MicMac vs Postshot

MicMac is free, open-source desktop software for reconstructing 3D models from imagery. Developed at IGN and ENSG within the LASTIG lab, it runs on Linux, macOS and Windows under the CECILL-B license. It supports frame cameras, pushbroom sensors and scanned analogue images, along with camera calibration models and dense image matching for deformation studies. Outputs can include point clouds, 3D models and ortho-imagery in a desired coordinate system. Intermediate results in open formats let users work at different stages, and quality indicators include bundle adjustment residuals, covariance matrices, parameter sensitivity and correlation images. The C3DC command computes a point cloud from oriented images; AperiCloud creates a sparse cloud with camera positions and orientations for viewing in MeshLab, but does not support 64-bit PLY. MicMac is adapted to big datasets and was initially built for experts and researchers, with use also described in architecture, archaeology and forestry. Documentation, tutorials, a wiki and user forum are available. Building from source involves multiple dependencies, and the Mac guide cautions that a current revision may not compile or may be unstable on a given OS.

Postshot is a Windows application from Jawset for reconstructing photorealistic 3D scenes and objects from photos or video with radiance field technology. Its workflow covers tracking, training, editing, and rendering, with image masking, region-of-interest training, scene merging, and model sequence rendering. Inputs include JPG, PNG, TIF, EXR, DNG, and RAW images plus MOV, MP4, and MKV video. Exports are PLY, SPZ, and HTML, and integrations include Unreal Engine and After Effects. Free supports COLMAP and RealityScan camera and point imports. The Free plan allows unlimited image count, video length, and model size, with output up to 4K SDR (8-bit) for non-commercial use. Indie adds watermark-free renders, commercial use, floating licensing, and PLY/SPZ export. Studio adds further formats, above-4K and HDR output, command-line use, and AprilTag alignment. Free costs nothing; Indie and Studio are also listed at free.