3D Scanner Comparisons – 3DSourced https://www.3dsourced.com The Best 3D Printer Buyer's Guide Resource & 3D Printer Reviews Sun, 03 Sep 2023 19:40:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://www.3dsourced.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/cropped-3Dsourced-3d-32x32.png 3D Scanner Comparisons – 3DSourced https://www.3dsourced.com 32 32 iReal M3 VS iReal 2E: Which 3D Scanner is Best For You? https://www.3dsourced.com/3d-scanners/ireal-m3-vs-ireal-2e/ Thu, 17 Aug 2023 08:59:00 +0000 https://www.3dsourced.com/?p=35894 Read more]]> If you’re considering buying a professional 3D scanner, you’re likely to have come across those made by iReal 3D. Specifically, the iReal 2E handheld color 3D scanner and iReal M3 dual-infrared laser 3D scanner

iReal 2E VS iReal M3

This article will explain the differences between the iReal 2E and iReal M3, as well as how to choose the right 3D scanner based on your specific needs and goals.

Quick Verdict

Testing shows that the iReal M3 is capable of scanning humans and objects of different sizes and various materials with very precise accuracy, while the iReal 2E is designed for the human body and medium and large-sized objects larger than 30cm. 

The iReal M3 is the better option for very high-detail reproductions, with the iReal 2E more suited to projects where very intricate details are less important – like stoned sculptures and car floor mats, or if you don’t have the budget to use the M3.

The iReal 2E also requires a scanning spray to treat the surface to accurately scan black and reflective objects, while the M3 does not require this.

Differences Between iReal 2E and iReal M3

The common light source that both iReal M3 and iReal 2E utilize is infrared VCSEL structured light, referring to projecting infrared speckles for 3D reconstruction.

It supports invisible light scanning, hair scanning, and markers-free scanning (geometrical feature and texture data alignment), suitable for the human body and medium and large-sized sculptures.

Scantech 3D iRealM3 vs 2E scanner comparison

The newly-launched iReal M3 dual-infrared laser 3D scanner added a different light source – 7 parallel infrared laser lines. This is a real difference-maker. 

Some of the main advantages compared with the infrared speckle mode include:

  • No need to use scanning spray to treat the surface for most dark, black, and reflective objects.
  • Higher accuracy for edge reconstruction and better detail reproduction.

This new light source makes up for the lack of infrared speckle when scanning items, especially when scanning items for industrial design, and small objects of 5-30cm.

For a more in-depth look into the differences in the performance is shown in the detailed data comparison below. This shows how the new infrared system compares during the 3D object scanning process.

Material adaptability to white and reflective object:
Infrared parallel laser is advantageous resulting in better data quality and higher data integrity
Material adaptability to black and shiny tire:
Infrared parallel laser is advantageous resulting in finer details and higher data reproduction
Material adaptability to dark and shiny mouse:
Infrared parallel laser is advantageous resulting in more complete data and higher detail reproduction
Material adaptability and scanning capability of sharp edges:
It can scan the sharp edge accurately under the infrared parallel laser
Scanning capability of thin edges:
More data can be captured under the infrared parallel laser
Detail reproduction:
3D data with sharper edges and finer details is scanned under the infrared parallel laser

As is clearly shown from these test 3D scans, you can see there are sharper details on many of the objects that were scanned. This is especially apparent when the iReal M3’s infrared parallel lasers scanned sharp edges, and intricate details, and produced far better results than the iReal 2E’s scans.

Additionally, large improvements in 3D scanning quality were seen when the iReal M3 scanned black surfaces, and shiny light surfaces – which are traditionally difficult for 3D scanners to capture accurately. The iReal M3 captured these objects, such as the black tire, far better than the 2E managed.

Therefore, I recommend the iReal M3 if you are working in reverse engineering and product design, industrial design, or if you need to scan wider objects (above 5cm), items with intricate detailing or corners, and shiny metal parts.

However, if you are aiming to scan human bodies, and larger objects above 30cm, then the iReal 2E is a fantastic, cost-effective choice. 

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Revopoint POP 2 / MINI vs Creality CR-Scan 01 / Lizard https://www.3dsourced.com/3d-scanners/revopoint-pop-2-mini-vs-creality-cr-scan-01-lizard/ Thu, 29 Sep 2022 14:29:20 +0000 https://the3dsourced.wpengine.com/?p=19201 Read more]]> In the market for a portable 3D scanner that won’t break the bank, but still has great precision and professional features? Then you have some great options, including the Revopoint POP 2 and MINI, or the Creality CR-Scan 01 and Lizard.

These effective yet budget-friendly 3D scanners are great for both DIY makers and businesses on a tighter budget.

In this article, I’ll compare the Revopoint POP 2, MINI, Creality CR-Scan 01, and Creality CR-Scan Lizard and help you choose the right 3D scanner for your needs.

