color and texture

The Artec Eva is capable of capturing surface features of target objects, such as color and texture details. See More

Top Con

Poor selection of scanner accessories

Besides standard cables, there are barely any accessories provided by the manufacturer. The only ones available are battery packs and hard cases. For both items, the prices are only available upon request. See More

Specs

Resolution at maximum scanning distance:3 mm

Resolution at minimum scanning distance:0.5 mm

File formats:OBJ, PLY, WRL, STL, AOP, ASCII, Disney PTEX, E57, XYZRGB

Maximum scanning distance:1.0 m

Top Pro

Impressive resolution

In terms of scan quality, this is one of the best handheld 3D scanners available. The maximum resolution of the unit is an impressive 0.5 mm at the minimum 0.4 m scanning distance. See More

Top Con

Very expensive

The Eva has a high price tag, it requires a fairly powerful laptop to function (due to the intense resources needed to process its scans), and the software that can be used with it is expensive. With a cost this high, many businesses may prefer to sacrifice portability and choose a high-end static device capable of achieving better results. See More

Top Pro

Can scan traditionally difficult materials

Many 3D scanners have issues with reflective, dark, or low density materials. The Artec Eva is capable of scanning materials with these characteristics with good results, as shown in this review. See More

Top Con

Annoying cables needed

The Eva requires a power cable and a USB cable to run. While both are long enough for simple use, they can be easily tangled, stepped on, or even scanned by mistake. Using the external Power Pack is a possible, albeit expensive, solution to this particular issue. See More

Top Pro

Good price-performance ratio

For professionals that don't have a permanent studio set up or that need the versatility that a handheld scanner provides, the Artec Eva is a great option. The generated scans can be used for commercial-level endeavors, and easily dwarf the quality of scans of consumer-level devices. Though the price is high, the high quality can justify the price tag for high-end users. See More

Top Con

No free software available

When you get this 3D scanner, make sure you set aside enough money to invest in software. All the available software options are quite expensive, including Artec Studio (an yearly license costs $400). See More

Top Pro

Can be used with Artec Studio, which is very helpful

This scanner can be used with the Artec Studio software, which is a very versatile tool. Amateurs can use this software in Autopilot mode, making the process as simple as answering a couple of simple questions about the object (shape/colour/texture) and letting the software do the rest on its own. Professionals, on the other hand, can use the “full toolbox” that allows them to manipulate and process the scanned data. These features make the software worth the hefty investment (a license costs $400 per year). There’s also a free 30-day trial version (containing all features) of this software. See More

Top Con

Resolution levels decrease with distance

The further away from the object you go, the more the scan resolution deteriorates, which is normal for handheld scanner. At the maximum distance of scanning distance of 1.0 m, the resolution is only 3 mm. See More

Top Pro

Can be used with Geomagic Design X

Geomagic Design X, a powerful software for reverse engineering and creating feature-based, editable solid models compatible with most CAD programs, is available to be used with the Artec Eva. It should be noted this powerful software costs even more than the scanner itself. See More

Top Con

Requires a powerful computer

The scanner itself is so powerful that a fairly high-end computer is required to process the data it outputs. An i5 processor or higher is required, as well as a whopping 12GB of RAM. Without a 1GB dedicated video card, you'll encounter many hangups during the scanning process. See More

Top Pro

Wide variety of output formats

The data gathered from this device can be used in almost every CAD application. The full list of supported formats is impressive: OBJ, PLY, WRL, STL, AOP, ASCII, Disney PTEX, E57 and XYZRGB. The scanned data can be used for purely geometric design operations (like editing and redesigning scanned shapes), as well as for applications involving shape, colour and texture of objects (art and design based applications). This array of file formats, which includes some that are proprietary or uncommonly used, avoids having to take annoying extra steps for converting files to the desired format. See More

Top Con

The structured light sensor can be dangerous

The Artec Eva is a structured light scanner,, which projects a pattern of light onto the subject and measures distortions from multiple angles to compute the 3D surface of the model. This requires a powerful light source which can cause damage if shone directly into one's eyes. If 3D scanning a person's face, for instance, it's imperative their eyes remain closed. See More

Top Pro

Relatively quick scanning makes scanning living subjects easier

Even small movements can ruin a 3D scan when scanning a living subject. The Eva can scan a human face in about 20 seconds in ideal conditions, and extremities can take less than a minute, with only minor issues. Therefore, this scanner is very popular for full body scanning: in fact, it was used to create the first ever body scan of Barack Obama back in 2014. See More

Top Pro

Very simple to set up

The initial setup procedure of this unit is surprisingly simple. After powering it up and connecting it to a computer, you just need to activate the scanner through the Artec Installation Center program on your computer. AIC can be installed together with Artec Studio or directly from the manufacturer’s website for free. After that, you can simply launch Artec Studio and begin scanning. See More

