PortalCam by XGRIDS – A Review
The PortalCam is a specialized capture system from XGRIDS that connects LiDAR with multiple cameras and is designed primarily for the rapid creation of visual 3D scenes. It is aimed at film teams, photographers, real estate visualization, and XR production.
Since our trial implementation, the XGRIDS portfolio has expanded significantly. In addition to the PortalCam, there is now the Lixel K2; In September 2026, XGRIDS also unveiled the new flagship Lixel L3 The devices pursue different goals: fast visual capture, mobile LiDAR mapping, or highly precise spatial recording.
Here we see a 3D scan that Johannes Müller and I, Clarence Dadson, took in Potsdam with the PortalCam. We only needed 30 minutes for it.
1. Forward-facing LiDAR – like a camera
A unique selling proposition of the PortalCam is its Forward-facing LiDAR system. While classic scanners measure hemispherically in all directions – with the disadvantage that you can't specifically „target“ objects – the PortalCam works like a camera.
Together with two front cameras equipped with different optics, the system allows for precise focusing on the desired subject. This enables creatives to work with a clear „finder view“ and achieve a sharp, visually optimized result.
2. Image quality and Gaussian Splatting
The PortalCam is designed for visually convincing Gaussian scattering scenes. In our Potsdam scan, we were able to capture an interactive result in a short time. This is the crucial difference to a scanner whose main task is to create measureable point clouds.
A blanket comparison of quality with the K1 or K2 series is too simplistic: according to XGRIDS, the K2 improves color capture and the 3DGS output compared to the K1, among other things. The PortalCam nevertheless remains the device in the portfolio whose capture workflow is explicitly oriented towards visual scenes. For reliable geometry and versatile point cloud formats, however, K2 and L3 play a different role. More on this in K2 overview.
3. Easy to use
A central goal of PortalCam is to, To reduce complexity. Users do not need prior in-depth knowledge of photogrammetry or Gaussian Splatting.
During the scan, an app displays the resulting point cloud in real-time. Missing areas or areas scanned too thinly can be immediately identified and re-scanned. This enormously simplifies the work, especially for users coming from the photo or film industry who expect quick, visual results.
4. The XGRIDS Pipeline
The PortalCam is integrated directly into the XGRIDS software LCC Color Studio integrated. There the captured data can be Splat files in different resolutions processed. Especially practical: Collider objects are automatically generated – ideal for integration into engines like Unity or Unreal when you want to add physical interactions or avatars.
This is how a End-to-end solution, which significantly shortens the entire path from acquisition to interactive application.
5th prize and placement in the XGRIDS portfolio
The price information in this article is outdated and therefore no longer provides a reliable cost comparison. Prices and license models may change depending on the retailer, package, and software edition; a current offer should be obtained before making a purchase.
For the device selection, the intended use is more important than an isolated price comparison:
- PortalCam: Visual capture and fast Gaussian splatting scenes with a camera-centric workflow.
- Lixel K2: Lightweight handheld scanner for small to medium-sized scenes, with point cloud, mesh, and 3DGS output.
- Lixel L3: New high-end system for precise and large-area spatial capture; XGRIDS claims 5 mm relative accuracy and around 2.5 cm real-time absolute accuracy.
The values and application profiles are based on the current manufacturer specifications. They do not replace a separate comparison scan under the specific project conditions.
6. Criticisms and Open Questions
The PortalCam is not a universal surveying scanner. Those who require georeferenced or reliable point cloud data should consider the K-series or the L2/L3 segment. Conversely, a classic mapping workflow is not automatically the fastest choice when a convincing walkable 3D scene is intended to be created, especially if a convincing walkable 3D scene is intended to be created.
- Software binding: The XGRIDS software is central to the processing of the PortalCam recordings. The license scope and available features should be checked before purchase.
- Project-related results: Glass, reflective surfaces, moving people, and difficult lighting conditions remain challenging and should be taken into account in a test scan.
- Not a substitute for every surveying task: The PortalCam specializes in visual scene capture. Precision and mapping requirements must be evaluated separately.
7. The XGRIDS software pipeline
The PortalCam is integrated into the XGRIDS software for reconstruction and visualization. Depending on the workflow, the captured data can be further processed into differently detailed Gaussian-Splatting models and prepared for viewers or real-time applications. The specific export and licensing features may change with software updates; therefore, please check the current documentation before starting the project.
For K2 and L3, classic point cloud and mesh workflows are also considered. The appropriate workflow depends on whether representation, geometry, positioning, or further processing is the primary focus.
Conclusion
The PortalCam remains an interesting choice when high-quality, visually compelling Gaussian splattering scenes are required quickly. Its camera-centric capture approach is tailored to this purpose.
With the Lixel K2 and the new Lixel L3, the XGRIDS portfolio is now clearly broader in scope. The K2 combines convenient mobile scanning with multiple output formats; the L3 aims for higher accuracy and larger, more complex applications. Therefore, the decision on which system is best suited is based on the project goal and the desired data product – not on a simple ranking list.
Our overview of XGRIDS Lixel K2 You can find it in the separate article.
More XGRIDS articles: Lixel K1, Lixel L3 and Aerial Ground Map Fusion for Drone and Scanner Data.
Frequently Asked Questions about the PortalCam
Yes. Thanks to the live point cloud view and easy operation, even beginners can quickly achieve convincing results.
No. It is clearly designed for visualization, not geodesic precision.
The PortalCam relies on XGRIDS software (LCC Color Studio, LCC Viewer). Without it, the raw material is unusable.
The previous price in this post is no longer valid. Please ask PortalCam, Software, and the desired license edition for an updated offer.
Film and Media Production
Real Estate Visualization (Alternative to Matterport)
Virtual Tours
Creative 3D Projects in VR and AR
The PortalCam is oriented towards visual 3D scenes and Gaussian Splatting. The K2 is a mobile LiDAR handheld scanner with point cloud, mesh, and 3DGS output. The L3 is XGRIDS‘ new high-end system for precise spatial capture. The appropriate choice depends on accuracy, scene, and the desired data format.