I’ve got hands-on experience with scanners including the Revopoint POP 2, which I recently reviewed.

Overall, I recommend Revopoint scanners over Creality, as Revopoint are a specialist company focusing only on optimizing their scanners for the best quality scans.

As a result, for close-up small scans, I recommend the Revopoint MINI, and for general mid-range scanning I recommend the POP 2 as a budget option, or the POP 3 if you’re willing to spend a bit more.

OVERALL TOP PICK

Revopoint MINI

Revopoint MINI

Precision: 0.02mm
Scan Speed: 10 FPS
Minimum Scan Volume: 10 x 10 x 10 mm
Single Capture Range: 64 x 118 mm
Working Distance: 100 – 200 mm
Point Cloud Distance / Single-Frame Accuracy: 0.05 mm

Available at:

CONSISTENT PICK

Creality CR-Scan Lizard

Creality CR-Scan Lizard

Precision: 0.05mm
Scan Speed: 10 FPS
Minimum Scan Volume: 15 x 15 mm
Single Capture Range: 200 x 100 mm
Working Distance: 150 – 400 mm
Point Cloud Distance / Single-Frame Accuracy: 0.1 – 0.2 mm

Available at:

Revopoint 3D Scanner vs Creality: Quick Summary

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Revopoint POP 2

  • Price: $699.00 – Available at Revopoint here / Check price on Amazon here
  • Precision: 0.05 mm
  • Scan Speed: 10 FPS
  • Minimum Scan Volume: 20 x 20 x 20 mm
  • Single Capture Range: 210 x 130 mm
  • Working Distance: 150 – 400 mm
  • Point Cloud Distance / Single-Frame Accuracy: 0.15 mm
Revopoint POP 2

Pros

Many improvements over the original.

Designed chiefly for more demanding 3D applications such as design, 3D printing, reverse engineering, and modeling.

Excellent precision and top-tier accuracy.

Cons

Changing settings may be required when scanning faces to prevent noise distortion.

The Revopoint POP 2 is an upgraded and improved version of the original Revopoint POP. Revopoint took the solid foundations of the POP and enhanced precisions, improved color capture performance, generally it’s a much easier scanner to work with overall.

I own own the POP 2, and I was impressed by the many improvements the POP 2 has over the original Revopoint POP.

It’s designed mostly for applications such as design, 3D printing, reverse engineering, and modeling. This is possible thanks to a 0.15 mm point cloud distance, which equates to excellent precision for medium-sized scanning of objects, including face and body models, with top-tier accuracy. 

A test 3D scan with the Revopoint POP 2 on a pokemon toy to test precision
A test 3D scan with the Revopoint POP 2 on a pokemon toy to test precision.

Elsewhere, it also has a 20 x 20 x20 mm minimum scan distance geared towards smaller objects (it didn’t work well with small jewelry 3D scanning tests unfortunately), while the 150 mm maximum scan size suits most mid-size model scanning.

At 10 FPS scan speed, it gets through captures quicker than before, while a 6 Dof Gyroscope also helps deliver neater point cloud stitching and accurate spatial positioning for true-to-life scans. 

It also offers more accurate color reproduction courtesy of clever communication between the camera and the RGB exposure sensor built into the scanner.

Test color scans with a Rubix cube.
Test color scans with a Rubix cube, before editing and improving the scan.

I also like the Revopoint POP 2 for the stripped-down, functional approach. It works with little fuss, pivoting from stationary to handheld mode seamlessly. And everything runs off a simple USB connection. 

I recommend the Revopoint POP 2 to makers and businesses that want great quality at a low cost. It has enough advanced features for professional applications but keeps the cost under $700.


Revopoint MINI

  • Price: $769.00 – Available at Revopoint here
  • Precision: 0.02 mm
  • Scan Speed: 10 FPS
  • Minimum Scan Volume: 10 x 10 x 10 mm
  • Single Capture Range: 64 x 118 mm
  • Working Distance: 100 – 200 mm
  • Point Cloud Distance / Single-Frame Accuracy: 0.05 mm
Revopoint MINI

Pros

Designed to capture small objects.

Produces precise and intricate scans.

Compact and easy to use.

Cons

Not suited for medium or larger-sized objects.

Launched after the Revopoint POP and POP 2, the Revopoint MINI, unlike its siblings, which take aim at versatility, is designed to capture small objects. This makes it a solid option for those looking for a quality scanner for fields such as jewelry making, intricate reverse engineering, industrial part design, demanding quality control, small artifact archiving, measurements, and healthcare applications.

With a shift to producing more precise and intricate scans, Revopoint has upped the cost, but the MINI comes with plenty of features to justify this. The Revopoint MINI offers a 0.05 mm precision allied to a 0.02 mm point cloud distance. These two specifications work in tandem to deliver high accuracy on smaller objects. 

