Wacom 3d scanner

The incredible Wacom tablet that's also a 3D scanner

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When the Wacom MobileStudio Pro was launched, we treated the announcement with interest – partially because this was a new all-in-one professional artist's tablet and powerful Windows 10 computer from Wacom, but also because top-end versions boasted an Intel RealSense 3D camera.

So when we got hold of both the 13.3 and 15.6-inch versions of the MSP for a test-drive, that was the first thing we wanted to try out. Could a pumped-up Wacom tablet really perform 3D scanning in the wild? And, even more intriguingly, could it possibly have enough power to allow render manipulation on-the-move using notoriously processor-demanding software like ZBrush?

The quick answer is yes. Incredibly, yes. But before I go into detail, let's take a look at the tablet itself. Both sizes of the Wacom MobileStudio Pro are heavyweight devices – literally and figuratively. No one is going to mistake even the smaller model for an iPad Pro – it is chunky and too heavy to hold in one hand for an extended period of time.

But to do so would be to utterly miss the point of the MSP – as the bold, confident name suggests, it is a mobile studio; a portable workstation in tablet form. Both versions we tried were full-fat Intel Core i7 models, with 16GB of RAM onboard and an Intel Iris Graphics 550 GPU in the case of the HD-screened 13-inch, and a scarcely believable NVIDIA Quadro M1000M graphics card with 4GB GDDR5 VRAM and a 4K ultra HD screen in the 16-inch MobileStudio Pro. That is SERIOUS power.

Both can fire up ZBrush and undertake serious 3D work right there on the tablet, although you'll need the 16-inch model for smooth, speedy running of processor-heavy rendering – but it is still highly impressive for a standalone tablet, if nothing you wouldn't expect from the spec list. The unit gets a little hot when you go deep into 3D software's capabilities, but the impressively quiet fan kicks in smoothly to cool that CPU.

Both models come bundled with Wacom's latest Pro Pen 2, which has superb accuracy and pressure-sensitivity, and coupled with the etched glass displays means the 'feel' is just right, with the slight resistance required to make natural-feeling penstrokes but with no discernible lag.

The 10 best ZBrush plugins

But what we really wanted to test out was the 3D RealSense camera, which features on both i7 processor-equipped MobileStudio Pros with 512GB SSD. Our tablets had Artec Studio 11 Ultimate scanning software onboard (which comes pre-loaded in RealSense camera-equipped MSPs, with a 12-month licence), which takes advantage of the 3D camera to create renders on-the-fly.

Both myself and 3D World editor Ian Dean took turns at a special Wacom demo event to capture a real model using the 3D camera. Slowly and smoothly walking around the subject, ensuring to capture all angles, a 3D 'photo' appeared in real-time on the Artec application.

A few prods of the MSP's screen later and it was creating a 3D model and within less than a minute it had rendered – seriously impressive stuff. The model was immediately available for export into ZBrush or your favourite 3D software. Rather than showing you my appalling effort (we only had half an hour to tinker with it, to be fair), have a peek at Artec's video above to get an idea of how it works.

10 essential ZBrush shortcuts to improve your workflow

The potential of the 3D camera is massive – the ability to scan direct to ZBrush while out of the studio on an all-in-one tablet is revolutionary, and with Wacom Link you can plug the MobileStudio Pro into your desktop workstation and use it as a high-resolution second screen or as a pen display when you get back to the studio.

When you combine that with the MSP's powerful chipset, vivid screen and traditional Wacom virtues (such as the customisable ExpressKeys and Pro Pen 2),

The only stumbling block could be its pricing – prices start at $1,499/€1,599/£1,399 for the MobileStudio Pro, but the top-spec versions with 3D RealSense camera start at $2,500/€2,700/£2,300 for the 13-inch and $3,000/€3,200/£2,750 for the 16-inch. Considering the power onboard, plus the massive 512GB SSD, this doesn't seem extortionate. But keep an eye out for a full hands-on review soon on Creative Bloq.

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Craig Stewart is a writer, SEO strategist and content marketer, and is a former editor of Creative Bloq. Craig has written about design, typography, tech and football for publications including Creative Bloq, T3, FourFourTwo and DSG, and he has written a book on motoring for Haynes. When he's not writing, you'll usually find Craig under his old car learning about DIY repairs the hard way.

Wacom's new MobileStudio Pro tablets have a 3D Scanner

Last week, Wacom — the company known for its professional drawing tablets — announced the MobileStudio Pro. At first glance, it’s simply the successor of the Cintiq Companion, the stand-alone pen-display loved by many illustrators and graphic designers. But for this new version, Wacom has included features that will appeal extra to 3D artists and creative professionals that want to add 3D scanning to their workflow.

Here are 3 things you need to know:

1. The built-in “3D Camera” is an Intel RealSense R200 — but only in the high-end models

The Mobile StudioPro comes in two sizes: 13-inch and 16-inch and with both you have an option for choosing an Intel Core i5-powered version and a high end version powered by an i7 processor. Only the highest-end versions — the 13-inch costing £2,299 / €2,699.90 / $2,499.95 and the 16-inch costing £2,749 / €3,199.90 / $2,999.95 — also comes with what Wacom calls an “Intel RealSense 3D Camera”.

Looking more closely, insiders will notice it’s actually an Intel RealSense F200 “world-facing” sensor that can be used for 3D Scanning. The R200 differs from other depth sensors such as Microsoft Kinect and Structure Sensor because it uses two cameras for 3D capture instead of one, which should result in more detailed 3D geometry (I’ll have to test the R200 to confirm this).