Top Pro

No object size limit

As a handheld scanner, there is theoretically no limit to scannable object size, as long as you can keep a distance between 0.4 m and 1.0 m from the object you are scanning. The Artec Eva can be successfully used to scan tiny LEGO figures, human bodies and entire minivans. See More

Top Pro

Built-in light source for better scanning conditions

Because the Eva projects its own light on the target object, it tends to always get good scan results, even in less-than-favorable lighting conditions. That being said, extreme lighting conditions (such as very dim lighting or very bright background lights, such as sunlight) can still harm scan quality. See More

Top Pro

It's possible to export directly to SolidWorks

A SolidWorks CAD plugin allows users to export newly scanned 3D objects directly to SolidWorks. However, this plugin is expensive, costing around $6,000. See More

Top Pro

Easy to handle

The Eva is comfortable to manipulate: the handle fits nicely on one's hand, and good weight distribution facilitates a steady scan, as long as the unit remains vertically aligned. See More

Top Pro

Good documentation available

The Artec Eva is well documented, with high quality manuals available for download from the manufacturer’s website. There are also plenty of YouTube tutorials on how to use the device. See More

Top Pro

Certified accuracy

Every Artec Eva scanner comes with a certificate guaranteeing its accuracy. This certificate complies with VDI (Association of German Engineers) standards. See More

Top Pro

Good field of view size

The field view of this scanner is 536 x 371 mm, meaning you can capture a scene with this size with just a single shot. See More

DAVID SLS-3

Top Pro

Capable of capturing color

As the unit only has a monochrome camera, color capturing is achieved by measuring reflectivity on the surface of the scanned object. See More

Top Con

Harsh calibration procedure

Calibrating the scanner is very unforgiving. You’ll need to find the ideal positions of the cameras, the projector and the object itself just for one scan. You’ll have to adjust the focus, distance and the angle of both the camera and projector manually. After doing all that, you’ll then have to double check everything using the DAVID software. All in all, it’s a very time-consuming effort that needs to be repeated for every new target object. See More

Specs

Resolution at maximum scanning distance:0.25 mm

Resolution at minimum scanning distance:0.05 mm

File formats:OBJ, STL, PLY

Scanning technology:Structured Light Scanning

Top Pro

Maximum resolution of 0.05 mm

This 3D scanner can push its resolution to up to 0.05 mm, at 10 cm distance from the object (keep in mind that in order to be able to achieve this result you’ll have to spend hours calibrating the device). The overall result is very impressive, since a 0.05 mm resolution allows to scan objects in great detail. For example, you can theoretically scan a human hair using this scanner. This is a very powerful tool if used properly. See More

Top Con

Limited workspace

The SLS-3 system is limited by the maximum size of objects it can scan, a problem which exists for pretty much all stationary 3D scanners. This scanner's maximum allowed dimensions are 500 mm in any direction, and it's impossible to use it to scan larger objects, unlike handheld scanners, that can be used to scan objects that are quite big. See More

Top Pro

Enhanced texture

This scanner's high precision 1080p camera enhances the textures of scanned objects. See More

Top Con

Unintuitive setup

The setup procedure is unintuitive, and requires thoroughly reading the manual. First, you’ll need to connect the DAVID camera and projector to your computer, then you’ll have to install all software and drivers provided in a USB stick, then configure the projector as an extended screen. See More

Top Pro

Included software is powerful and intuitive to use

To operate this scanner, you’ll need the HP 3D Scan Software Pro V5 installed on your computer. The software license is bundled with the scanner itself, so you won’t need to buy it separately. The software is simple to use and intuitive, but also quite powerful. It’s divided into three main parts: setup, scanning and shape function. This means that, during the scanning stage, for example, you’ll only be presented with the functions relevant for that stage. See More

Top Con

Resolution drops with distance

As expected with this kind of scanner, resolution drops if you increase the distance to the target object. At a distance of 500 mm from the object, the resolution is only 0.25mm (5 times worst than the resolution at 100 mm). See More

Top Pro

Exports into STL, OBJ and PLY formats

This 3D scanner is designed to export purely geometric 3D formats, and is therefore capable of generating STL, OBJ and PLY files, which are more than enough for reverse engineering and geometry editing with most CAD software. See More

Top Pro

Scanning process is easy

Unlike setup and calibration, the scanning process itself is quite easy. Scanning an object from multiple positions is enough to merge the data and form a 360 degree mesh. See More