In tow, we also see the minimum scan distance drop to 10 x 10 x 10 mm and the single capture range to 64 x 118 mm. From the numbers alone, it’s clear Revopoint has pulled out all the stops to allow users to capture small, feature-rich items and objects.

The MINI employs high-resolution structured blue light technology, different from the straight camera/infrared combo of the POPs, to help with the ever-present issue of ambient light spoiling and distorting the scanning process. Much like the POPs, the MINI doubles as both a stationary and handheld device, with a sleek turntable to improve workflow available in the premium bundle. The 10 FPS scan speed also carries over from the POP family.

In keeping with its name, the Revopoint MINI is also a compact device, comes with USB plug-and-play, weighs a feathery 160g, and has a bundle of easy-to-use software that covers everything from scanning to model editing through to calibrating the scanner. 

You can also buy a handheld stabilizer, detachable tripod kit, and the aforementioned turntable should your scanning plan require these.


Creality CR-Scan 01

Creality CR-Scan 01

Pros

One of the most affordable scanners on the market.

A good option for medium objects.

Great value for the price and a lot more on offer than Revopoint.

Cons

Accuracy and scan resolution aren’t the best.

Creality, a 3D printing heavyweight and ever-reliable peddler of value, was bound to jump onto the 3D scanner wagon at some point. It did just that with the Creality CR-T, followed closely by the Creality CR-Scan 01, one of the most affordable scanners on the market.

The Creality CR-Scan 01 features a 0.1 mm accuracy powered by the popular budget tech, structured light scanning, and a scan resolution of 0.5 mm. These aren’t the most striking stats out there, but given the price, they are serviceable if a little missuited to smaller objects. 

With this in mind, the Creality CR-Scan 01 slots in alongside the Revopoint POP 2 as a good option for medium objects. To that end, it has a scanning range of 400 to 500 mm and a total scanning area of 536 x 378 mm, again great value for the price and quite a lot more on offer here than what’s on the cards over at Revopoint.

Behind the specifications, the Creality CR-Scan 01 runs on a sleek alignment algorithm that ensures automatic calibration, stitching, and grid alignment without the need for makers, a positive for anyone that’s dabbled with those tiny dots. Elsewhere, the scanner features a handheld and turntable mode for on-the-fly and more targeted scanning. There’s also easy one-click scanning, 24-bit true color scanning, and a solid 10 FPS scan speed.

With all this in mind, the Creality CR-Scan 01 is an option for those who want the ability to scan large objects. Applications like complete body scanning, large artifact archiving, 3D design and modeling, and general 3D printing spring to mind.


Creality CR-Scan Lizard

Creality CR-Scan Lizard

Pros

Cheaper than the CR-Scan 01 with improved accuracy, more compact designs, and vastly better light adaptability.

Two modes of scanning are available.

Cons

The scans can sometimes miss fine details.

A fresh 2022 addition to Creality’s 3D scanner line-up, the CR-Scan Lizard emerged after a highly successful Kickstarter campaign, but a copyright claim from Artec, a manufacturer of high-end professional scanners, soured proceedings. 

Creality and Shenzhen Jimuyida Technology, a second company involved in developing the Lizard, had allegedly pillaged the code from Artec’s Studio software and recycled it to make CR Studio, the software shipped alongside the Lizard. Months later, the lawsuit remains in legal limbo, yet the Creality CR-Scan Lizard is on the market and available to buy.

Legal proceeding aside, the Creality CR-Scan Lizard is an exciting proposition: cheaper than the CR-Scan 01, improved accuracy, a more compact design, and vastly better light adaptability suited to outdoor and direct sunlight scanning.

The Creality CR-Scan Lizard has a 0.05 mm accuracy, positioning as a scanner suited to small objects and able to capture all their details down to a 15 x 15 x 15 mm minimum scan volume. Elsewhere, it can scan anywhere from a distance of 150 to 400 mm at 10 FPS, courtesy of a combined LED and NIR scanning technology and marker-less stitching.

Two modes exist alongside one another: turntable for 15 to 300 mm objects, and handheld for objects anywhere from 500 to 1500 mm, and a combination mode for 300 to 500 mm objects mixing the flexibility of handheld and the precision of stationary scanning. The scanner also offers true color thanks to some clever software wizardry that allows you to snap a high-quality image of the object with a phone/DSLR and map it to the scanned data for one-click color restoration.

There’s plenty to pique the interest here, with Creality aiming to package professional features and accuracy into an affordable package suited to ambitious makers and small businesses. Applications such as prototyping, design, modeling, and 3D printing spring to mind.

