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3D Systems iSense for iPad/iPhone 3D Scanner Review

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This compact, versatile 3D scanner works well but has limitations and a high price tag.

Tom's Guide Verdict

This compact, versatile 3D scanner works well but has limitations and a high price tag.

Pros
  • +

    Simple-to-use app

  • +

    fits tightly onto iPad/iPhone

  • +

    scanning process is simple and easy to follow

  • +

    includes basic editing tools

Cons
  • -

    Scanning sometimes fails in bright sunlight

  • -

    small details are often not captured

  • -

    expensive

Today's best iSense 3D scanner deals

No price information

For more information visit their website

Why should PC users have all the fun of 3D scanning their friends and family, in hopes of printing out 3D models? The iSense is a new 3D scanner from 3D Systems that works with the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPad Air, iPad mini with Retina display or the fourth-generation iPad to create 3D models that can be printed on any 3D printer.

Roughly the size of a cigar, the iSense comes with a plastic bracket that attaches it to the back of the iPhone or iPad. (We tested the model that attached to the iPad mini with Retina display.) A cable connects the scanner to the device's Lightning port, and 3D Systems provides a free app that interprets the data and builds the model.

The iSense is a structured light scanner, which means that a small projector on the device emits a pattern of infrared (IR) light. You don't see this IR light, but the camera on the device does, and it uses the reflection of this light pattern to find the shape of the object. This process doesn't work on glass or especially shiny objects, as they reflect the light away.

Scanning Process

To build a 3D model, you point the camera built into the device at the object you want to scan. As you start the scan, the app creates a 3D box showing the volume of the area where the camera will scan. You can pinch and zoom to make the scan area smaller or larger. The iSense can scan objects between 1 and 5 feet away from the device, which means it won't work for very small objects (less than about 2 or 3 inches high) or big ones (larger than about 6 feet high). It works fine for a cat or a person, for instance, but you can't scan an entire car.

As you move around the subject and scan, the iSense and its app detect this movement, using it to build the new parts of the 3D model. A preview of the model is overlaid on the camera image in gray; any parts that are too close appear in red. You can pause the scan or restart from buttons on the screen.

Occasionally, the app asks you to hold still while it grabs a key frame that it uses to track the object. In our tests, it did this more often with complex and large objects, often asking us to stop every 5 seconds or so.

When you have moved all the way around the object (or as far around as you can), you should have a complete scan.

After you've scanned the object, the app processes the scan and creates the 3D model — a process that usually takes less than a minute. You can edit the model with a number of simple tools for tasks like cropping off the surface the object was sitting on, or trimming out scanning errors and bits you don't need. You can also solidify the 3D model, filling any holes, and turn the scan into a solid 3D model for printing.

MORE: How to Buy the Right 3D Printer

The scanning process with iSense is pretty smooth on most objects. We were able to scan and create models of objects ranging in size from small figurines to a full human being. It didn't work on moving objects, though: When we tried to scan a cat, the movement of the cat's head as it quizzically wondered what strange thing this human was doing confused the app. A sleeping cat could be scanned, though, as long as we let it lie. Likewise, we could scan people, as long as they stood still.

Printing Scans

Finally, you save the completed 3D model, usually to 3D Systems' own Cubify hosting service. From there, you can print the finished scan in a variety of materials and colors. (The cost of printing varies according to which material you use.) I've made a sample scan available at the Cubify service.

Alternatively, you can download the objects as .obj files to make them ready for 3D printing at home, or to use them with a different online service. If you do this, however, the color information is saved as a separate file that some services may not be able to read. When we tried to print our object through Shapeways, we had to do some conversion in another program before we could get a scanned 3D model correctly set up. Unfortunately, true-color 3D printers for the home are not yet available, so do-it-yourself prints will be only in one color.

Scanning Results

I did find that the scanner struggled to capture details on some small objects, though. The handle of a coffee cup, for instance, was only partly captured, and the final scan looked more like it had a hook than a handle. The scanner worked best on objects larger than a foot or so, and with smooth, flat surfaces. It was capable of producing a recognizable scan of a face, but don't expect it to capture every nuance of a smile.

iSense also struggled when the object was under bright sunlight, as the IR light from the sun makes it difficult for the camera to pick out the pattern it uses to detect the object. This could be difficult if you are trying to scan an outdoor sculpture on a sunny day, for instance. As you move around the sculpture to capture all of it, the camera may struggle with the parts where the sun is behind it, as it will also pick up the IR light from the sun.

The iSense is an interesting device, and it is definitely portable. Attached to an iPhone, it can easily slip into a pocket, making it convenient for on-the-road scanning. However, it has many limitations. Its ability to capture detail is weak, and it struggles in some lighting conditions. It also seems rather expensive: At $499, it costs $100 more than the Sense 3D scanner that works with a computer. If you want to create 3D scans of friends, family, pets and the odd statue, then go for it, but I think the cost overwhelms the usefulness of this device for most users.

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Today's best iSense 3D scanner deals

No price information

For more information visit their website

Richard Baguley has been working as a technology writer and journalist since 1993. As well as contributing to Tom's Guide, he writes for Cnet, T3, Wired and many other publications.