Top Pro

Plenty of great accessories available

Besides cables and hard cases, this scanner has plenty of accessories to choose from. There’s the TT-1 Automatic Turntable ( $1160.00 ), which makes 360 degree scans easier, or the DSL-1 Desk Scan Lever ( $650.00 ), which gives the scanner some extra free space for more complicated 3D scans. Another notable accessory is the SLS-3 Stereo Camera Upgrade Kit ( $1795.00 ), which improves scan quality by adding a second camera, at the cost of complicating even more the default setup, since both cameras need to be individually calibrated. See More

Top Pro

Good for teaching purposes

Calibrating this scanner is quite time-consuming and tricky, which can be annoying for regular use, but can be useful for teaching purposes, since the setup process itself helps understanding how structured light 3D scanning works. See More

Sense 3D Scanner

Top Pro

Captures color

This scanner is capable of capturing color features of target objects, which has several advantages, such as making visual review of scanned objects much simpler or facilitating use of those scans with 3D printers that allow for color printing. See More

Top Con

Cannot run unless connected to a computer

The Sense has no internal memory, and cannot be run without being connected to a computer, which makes on-the-fly scanning more difficult. See More

Specs

Resolution at minimum scanning distance:1 mm

File formats:WRL, STL, PLY, OBJ

Resolution at maximum scanning distance:Not stated

Maximum scanning distance:1.6 m

Top Pro

Good scanning range

The Sense can scan objects that are as close as 0.2 m, up to those that are 1.6 m away, which is further away than some industrial-grade scanners. With a fairly wide field of view, even capturing an object as large as a person only takes a few minutes and won't require stitching multiple scans together. It should be noted, however, that scanning small objects will not wield good results with this scanner, due to its resolution specs. See More

Top Con

Very poor scanning resolution

This scanner's resolution is, at best, 1 mm. This can result in inaccurate and sparsely detailed scans, so make sure you can work with this kind of resolution on your 3D applications before purchasing this 3D scanner. See More

Top Pro

Affordable

If you want to start doing 3D scans without spending thousands of dollars, this might be an option for you, since this budget 3D scanner is quite affordable, costing even less than some accessories for professional 3D scanners. See More

Top Con

Has trouble with transparent and shiny objects

While reflective surfaces are a problem for many 3D scanners, this is particularly problematic for the Sense, as the its IR sensor can have difficulty resolving objects under unusual lighting, according to this review. See More

Top Pro

Comes with free software

Besides its affordable price, the Sense comes with completely free software. There are also no “advanced” or “professional“ paid version upgrades, so you can use the program's full set of features for free. See More

Top Con

Difficult to create a proper scanning environment

Getting a solid, high-quality scan out of the device can require very specific criteria, such as dangling the target object from the ceiling, to fully separate it from background elements, or building a custom stabilizer. Otherwise, scans can suffer from stitching issues, undesired objects being scanned, or overall poor scan quality. See More

Top Pro

Good for casual use

Overall scan quality is in the lower mid-range, but this device easily serves the needs of the casual user who is simply tinkering or using scans for simple objects. See More

Top Con

Has trouble in several lighting scenarios

The Sense uses an IR-based Structured Light system for scans, which is vulnerable to some issues: low light easily confuses the scanner, as well as uneven lighting. Bright lights in the background can often disrupt the scans entirely, and scanning in direct sunlight also renders the scanner almost unusable. The scanner works best in "studio" lighting: lots of indirect, diffused lighting will ensure high scan quality. See More

Top Pro

Exports to multiple formats

The Sense can export scans to several major formats (WRL, STL, PLY, OBJ), which makes saving and using scans in multiple frameworks much less of a hassle. See More

Top Con

Cannot be adapted for turntables

Keeping the scanner in a single position and rotating an object in front of it doesn't work with this scanner, since it relies on seeing changes on the environment surrounding the target to perform the scan. See More

Top Pro

Light computer hardware requirements

Even though a computer is required to use this scanner, its hardware does not need to be high-end. An Intel Core i5 or equivalent will handle the processing, and 2GB of RAM are enough to keep things running smoothly. See More

Top Con

Can be difficult to aim

There's no simple way to ensure that the Sense is still on target while scanning, unless you can keep an eye on the computer screen. If that's too inconvenient, a possible solution is having two people manage the scan, but that creates a whole new set of issues. All this is aggravated by the USB cord his short (6 feet only). See More

Top Pro

Can scan relatively large objects

The maximum target object size is 2 meters, in all directions, which is a high limit. However, the scanner must stay between 0.2 m and 1.6m from the target. See More

Top Pro

Portable

The Sense's relatively small size makes it fairly easy to pack away safely and avoid any unfortunate mishaps in transit. It's easy to use in any place you can get a laptop set up. Barely over 7 inches at its longest dimension, it even fits snugly into most laptop bags. See More

EinScan-Pro

Top Con

Does not scan color or texture by default

An additional module is required to enable the scanning of color and textures. See More