Revopoint POP 2, MINI, Creality CR-Scan 01, and Lizard Head-to-Head Comparison

Precision and Accuracy

POP 2up to 0.05 mm precision
MINIup to 0.02 mm precision
CR-Scan 01up to 0.5 mm mm precision
Lizardup to 0.05 mm precision
Side by side comparison of a sculpture scanned using Pop 2 and CR-Scan 01
Side-by-side comparison of a sculpture scanned using Pop 2 and CR-Scan 01. Source: Reddit

The Revopoint POP 2 delivers precision up to 0.05 mm and a 0.15 mm point cloud distance. The Revopoint MINI has a precision of 0.02 mm alongside a point cloud distance of 0.05 mm.

Over to Creality, the CR-Scan 01 offers 0.5 mm precision and accuracy of 0.1 mm, while the CR-Scan Lizard features a precision of 0.05 mm and 0.1 mm point distance.

Different definitions and naming conventions for specifications can confuse when looking at the numbers alone, so let’s break down where each scanner is best suited. 

The Revopoint POP 2 and Creality CR-Scan 01 are general use scanners suitable for capturing a broad range of items, but the richness of detail tends to tail off for smaller objects. This makes them ideal for face and body scans, for example. 

Here’s an example statue scan I tried on the POP 2:

A 3D scanned statue with the Revopoint POP 2 showing the precision
A 3D scan of a statue using the Revopoint POP 2.

You can see the quality of the final 3D printed model here:

3D printed statue from a 3D scan from the Revopoint POP 2.
The final 3D printed statue from the original 3D scan by the Revopoint POP 2.

On the other hand, the Revopoint MINI and Creality CR-Scan Lizard are geared towards small objects almost exclusively, thanks to their professional-grade precision and accuracy.

Cameras

POP 2dual camera w/ 2 IR sensors & 1 RGB sensor
MINIdual camera w/ blue structured light via IR sensors
CR-Scan 01structured light scanning using LED
Lizardbinocular cameras + LED

The Revopoint POP 2 employs two IR sensors, a Class 1 laser projector, and a high-resolution RGB sensor for dual camera infrared structured light scanning. The Revopoint MINI uses dual camera blue structured light technology provided by two IR sensors, a Class 1 blue light projector, and an RGB sensor.

The Creality CR-Scan 01 also relies on structured light scanning technology using an LED white light. Finally, the Creality CR-Scan Lizard includes binocular cameras and LED with near-infrared.

Creality CR-Scan Lizard user experience
Scan samples using the Creality CR-Scan Lizard. Credit: metalman7 and realseals

The scanning technology used across all four devices is identical for all intents and purposes. There are subtle differences, such as the MINI and Lizard’s ability to capture scans outdoors and in full sunlight. The Lizard is also designed to capture black surfaces and objects, which the others struggle to do.

Elsewhere, the Revopoint scanners feature in-built RGB sensors, which allow them to capture color texture detail during the scanning process, while the Creality Lizard relies on post-processing high-fidelity software color restoration, or at least that’s the plan.

Color Scanning

POP 2color scanning
MINIcolor scanning
CR-Scan 01high-fidelity color scanning
Lizardplanned to include hybrid full-color scans plus other features

As mentioned above, both the Revopoint POP 2 and MINI offer color scanning courtesy of high-precision color texture capture, but the POP 2 edges slightly ahead of the MINI with better color accuracy thanks to a higher-quality high-resolution global RGB exposure sensor.

Over to the Creality, and we have a mixed bag. The Creality CR-Scan 01 matches Revopoint with 24-bit high-fidelity color reproduction achieved by snapping color images of the object and slapping them onto the scanned data.

A color scan of a Rubik's cube with my Revopoint POP 2
A color scan I did of a Rubik’s cube with my Revopoint POP 2.

The Creality CR-Scan Lizard is expected to include hybrid full-color scans in the future. Creality explains that users will be able to capture photos using either a smartphone or DSLR camera, then map those colors to the scanned models through one-click automated software color restoration. There’s no word on when the feature is set to become available.

Scan Speed

The Revopoint POP 2, MINI, Creality CR-Scan 01, and CR-Scan Lizard all four offer 10 FPS scan speed. Therefore, nothing to set them apart here, and 10 FPS is standard for sub-$1000 scanners.

Scan Modes

POP 2stationary, handheld, markers, features, face, body dark/hair, & head scanning; indoor scanning only
MINIhandheld and stationary mode, good for outdoor scanning
CR-Scan 01stationary with turntable & handheld modes, only for indoor scanning
Lizardstationary with turntable, handheld, & hybrid turntable/handheld modes
Creality CR-Scan 01 user experience
Mechanical part scanned using Creality CR-Scan 01. Source: Reddit

The Revopoint POP 2 includes a variety of modes: stationary, handheld, markers, features, face, body dark/hair, and head scanning. Outdoor scanning isn’t possible here as direct sunlight can distort the capture process.