Let’s take a closer look at the sensor bar:

From left to right, we first see Wacom’s own RGB camera, which has 8 megapixels and is used for regular photography. The second circle is the first monochrome 3D camera that’s sensitive to infrared light. Next there’s the RealSense’s RGB camera which has an HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels (and a frame rate up to 60 fps) and is used to capture the color textures onto the 3D geometry. The white square is an infrared laser projector which projects patterns that the human eye can’t see but the IR-cameras (the far-right is the second) can.

The full specs of the Intel RealSense can be found here.

2. Includes Artec Studio 3D scanning software — but only a one-year license

Wacom could have quickly made a 3D scanning app using the Intel RealSense SDK, but emphasizes this is a Pro device by including 3D Scanning software from Artec, a company known for it’s industry standard EVA and Spider 3D Scanners. While this software won’t make the 3D scans from the Wacom MobileStudio comparable to those of the stand-alone Artec scanners (which cost €20.000 and up), it does give users a very professional 3D capturing and post-processing workflow.

It’s noteworthy that only a one-year license of this software is included. It’s the Ultimate version, because that’s the only version that supports 3D scanning with depth sensors like the RealSense. And this version isn’t available with a life-time license like the Pro version. So you’ll get a €800 value when buying a high-end Wacom MobileStudio, but if you make the Artec software part of your professional workflow you will have to pay a €800 yearly fee after the first year. Still, this is professional software and the price is about the same as a year of Adobe Creative Cloud.

If your budget doesn’t allow to keep spending €800 yearly for just 3D scanning, it’s good to know that the Intel RealSense R200 also works with free 3D scanning software like itSeez3D (the Windows-version, I reviewed the iOS version here) and 3D System’s Sense for RealSense (reviewed here with the RealSense F200, which is a less-capable sensor but the software works the same).

3. Has NVIDIA Quadro graphics — but only the 16-inch

While the 13-inchers have a Intel Iris Graphics 550, both 16-inch versions of the Wacom MobileStudio Pro come with NVIDIA Quadro graphics chips. The i5 model comes with an M600M with 2GB of memory and the i7 boasts a M1000M with 4GB. This clearly sets the MobileStudio Pro apart from competition like the Microsoft Surface Pro 4, that only comes with Intel Iris graphics.

Both Quardos are workstation-class graphics chips and great for 3D work, especially for working with 3D scans. This often requires sculpting programs like Mudbox, ZBrush or Bodypaint 3D that let you subdivide geometry for adding details. A fast graphics chip makes working with millions of polygons a lot smoother.

Conclusion

If you add up the 3 points above, you can conclude that only the 16-inch model is suitable for professional 3D work. And only the highest-end i7 version — which costs €/$ 600 more than the i5 version — comes with the RealSense 3D sensor. But with that you also get twice the storage (512GB vs 256GB), twice the RAM (16GB vs 8GB) and twice the VRAM (4GB vs 2 GB) so you’ll probably want that version anyway.

If you have £2,749 / €3,199.90 / $2,999.95 to spare, that is. That might be high for a “companion” device, but the fact is that these well-specced tablets have the potential to complete replace a laptop. For this, a Bluetooth keyboard and kickstand are available. On top of that, there’s the Wacom Link that let’s you hook the MobileStudio Pro up to a PC or Mac and use it as an external screen, basically turning it into a Cintiq.

The MobileStudio Pro will be available for purchase in November 2016. A great summary of all other features and prices in various currencies can be found here.

I’ve reached out to Wacom for a review model to test its 3D scanning & editing capabilities.

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Wacom Introduces Intuos 3D 3D Drawing Tablet

News

The Intuos 3D pen tablet will add a new dimension to visual arts. New from Wacom will allow you to create three-dimensional drawings and digital sculptures.

The Japanese company Wacom is well known as a leading manufacturer of graphics tablets. The devices are actively used by artists, designers and just amateurs, but now 3D printers will also like them.

“While 3D design and hobby 3D printing have become extremely popular, Wacom believes that the initial stage of the creative process can be improved with a complete solution for 3D enthusiasts, especially beginners,” said Vice President Jeff Mundell.

The pen is equipped with shortcut keys to the main functions and is not burdened with wires. According to the creators, the device accurately conveys the feeling of working with a brush or marker. In addition, the system is fully compatible with ZBrushCore 3D modeling software.

Thanks to the company's collaboration with Sketchfab and Shapeways, users have the ability to share 3D drawings and directly send finished 3D models for printing.

Intuos 3D pen tablet advertised at $199.95. The start of sales is scheduled for the end of October this year. Detailed information is available on the manufacturer's website.

Source Do you have any interesting news? Share your developments with us, and we will tell the whole world about them! We are waiting for your ideas at [email protected].

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Wacom 3d scanner

The incredible Wacom tablet that's also a 3D scanner

Wacom's new MobileStudio Pro tablets have a 3D Scanner

1. The built-in “3D Camera” is an Intel RealSense R200 — but only in the high-end models

2. Includes Artec Studio 3D scanning software — but only a one-year license

3. Has NVIDIA Quadro graphics — but only the 16-inch

Conclusion

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Wacom Introduces Intuos 3D 3D Drawing Tablet

The Intuos 3D pen tablet will add a new dimension to visual arts. New from Wacom will allow you to create three-dimensional drawings and digital sculptures.

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