What is the best 3D scanning technology for Film Productions? (Photogrammetry vs Photometry)

As the world of VFX, cinema, video games and advertising continues to evolve with ever more impressive visuals, so too does the 3D technology used to create them. 3D scanning has become a key tool for creating realistic digital doubles of celebrities, either it’s 3d scan of body of 3D scan of face. As technology advances, so do the possibilities for 3D scanning. From photogrammetry to photometry and even hybrid systems, there are a number of options available when it comes to creating 3D scans and digital doubles of actors for AAA production.

In this article we’ll take an in-depth look at the two most prominent technologies used today – Photogrammetry and Photometry scanning – as well as discuss which is best suited for different cases.

Photogrammetry has been around since 19th century but only recently has become popular among 3D professionals due to its accuracy in capturing detail from photographs taken from multiple angles. It was first developed by French photographer Aimé Laussedat who proposed using two cameras set at 90 degrees apart on either side of an object’s surface which would then take pictures from those angles simultaneously (Laussedat & Chavigny): the first 3D scanning system.

It works by taking photos with overlapping fields of view then using software algorithms that measure points on each image before reconstructing them into a 3D model that can be manipulated further in postproduction workflows like adding textures, blendshapes etc. 3D photogrammetric scanning systems have become increasingly popular among professional visual effects directors, like 3d face scanner or 3D full body scanner.

These human 3d scans offer high resolution textures along with precise 3D models suitable for use in cinematic scenes where realism needs to be achieved without compromising efficiency. It’s also efficient for large objects, for example with full body 3D scan.

Photometry is very appreciated as a 3D facial scanner because it uses light sources placed at different angles relative to an object being scanned rather than cameras alone like photogrammetry does; thus enabling more accurate measurements because shadows created by these lights help define depth better than just camera images alone would allow – especially if the surface being scanned contains curves or irregular shapes (elements often found on human faces).

More technically, it estimates the surface normals of an object by capturing it under different light orientations. It involves taking multiple pictures of the same object from different angles, then using the light and shadows of each image to calculate the surface normals of the object in 3D space.

Another advantage of photometric 3D scanning is that it can capture surface texture and color information, making the 3D models look more realistic. It allows to capture PBR Textures (Physically Based Rendering) that typically include a color map, a roughness map, a metallic map, a normal map, and an ambient occlusion map.

These textures are used to control the visual properties of a material, such as how it reflects light and how rough or glossy it appears.

When deciding between either technique one should consider their project requirements first. Do you need 3D head scan, 3D face scan or 3D body scan? If you need something fast yet precise enough, or 3D full body scans, then go ahead with photogammetry whereas if you really need extremely accurate results of 3D scan of humans even under complex lighting scenarios then opt instead for a hybrid system incorporating both technologies together – though bear in mind they tend come at higher costs associated due their complexity level.

Eisko has developed several 3D scanning systems to make the best Digital Doubles, either it’s 3D body scanner or 3D head scanner.

Our full body 3D scanning system goes beyond standards by applying 120 cameras to a photogrammetric technology. It allows quick and precise 3D scans of actors, props, objects and accessories, and permits photo-realistic 3D models.

We also have developed a proprietary technology for 3D scan of heads and 3D scan of faces : we have a geometric accuracy free of bias and PBR (physically based rendering) textures of physical materials. Today’s rendering engines use PBR technology, they are oriented by a physical simulation of light.

In short, by if you need the best quality 3D scan in Paris or worldwide, let’s contact us!