The Revopoint MINI features both a handheld mode and a stationary mode, the latter via a dual-axis stationary turntable with a 30° pitch that ships with the scanner and is said to improve stitching by capturing a more complete scan of an item or object. The MINI is suited to outdoor and sunlight scanning.

The Creality CR-Scan 01 has both a stationary turntable and handheld mode. Much like the Revopoint POP 2, it isn’t designed for outdoor use.

The Creality CR-Scan Lizard features a turntable mode, a handheld mode, and a hybrid turntable/handheld mode combining the hands-on movement of a turntable with the flexibility of handheld scanning.

In terms of flexibility, the four scanners are on equal footing, though the hybrid mode on the Lizard offers an extra bit of versatility. The additional modes on the Revopoint POP 2 are great if you’ll use them but may be an unneeded nicety for many.

Software and File Compatibility

Bundled SoftwareFile Output Formats
POP 2Revo Scan & Revo StudioPLY, OBJ, & STL
MINIRevo Scan, Revo Studio, and Revo CalibrationPLY, OBJ, & STL
CR-Scan 01CR Studio appOBJ & STL
LizardCR Studio 2.0OBJ, STL, & PLY

The Revopoint POP 2 comes bundled with the Revo Scan scanning program and Revo Studio modeling program. Output formats are PLY, OBJ, and STL.

Revopoint POP 2 user experience
Used Revopoint POP 2 to for the head scan, stuck it into a model and 3D printed the miniature. Credit: Nat 1 videos

The Revopoint MINI ships with three different software applications: Revo scan (scanning application), Revo Studio (professional-grade model editing software), and Revo Calibration (simple and easy-to-use calibration suite). The Revopoint exports to PLY, OBJ, and STL.

The Creality CR-Scan 01 ships with Creality’s in-house CR Studio app, which covers scanning and one-click post-processing optimization with noise removal, auto-alignment, auto-hole filling, and more functions. Output formats include OBJ and STL.

The Creality CR-Scan Lizard uses CR Studio 2.0, the very software at the heart of the Artec dispute. It features a wealth of optimization features, an improved visual tracking algorithm, in-built tutorials, and cloud storage. Supported output formats included OBJ, STL, and PLY.

Price

Bundled Software
POP 2$699.00 – Available at Revopoint here / Check price on Amazon here
MINI$769.00 – Available at Revopoint here
CR-Scan 01$739.00 – Available at Creality here / Check price on Amazon here
Lizard$599.00 – Available at Creality here / Check price on Amazon here

Compared to professional-grade 3D scanners priced in the thousands of dollars, all four scanners scream affordability. Both Revopoint and Creality’s respective scanners offer substantial value if we consider the features, scan quality, and asking price.

Between them, the Revopoint MINI is priced the highest but is arguably the best of the four for high-precision, small object scanning, and it warrants the extra cost. We can’t help circling back to the $600 Creality CR-Scan Lizard for pure value. 

Legal dispute aside, it’s astounding what Creality has managed to squeeze into that low price. There’s no doubt that the POP 2 offers more value for larger scans: it’s cheaper and trumps the CR-Scan 01 for features.

Revopoint POP 2, MINI, Creality CR-Scan 01, and Lizard – The Bottom Line

The Revopoint POP 2 is a solid option for makers and businesses looking for an affordable and compact 3D scanner to capture larger objects and items. The added modes are also excellent additions, making it the best option out of the four for body/face scanning.

Those needing a scanner capable of capturing the subtle textures and intricacies of small objects like jewelry should strongly consider the Revopoint MINI. It’s accurate, reliable, and has the added benefit of working outdoors. It’s a great pick for quality control, measurements, archiving, and jewelry applications.

For more Revopoint comparison: Revopoint POP vs POP 2 vs MINI compared

While a solid statement of Creality’s intentions in the 3D scanner space, the CR-Scan 01 is bested by the Revopoint devices and the newer Lizard. Unless available on sale, we’d suggest the Revopoint POP 2 as a more value-packed alternative.

Lastly, the Creality CR-Scan Lizard rivals the Revopoint MINI for the high precision scanning of small objects but $150 cheaper. The legal dispute with Artec does sour the offering here, but there’s no doubt it’s a quality budget scanner suited to a broad range of applications.