Top Pro

Good cost-to-quality ratio

The EinScan-Pro boasts professional quality similar to the Artec Eva, at a third the price. While still costly for the basic tinkerer, this scanner is of sufficient quality to appeal to more advanced users. See More

Specs

Resolution at maximum scanning distance:0.1 mm

Resolution at minimum scanning distance:0.05 m

File formats:OBJ, STL, ASC, PLY

Top Con

Does not operate outside

As is the case for many optical scanners, the EinScan-Pro has difficulty dealing with very bright light. Scanning outside, during the day is difficult, if not impossible. See More

Top Pro

Slick look

While not necessary to the functionality of the scanner, the EinScan-Pro has a nice, sharp look that goes well in any modern office or home. See More

Top Con

Requires high-end hardware

EinScan recommends at least 2GB of dedicated video memory, 8GB of RAM, and an i5 processor or higher. While the processor requirements aren't too severe, the dedicated video memory minimum is quite high. However, when compared to the cost of the scanner, a computer like this may not be too much to ask. See More

Top Pro

Four modes can suit most scanning needs

The EinScan Pro has four modes (though two of them require an add-on), each matching a specific need. With no add-ons, the device can be used on the Handheld Rapid and HD Scan modes, which offer differing levels of accuracy and methods for stitching. With the industrial add-on pack, the EinScan-Pro can also detect color and texture, and the Automatic and Free Scan modes use a turntable for very fast, accurate scans of small objects. See More

Top Pro

Software can automatically stitch scans together

When multiple scans of an object are taken, to form the 3D model, there is often a step that requires the user to manually align scans to form the whole image. Some exceptions aside, the software used alongside the EinScan-Pro can do this automatically with surprising accuracy, making everything much easier. See More

Top Pro

Very light

The EinScan-Pro only weighs 0.8 kg (less than 2 lbs), allowing for an easy, smooth, and comfortable scanning process, even over long periods of time. See More

Top Pro

If enabled, free and automatic scans are incredibly fast

If one purchases the Industrial Add-on Pack, which adds a turntable and a tripod for $700, objects on the turntable can be scanned with uncanny speed: one or two 2 second scans can produce a very high-quality 3D model, even on a glossy surface: example See More

iReal 2E Color 3D Scanner

Specs

Resolution at maximum scanning distance:3 mm

Resolution at minimum scanning distance:0.200 mm

File formats:OBJ, STL, PLY, ASC, SK

Occipital Structure Sensor

Top Con

Can't be used as a standalone device

Since this is not a standalone scanner, you’ll need to have a compatible iPad to use it. Alternatively, advanced users have the option to buy a bracketless sensor that can be attached to fixed installations, robots, iPhones or Android devices, but this requires considerable setup. There's also the option of using it with a desktop computer, but in this case the desktop software needs to be bought. See More

Top Pro

High resolution color capture

It can use the high quality color camera already on iOS devices. See More

ToughSoteria's Experience

Scanning an object multiple times to compare the results, even trying to stay within the minimum distance, can result in dimensional variations of 4+mm. Don't recommend for use in situations where precision matters. See More

Specs

Resolution at minimum scanning distance:0.5 mm

File formats:OBJ, PLY, STL, VRML

Resolution at maximum scanning distance:30.0 mm

Maximum scanning distance:3.5 m

Top Con

Scan resolution decreases dramatically with distance

As the distance from the target object increases, the scan quality drops dramatically. At the maximum distance of 3.5 m, the resolution drops to 30-35 mm, which is virtually unusable. See More

Polyga H3

Specs

ACCURACY:up to 80 microns

FILE FORMATS:PLY, OBJ, STL, ASC, FBX, 3D3

SCANNING TECHNOLOGY:Structured-light, proprietary multi-imaging pattern for 3D capture

SOFTWARE:FlexScan3D

Next Engine 3D Scanner HD

Top Pro

Captures color and textures

This scanner can capture color and texture details. See More

Top Con

Much slower than instant capture solutions

Scans can take a while. Buying the PRO software option unlocks faster performance, which when optimized can take ~5 minutes for full-turntable scans at minimum resolution and no texture. The time to scan scales up from there depending on scan resolution and texture capture. See More

Specs

Resolution at maximum scanning distance:0.015 inches

Resolution at minimum scanning distance:0.005 inches

File formats:STL, OBJ, VRML, XYZ, PLY

Top Pro

Hands Free

With the included turntable, setup is easy and capture is automated. See More

Top Con

Not very portable

Despite being a relatively small device, this scanner is not very portable, especially when compared to handheld scanners. See More

Top Pro

Nice resolution

This scanner's macro mode has 0.005 inch accuracy, with 400dpi. Its wide mode accuracy is 0.015 inch, with 150dpi. See More

iReal 2E 3D color scanner

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