Capturing small objects in Polycam allows you to create detailed 3D models with precision.
Prepare the Object
- Clean and Position the Object: Ensure the object is clean, free from dust or dirt, as these can appear in the final scan. Place it in a well-lit area with a neutral background (such as black, or gray) to prevent distractions in the capture.
- Stabilize the Object: Make sure the object is stable and won't move during the scanning process. Small movements can result in distortions or inaccuracies in the final model.
- Keep the Camera at a Good Distance: Avoid getting too close or too far from the object. A steady, consistent distance will result in the most accurate capture.
- Avoid Blurry Images: Take clear, focused photos. Remove any blurry photos from the batch before processing, as they can reduce the model’s quality.
- Use a Turntable: For even more consistent results, you can place the object on a rotating turntable and keep the camera still bu using a tripod. This allows for a smooth and steady capture.
Select the Right Mode
Polycam provides various modes for different capture types. For small objects, the following are recommended:
- Photo Mode (Photogrammetry): Best for capturing high levels of detail. This mode works by taking multiple photos from different angles and stitching them into a 3D model.
- LiDAR Mode: For iOS devices with a LiDAR sensor, this mode is quicker but may not capture as fine details as Photo Mode.
Capture the Object
- Lighting: Ensure the object is evenly lit. Natural light or soft studio lights work best. Avoid harsh shadows or reflections that could obscure details.
- Move Around the Object: Walk around the object, capturing it from all angles. For the best results:
- Capture a minimum of 20 images to get a decent level of detail, but aim for around 50-100 photos for smaller objects to capture every side accurately.
- Ensure each photo has some overlap with the previous photo to help the software stitch them together smoothly.
- Capture a minimum of 20 images to get a decent level of detail, but aim for around 50-100 photos for smaller objects to capture every side accurately.
Upload and Process the Capture
- Once you’ve completed your capture, upload the data for processing (if using Photo Mode) or let your device process it (if using LiDAR Mode).
- For Photo Mode, ensure you have a stable internet connection to upload the images for cloud-based processing.