OVERALL TOP PICK

Revopoint MINI

Revopoint MINI

Precision: 0.02mm
Scan Speed: 10 FPS
Minimum Scan Volume: 10 x 10 x 10 mm
Single Capture Range: 64 x 118 mm
Working Distance: 100 – 200 mm
Point Cloud Distance / Single-Frame Accuracy: 0.05 mm

Available at:

CONSISTENT PICK

Creality CR-Scan Lizard

Creality CR-Scan Lizard

Precision: 0.05mm
Scan Speed: 10 FPS
Minimum Scan Volume: 15 x 15 mm
Single Capture Range: 200 x 100 mm
Working Distance: 150 – 400 mm
Point Cloud Distance / Single-Frame Accuracy: 0.1 – 0.2 mm

Available at:

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Making the ULTIMATE Warhammer proxy model... ME 😆 nonadult
Revopoint POP vs POP 2 vs MINI (Hands-On Comparison) https://www.3dsourced.com/3d-scanners/revopoint-pop-vs-pop-2-vs-mini-3d-scanner/ Thu, 18 Aug 2022 15:44:01 +0000 https://the3dsourced.wpengine.com/?p=18463 Read more]]> In this article, I’ll help you find which Revopoint 3D scanner is best for your specific needs. I’ll compare the POP, POP 2, and the Revopoint MINI.

Revopoint’s small but powerful scanners are affordable, compact, accurate, and pump out quality scans suitable for everyone from DIY makers all the way to professional engineers.

My personal recommendation, having had hands-on experience with various 3D scanners to review, including recently putting the Revopoint POP 2 through testing, is that you should get the Revopoint MINI if you want to scan smaller objects like figurines, intricate functional parts and prototypes, or jewelry and similar models.

But, for all mid-size 3D scanning, I highly recommend the Revopoint POP 2. It’s the most versatile and consistent overall, and I personally got great quality scans when I tested it.

Though, the brand-new POP 3 has just released. I will test it once I get it, and may change my recommendation once I’ve had a change to go deep with my testing.

Best for Scanning Small Objects
Best Overall
Primary Rating:
4.5
Primary Rating:
4.6
$799
$699
Best for Scanning Small Objects
Primary Rating:
4.5
$799
Best Overall

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The Revopoint 3D Scanners Compared

Revopoint POP

PriceCheck price at Revopoint here / Amazon here
Precision0.3 mm
Scan Speed8 FPS
Minimum Scan Volume30 x 30 x 30 mm
Single Capture Range210 x 130 mm
Working Distance275 mm ± 100 mm
Point Cloud Distance / Single-Frame Accuracy0.2 – 0.5 mm
Revopoint POP

Pros

One of the best affordably-priced portable 3D scanners.

Easy to use and seamless functionality.

Suitable for various applications.

Cons

The scanner can often lose track of the object.

Various features make the original Revopoint POP one of the best affordably-priced portable 3D scanners available today. It features a single-frame accuracy of 0.2 mm to create highly accurate scans in both precision and texturing scanning modes, a 30 x 30 x 30 mm minimum scan volume to capture small objects, and precision up to 0.03 mm.

Ease of use and seamless functionality are also baked in. The Revopoint POP works as a handheld scanner but doubles as a stationary scanner thanks to the included tripod. You can also pay extra for a premium package that includes a turntable. Automatic alignment technology ensures that whichever mode you use, scans offer a complete capture of the targeted model.

Better yet, the Revopoint POP is suitable for various applications, from subjects as large as the human face to small as figurines and models. It’s also suitable for both outdoor and indoor use.

With all these features in mind, the Revopoint POP is an excellent option for hobbyists, DIY makers, and professionals in design fields looking to capture medium to large objects. At $499.00, the Revopoint POP requires a decent stack of cash, but by 3D scanner standards, it’s by no means expensive, offering plenty of value for the price.


Revopoint POP 2

PriceCheck latest price at Revopoint here / Amazon here
Precision0.05 mm
Scan Speed10 FPS
Minimum Scan Volume20 x 20 x 20 mm
Single Capture Range210 x 130 mm
Working Distance150 – 400 mm
Point Cloud Distance / Single-Frame Accuracy0.15 mm
Revopoint POP 2

Pros

Offers great precision, color capture, and smooth operation.

Variety of application options to use it within.

Cons

There are better scanners out there with better specs (They cost a lot more, however)

The Revopoint POP 2 takes the blueprint established with the Revopoint POP and improves it with better precision, improved color capture, and smoother operation. Something that was apparent when I got some hands-on time for my POP 2 review.

It expands the Revopoint POP’s application options even further in fields like 3D design, 3D printing, 3D modeling, reverse engineering, and more.

Unboxing Revopoint 3D scanner
Unboxing my Revopoint POP 2 3D scanner. It only takes 5 minutes to get completely set up.

The specifications match this goal. The Revopoint POP 2 features an improved 0.15 mm point cloud distance, or in simple terms, precision. Alongside, it shifts the minimum scan volume down to 20 x 20 x 20 mm to allow the capture of the detail and features of smaller 3D objects. Lastly, the working distance has been improved to work at 150 mm in line with the better all-around precision.