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‎Qlone 3D Scanner on the App Store

Description

** Featured by Apple for Object Capture **

Turn photos from your iPhone or iPad into high‑quality 3D models that are optimized for AR using the new Object Capture API on macOS Monterey.

Object Capture uses photogrammetry to turn a series of pictures taken on your iPhone or iPad into USDZ files that can be viewed in AR Quick Look, seamlessly integrated into your Xcode project, or used in professional 3D content workflows.

Scan with Qlone on your iPhone and Process on your Mac! Our familiarly beautiful AR dome will guide you through the scanning process.

Alternatively, you can also process a set of your own images in a Folder or ZIP file.

Version 1.0.2

Minor fixes and optimizations.

Ratings and Reviews

Phenomenal Scanner (if you have all the pieces)

I was a bit skeptical about this app but I decided to try it anyways in hopes it would at least kinda work. I used the 3d mat (printed on thick sketch paper), a microwave plate, and a tripod with a ring light. It took me about 15 mins and when I was completely finished I had a really solid 3d model. I definitely think that if you have a microwave plate, some tape, and a tripod even the free version will be great for your models. The only reason I’d give this a 4 star is because I had to watch a video on a guy doing something similar to what I explained above to get good results. If the app said that you needed a few misc pieces to get the best possible quality it’d be 5 stars no doubt. I hope to continue to keep making models with this app and I’m very glad I got the premium version to edit my models :).

Extremely frustrating

I will start off by saying that this app in concept is cool and, on the off chance the scan doesn’t look like something that came out of the backend of a farm animal, it can be a lot of fun.

However, that’s a gigantic if. Even following Qlone’s guidance, the models almost never look like anything but a nightmare version of what you’ve scanned. The biggest issue is that it makes EVERYTHING cone-shaped. Every. Single. Thing. Looking at videos and other reviews online, it’s clear this specifically has been an issue with this app from the beginning, and the developer has either not found a way to solve it or hasn’t bothered to even try.

And yet they continue to falsely advertise the features of their app to bilk people out of its massive cost—a price that would be an absolute steal if the app did what it promises. I would give this 100 stars if the developer wasn’t essentially stealing from their early adopters, because the concept is awesome and I can’t wait until it actually works correctly.

Aside from the scan issues, the editing feature is a mess and impossible to use on a touchscreen. It might as well not even be there. Again, over-promising and extreme under-delivering.

One star because the idea is cool, and one star because animating the models can be funny. Be honest about what you’re selling, guys, and you won’t get such nasty reviews. As it stands, you deserve every single one and more.

Hello Scott,
We are sorry for your troubles and we are here to help! There are two solutions for the cone effect you mention - Using the vertical back mat or merging two scans. To see the quality that you can achieve with Qlone, just take a look at our gallery on Sketchfab:
https://sketchfab.com/Qlone/models
As with any new technology, there is a learning curve to get to good quality results but here are a few important tips for getting there:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAvWqTzmylM&list=PLFyWT8cl6wJdcQEUYTAEXW-TFjytt6lRF
Please let us know if these helped and feel free to reach out with any question to our support team at:
qlone@eyecue-tech. com
Thank you,
The Qlone team

Don’t buy

I wanted to give a better review after learning how to use the app. First the map and paid version is key. Get the map made as big as you can for bigger objects that aren’t toys next lightning is so key any areas not lit well show up as missing or folded data. Even with this the scan will not be perfect. You will need to take it into the editing software and fix the structure. Once that’s done go back to the texture in editing an color in any gaps. This will let you fix any coloring in another program. I’m speaking from a graphic design aspect not a printing model. Learning how to make the adjustments in the sculptor editing was the key. I wish I had time to show. But it gets a 4 because the developers need more videos on how to use it and people would be happier.

Events

The developer, EyeCue Vision Tech, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy.

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

  • Location
  • Usage Data

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

Seller
EyeCue Vision Technologies LTD

Size
140.7 MB

Category
Graphics & Design

Age Rating
4+

Copyright
© 2022 EyeCue Vision Technologies LTD

Price
Free

  • Developer Website
  • App Support
  • Privacy Policy

More By This Developer

You Might Also Like

‎App Store: Qlone 3D Scanner

Description

** Featured by Apple for Object Capture **

Turn photos from your iPhone or iPad into high‑quality 3D models that are optimized for AR using the new Object Capture API on macOS Monterey.

Object Capture uses photogrammetry to turn a series of pictures taken on your iPhone or iPad into USDZ files that can be viewed in AR Quick Look, seamlessly integrated into your Xcode project, or used in professional 3D content workflows.

Scan with Qlone on your iPhone and Process on your Mac! Our familiarly beautiful AR dome will guide you through the scanning process.

alternative, you can also process a set of your own images in a Folder or ZIP file.

Version 1.0.2

Minor fixes and optimizations.

Ratings and reviews

The scanner is good, AR is not very good.

In general, the scanner works well, if everything is done according to the instructions, you can get an excellent result, the only thing that is not clear is AR: for some reason it is completely impossible to expand the object. If you scanned it in a lying position, then in AR it will always lie on the ground and cannot be turned over in any way. It's frustrating.

