The PortalCam is the latest product from XGRIDS and marks a turning point in the world of 3D scanning technologies. While earlier scanners were primarily used for Classic surveying technology the PortalCam is the first device that is consistently geared towards Creative is aimed at: Filmmakers, photographers, real estate visualizers and anyone who wants to create visually convincing 3D models.
Their focus is not on geodetic precision, but on the photorealistic representation of objects and places. This opens the door to applications that were previously only possible with great technical expertise or considerably more expensive hardware.
Here we see a 3D scan that Johannes Müller and I Clarence Dadson made in Potsdam with the PortalCam. It only took us 30 minutes
A unique selling point of the PortalCam is its forward-facing LiDAR system. While conventional scanners measure hemispherically in all directions - with the disadvantage that objects cannot be "targeted" - the PortalCam works like a camera.
Together with two front cameras equipped with different optics, the system enables precise focusing on the desired subject. Creatives can thus work with a clear "viewfinder view" and obtain a sharp, visually optimized result.
The PortalCam delivers data in a quality that is specially designed for Gaussian splatting is optimized. Particularly striking is the handling of Glass and reflective surfaces.
In the Photogrammetry reflections are usually "baked in" as a rigid texture. This means that reflections or highlights remain the same regardless of the viewing angle - which looks unnatural. Gaussian splatting on the other hand, reproduces reflections and glass surfaces dynamically and depending on the viewing angle. The result is a much more authentic, realistic display.
This is where the PortalCam really comes into its own: Thanks to the superior optics of the ultra-fisheye cameras, it delivers sharper, higher-contrast raw material than the older models K1 or L2 Pro. This means that glass and reflections in the finished model are not only correct, but can also be Aesthetically convincing be displayed.
A central goal of PortalCam is to, Reduce complexity. Users do not need in-depth knowledge of photogrammetry or Gaussian splatting.
The resulting point cloud is displayed in real time via an app during the scan. Missing areas or areas that have been scanned too thinly can be recognized immediately and rescanned. This makes work much easier - especially for users who come from the photo or film sector and expect fast, visual results.
The PortalCam is directly integrated into the XGRIDS software LCC Color Studio integrated. There, the recorded data can be Splat files in different resolutions can be processed. Particularly practical: Collider objects are generated automatically - ideal for integration in engines such as Unity or Unreal if you want to add physical interactions or avatars.
This creates a End-to-end solutionwhich significantly shortens the entire process from recording to interactive application.
With a price of approx. 5.000 € the PortalCam is significantly cheaper than other models in the XGRIDS series:
K1approx. 15.000 €
L2 Proapprox. 32,000 €
The crucial point: The PortalCam is even superior to the older models in terms of visual quality. While K1 and L2 Pro were primarily designed for surveying technology and photorealistic imaging was only a side effect, the PortalCam is built from the ground up Visualization and creative applications designed.
The result: Higher image quality, better sharpness and more realistic reflections - and at a fraction of the purchase price.
As promising as the PortalCam is, some points remain critical:
Battery performance: In the beta version, the runtime was still limited. It is to be expected that XGRIDS will improve this in the final product.
Proprietary formatThe raw data can only be used with XGRIDS software. Additional license costs are incurred for further processing (approx. € 2,000 per year or € 5,000 as a perpetual license).
Young infrastructureGaussian splatting is still a young technology. Standardized exchange formats and broad software integration are still being developed.
The ecosystem also includes the LCC Viewerwith which splats can be viewed and checked immediately. Functions such as displaying avatars or placing additional polygonal objects increasingly turn it into a small editor. Although competing products such as PostShot or Supersplat more editing functions, but the path is clear: XGRIDS is developing the PortalCam as part of a complete workflow solution.
The PortalCam is a bold step by XGRIDS - Away from pure measurement, towards creative visualization. She is easy to use, comparatively affordable and delivers results that were previously only possible with significantly more expensive hardware.
For filmmakers, real estate visualizers and creative professionals, it is already a Gamechanger. Of course, the dependence on proprietary software remains a downer, but the direction is clear: with PortalCam, Gaussian Splatting more suitable for the masses - and raises the visual quality to a new level.
Yes, thanks to the Live Point cloud view and simple operation, even beginners can quickly achieve convincing results.
No. It is clearly designed for visualization, not for geodetic precision.
The PortalCam is dependent on XGRIDS software (LCC Color Studio, LCC Viewer). Without this, the raw material cannot be used.
The scanner itself costs around €5,000. In addition, there are software licenses (approx. €2,000 per year or €5,000 for an unlimited period).
Film and media production
Real estate visualization (alternative to Matterport)
Virtual tours
Creative 3D projects in VR and AR
Are you interested in solutions with Gaussian splatting and photogrammetry? You may still have questions about budget and implementation. Please do not hesitate to contact me.
I am looking forward to you
Clarence Dadson CEO Design4real