The Revopoint POP 2 retains the user-friendly functionality of the original, borrowing the same dual handheld and stationary modes, while also upping the scan speed to 10 FPS to improve for better point cloud stitching and improved color accuracy thanks to synchronization between the camera and to a high-resolution global RGB exposure sensor.

Like the POP, you can pay a little extra for the premium package and get yourself a useful turntable to make stationary objects even more straightforward.

As for who’ll get the most out of the Revopoint POP 2, the more advanced set of features and scan quality makes it an excellent option for DIY makers who want to level up their 3D scanning. The Revopoint POP 2 should also suit small businesses looking for an affordable and compact scanner to prototype or develop products.

Read the full review: Revopoint POP 2 review


Revopoint MINI

PriceCheck latest price at Revopoint here
Precision0.02 mm
Scan Speed10 FPS
Minimum Scan Volume10 x 10 x 10 mm
Single Capture Range64 x 118 mm
Working Distance100 – 200 mm
Point Cloud Distance / Single-Frame Accuracy0.05 mm
Revopoint MINI

Pros

Great for capturing smaller objects with intricate details.

Good precision and high resolution.

Cons

Not suited for medium to larger-sized projects.

The most recent of the Revopoint scanners, the Revopoint MINI shifts focus to the capture of smaller objects with intricate details for professional applications. The price follows these aims, and the Revopoint MINI is the most expensive scanner from the company yet.

That jump in prices comes with some major benefits over the POP duo. A precision of 0.05 mm combined with a 0.02 mm point cloud distance allows the MINI to scan much smaller objects with higher accuracy. The minimum scan distance shrinks accordingly to 10 x 10 x 10 mm, as does the single capture range to 64 x 118 mm.

Elsewhere, the MINI pivots to high-resolution structured blue light technology, which helps mitigate ambient light distorting scans. The dual handheld/stationary modes make a return, as does the 10 FPS scan speed from the Revopoint POP scanners. The premium package also comes with a turntable to simplify scanning small objects and speed up workflow.

With such a focus on delivering high-quality scans of small objects, the Revopoint MINI is best viewed as a portable industrial-grade scanner ideal for applications such as jewelry design, reverse engineering, industrial part design, 3D measurements, quality control, artifact archiving, coin archiving, and healthcare applications like medical analysis and data gathering.


Revopoint POP vs POP 2 vs MINI Head-to-Head Comparison

Precision and Accuracy

Revopoint POP0.03 mm precision
Revopoint POP 20.05 mm precision
Revopoint MINI0.02 mm precision

The Revopoint POP offers a precision of 0.03 mm coupled with a point cloud distance of 0.2 mm.

The Revopoint POP 2 features precision up to 0.05 mm alongside a 0.15 mm point cloud distance. The Revopoint MINI’s precision hit 0.02 mm, while the point cloud distance is 0.05 mm.

Revopoint POP 2 accuracy calibration showing it is accurate to 0.07mm
When testing the Revopoint POP 2, I confirmed its accuracy to 0.07mm.

Numbers are great, but let’s translate what each one does best. The Revopoint POP and POP 2 are all about versatility with the ability to scan small to medium-sized objects, with the POP 2 taking the lead for overall accuracy and face/body modeling.

On the other hand, the Revopoint MINI’s specifications make it suitable for capturing small objects with higher accuracy.

Cameras

Revopoint POPdual cam, 2 IR & 1 RGB sensors
Revopoint POP 2dual cam, 2 IR & 1 RGB sensor
Revopoint MINIdual cam, 2 IR sensors & blue light tech

The Revopoint POP leans on dual camera infrared structured light to produce scans. The camera setup consists of a Class 1 laser projector, two infrared sensors, and an RGB sensor.

The Revopoint POP 2 features two IR sensors, a Class 1 laser projector, and a high-resolution RGB sensor to deliver dual camera infrared structured light scanning.

The Revopoint MINI employs dual camera blue structured light technology consisting of two IR sensors, a Class 1 blue light projector, and an RGB sensor.

The underlying technology is identical on all three devices, though the MINI opts for a blue light projector for its ability to resist ambient light. It’s also eye and skin safe.

Color Scanning

All three Revopoint scanners offer color scanning through high-precision color texture capture, but the Revopoint POP 2 pushes the envelope a little further than its siblings with improved color accuracy.

It features a high-resolution global RGB exposure sensor that synchronizes with the depth data captured by the IR camera to match the real-world color details of an object. The algorithm also works to align scan images based on color as well as markers and features to improve object color fidelity further.