Just awful.

Sorry for the money. Deceivers. This program does not allow you to get high-quality models. Tried all options. Turntable tripod lighting. The quality is terrible ... no words.

Hello paasigpilrstgasil,

We are sorry for your troubles and we are here to help!

To see the quality that you can achieve with Qlone, just take a look at our gallery on Sketchfab:
https://sketchfab.com/Qlone/models

As with any new technology, there is a learning curve to get to good quality results but here are a few important tips for getting there:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAvWqTzmylM&list=PLFyWT8cl6wJdcQEUYTAEXW-TFjytt6lRF

Please let us know if these helped and feel free to reach out with any question to our support team at:
qlone@eyecue-tech. com

Thank you,
The Qlone team

Scan Quality

The quality of scanning on the mat leaves much to be desired, and the resulting model is very different from the demonstrations.

Developments

Developer EyeCue Vision Tech has indicated that, in accordance with the app's privacy policy, data may be processed as described below. Detailed information is available in the developer's privacy policy.

Unrelated with user data

The following data may be collected, which is not related to the user's identity:

  • Geoposition
  • Usage data

Sensitive data may be used differently depending on your age, features involved, or other factors. Read more

Information

Provider
EyeCue Vision Technologies LTD

Size
140.7 MB

Category
Graphics and design

Age
4+

Copyright
© 2022 EyeCue Vision Technologies LTD

Price
Free

  • Developer site
  • App Support
  • Privacy Policy

Other apps from this developer

You may like

‎App Store: WIDAR - 3D Scan & Edit

Description

■ WIDAR is the world’s first 3D production app that allows you to scan and edit 3D models on your iPhone or iPad. You can enjoy everything from 3D scanning, which can be used anytime and anywhere, to editing with various tools, rendering, and sharing of images, free of charge. Create 3D creative art like never before!

■ The WIDAR community allows you to share your 3D creativity. Share your scene productions with users all over the world! You may even get unprecedented inspiration from other users' posts. Send "Likes" to each other and share your feedback.

■ The Photo Scan mode now allows you to perform 3D scanning on all devices, through photographs from various angles of the selected object, this it is possible to generate a highly accurate and vivid 3D model.

■ The LiDAR Scan mode is available on devices equipped with a LiDAR sensor, this mode allows you to improve the accuracy of Photoscan. This mode is suitable for scanning a wide variety of areas such as rooms, buildings, and city corners. WIDAR's unique algorithm produces high-quality textured 3D models at high speed.

【Attention】This function is limited to iPhone13 Pro, iPad Pro (2nd generation or later), and other models equipped with LiDAR sensors.

■ Scanned and edited models can be shared and exported in various formats for use outside WIDAR. You can export videos and share them on SNS, or export them in object data formats such as OBJ and FBX, and use them with 3DCG software such as Blender and Maya, and game engines such as Unity and Unreal Engine. It is also possible to output in a real form with a 3D printer.

■ Requires iOS 14.5 or later
Compatible with iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2nd Generation), iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPad Air (3rd Generation), iPad mini (5th Generation), iPad Pro (2nd Generation) 12.9 -inch, iPad Pro (2nd Generation) 10.5-inch, iPad Pro (3rd Generation) 11-inch, iPad Pro (3rd Generation) 12. 9-inch, iPad Pro (4th Generation) 11-inch, iPad Pro (4th Generation) 12.9-inch, iPad Air (4th Generation), iPad (8th Generation), iPad mini (6th Generation), iPad (9th Generation)

■ Available Text Languages: English, Japanese

WIDAR is an application under development by a small team. We are constantly improving and adding new features to bring more engaging and user-friendly 3D creations for everyone.
Your feedback will help us develop in the future.
We would be happy to hear from you via Twitter DM.
Twitter: @WIDAR_3D

Terms of Use: https://widar.io/en/terms-of-services-2/
Privacy Policy: https://widar.io/en/privacy-policy-3/

Version 3.5.0

■ Some WIDAR features are in paid Pro mode
・export 3D models … You can export scanned model on OBJ, FBX, GLTF, XYZ, PLY, STL(+USDZ for iOS)
・share URL viewer … You can share 3D item by web viewer
・4K Texture … You can select hi-res texture option when creating photo scan.
・No watermark video … You can remove watermark when exporting created video.

Ratings and reviews

ratings: 17

It must be popular

What this application can do, well, it's a shock!! Very cool, amazing!!!

Many thanks to the developers!

I really like the application. It's free and there are no subscriptions. But only 3d models are not very free.

Developer WOGO Inc. indicated that, in accordance with the application's privacy policy, data may be processed as described below. Detailed information is available in the developer's privacy policy.

Data used to track information

The following data may be used to track user information on apps and websites owned by other companies:

Related with user data

The following data may be collected that are related to the user's identity:

Unrelated with user data

The following data may be collected, which is not related to the user's identity:

  • Geoposition
  • User Content
  • Identifiers
  • Usage data
  • Diagnostics

Sensitive data may be used differently depending on your age, features involved, or other factors.

Learn more