PIX4Dcatch vs Postshot

PIX4Dcatch is a mobile app for capturing ground scans and turning terrestrial data into 3D models. It records image frames with position and orientation information and gives real-time feedback on scan coverage. Georeferenced models are created with photogrammetry and LiDAR; LiDAR depth capture is used by the iOS version, while Android processing does not use depth data. Processing happens off the phone and requires a valid PIX4Dcloud or PIX4Dmatic license or trial. Captured data can be uploaded to PIX4Dcloud or exported to PIX4Dmapper or PIX4Dmatic, and the product page describes overlays for DXF, IFC, and SHP designs. Phone GNSS location is expected to be accurate to a few meters; a supported RTK device can provide absolute accuracy in the range of a few centimeters, with compatible equipment and an active regional NTRIP subscription. After login, capture can work offline, but cloud uploads need internet access. PIX4Dcloud can process up to 4,000 images per project. The Discovery license is free; PIX4Dcatch Pro is $132.50 a month, billed yearly, excluding taxes.

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.