Color 3D scanning on the Revopoint 3D scanner POP 2 scanning a colored Rubik's cube

Scan Speed

Revopoint POP8 FPS
Revopoint POP 210 FPS
Revopoint MINI 10 FPS

The Revopoint POP can scan up to a speed of 8 frames per second, while both the Revopoint POP 2 and MINI boost this to 10 frames per second. The difference is more or less marginal. You may see slightly shorter scan times on larger objects, but on small to medium objects, expect to carve off a few seconds here and there.

The difference is too small to select one or the other as unconditionally better than the other, but if you want a slightly faster scanning, opt for the Revopoint POP 2 or MINI.

Scan Modes

Revopoint POPhandheld, stationary (w/ tripod), & human scanning modes for indoors & outdoors
Revopoint POP 2handheld, stationary (w/ tripod), features, markers, body, face, dark/hair, and head scanning modes, for indoors only
Revopoint MINIhandheld, stationary mode mounted on a provided dual-axis stationary scanner & turntable

The Revopoint POP offers handheld scanning, stationary scanning (tripod included), and human scanning modes, all of which work both indoors or outdoors, with the best results obtained by avoiding direct sunlight, ideally one hour before sunset.

The Revopoint POP 2 includes handheld, stationary (tripod included), features, markers, body, face, dark/hair, and head scanning modes. It isn’t as well-suited for outdoor scanning as the original Revopoint POP because direct sunlight can interfere with the scanning process. Revopoint suggests using a cover to avoid intense light interference.

Scanning black parts of an object with a Revopoint 3D scanner
However, be careful when scanning very dark or black features, or shiny parts. You’ll need to spray them to have the camera recognize them.

Lastly, the Revopoint MINI can be used both handheld and in stationary mode mounted on a provided dual-axis stationary scanner with a 30° pitch. The turntable is considerably better than on the POP devices, which helps reduce incomplete scan data and stitching issues by offering a more thorough capture of an object.

Handheld and stationary modes are available on all three, so there is no difference other than the MINI’s improved turntable. The utility of extra, more granular scanning modes, such as face and hair, depends on your needs. If you’ll make use of these, then the Revopoint POP 2 outclasses its sibling for versatility.

Software and File Compatibility

Revopoint POPRevo Scan
Revopoint POP 2Revo Scan & Revo Studio
Revopoint MINIRevo Scan, Revo Studio & Revo Calibration

The Revopoint MINI ships with a trio of software applications. First, Revo scan, the application used for the scanning. Then, Revo studio, a professional-grade model editing program, perfect for more advanced applications. Lastly, Revo Calibration is designed to make calibrating the scanner simple and straightforward. As for file formats, the Revopoint exports to PLY, OBJ, and STL.

Fixing a 3D scanned STL model in Revo Studio
Fixing scanned STL files in Revo Studio.

The Revopoint POP 2 comes with the Revo Scan scanning program and Revo Studio modeling program. Output formats are PLY, OBJ, and STL.

Lastly, the Revopoint POP ships exclusively with Revopoint’s scanning app, which is more than sufficient for hobbyists and small businesses. The familiar output formats of the more expensive Revopoint scanners return – PLY, OBJ, and STL.

Price

Revopoint POP$499 — Available here
Revopoint POP 2$699 — Available here
Revopoint MINI$769 — Available here

Considering that most commercial-grade 3D scanners cost anywhere from $1,500 upwards, the Revopoint line-up is well-priced across the board. Within the context of 3D scanners, all make a strong claim for affordability given the quality of the scans produced.

That said, there’s a sizable gap between the three. For makers, the Revopoint POP is likely the better option as it’s the lowest cost option of the three. The Revopoint POP 2 is well worth the extra $200 if you’ll make use of the added precision and improved colors.

Finally, at $769.00, the Revopoint MINI warrants its price tag, but only if you’ll make use of its ability to produce high-quality scans of small, intricate objects.


Revopoint POP vs POP 2 vs MINI – The Bottom Line

Due to their similarities and the fact they’re all three based on the same design and structured light technology, it’s challenging to select a clear winner. They are all three excellent choices suitable for a different set of users and applications.

The Revopoint POP is an excellent 3D scanner for makers and small businesses in need of an affordable, cost-effective scanner that’s compact, versatile, and can produce scans of objects both large and small.

The Revopoint POP 2 is a better option for more ambitious makers and businesses who need the added precision and color accuracy offered by its improved feature set. Think prototyping, product development, 3D modeling, and 3D design.

Finally, the Revopoint MINI shines brightest when scanning small, feature-rich objects. It produces superb scans, full of detail suitable for applications such as demanding quality control, measurements, reverse engineering, healthcare solutions, and archiving.

Read more: we also have an article comparing Revopoint vs Creality 3D scanners (featuring both company’s entire 3D scanner range)

It’s also worth mentioning that there is now a brand-new low-cost scanner called the Revopoint Inspire. I have also tested this, and you can read it in my Revopoint Inspire 3D scanner review.

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