A Glimpse into the 3DMakerPro Eagle LiDAR Scanner: An Affordable Powerhouse
Explored 3DMakerPro Eagle Scanner: Impressive Performance for the Given Cost
Hop on board as we delve into the world of 3D scanning with the 3DMakerPro Eagle LiDAR Scanner. This bad boy, hailing from the same stable as the lauded 3DMakerPro Moose and Seal, is taking the market by storm, venturing into the realm of LiDAR scanning. And it's no wallflower – the Eagle boasts an impressive lineup of features that put it squarely in the entry-level league.
LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing technology that uses laser light to build 3D models of the real world. Unlike its predecessors, the Moose and Seal, which excel at scanning small to medium objects, the Eagle is packed to handle larger objects, rooms, and spaces with the might of LiDAR technology in its arsenal.
You might already be 3D scanning objects with your iPhone, thanks to its built-in LiDAR technology, but if you're here, chances are you're seeking a more powerful, yet cost-effective 3D scanning device. So, sit tight and let's find out what we think of the Eagle scanner.
Key specs for the 3DMakerPro Eagle LiDAR Scanner:
Object size:
| | || --- | --- || Object size: | Designed for large spaces || Scanning frequency: | 200,000 points/second || Accuracy: | 2cm || Scan range: | 80-140m || Live preview: | 3.5-inch screen || Resolution: | 8K imaging || Dimensions: | 115 × 181 × 106 mm || Weight: | 1.5 kg || Compatible OS: | Windows |
Designed for large spaces
Pricing:
The Eagle drops into the market in two versions – the four-camera model priced at $4,399/£3,260, and the single-camera model going for $3,499/£2,592. The four-camera model, which I was sent, promises the highest level of quality and color. If you're budget-conscious or just need a basic LiDAR scanner, then the single-camera model might be more up your alley.
Scanning frequency:
On the whole, the Eagle's price tag represents a significant saving compared to most LiDAR scanners, which typically start at around $10k/£10k. The savings are achieved by reducing some of the accuracy and frequency capabilities, but it still offers more than enough precision for shining scans.
200,000 points/second
Unboxing:
The Eagle arrives in a secure storage box to ensure it stays in top shape during transit. With perfectly cut foam keeping the unit and its accessories protected, you can transport it with peace of mind from job to job. The case's clip lock mechanisms further guarantee no accidental openings in transit.
Accuracy:
The scanner itself measures 115 × 181 × 106 mm and tips the scales at 1.5 kg. If you're accustomed to lightweight 3D scanners shaped for handling small to medium items, then the Eagle's heft might come as a surprise. Bear this in mind during continuous scanning sessions – remember to take regular breaks for your hand and arm!
2cm
Alternatively, mount the Eagle on various vehicles, including drones, but bear in mind the weight restrictions of your drone before taking flight. With the ability to maintain data quality even when cruising at speeds of up to 20 km/h, you can capture data on the wing or as the device is mounted to a slow-moving vehicle. I didn't test the scanner in flight or on a vehicle, but it delivered impressive accuracy even when I was moving briskly through spaces.
The build quality is premium, and the protection around the four cameras will help avoid any damage to the unit's point-cloud-producing prowess. The LiDAR scanner is also furnished with a plastic cover to protect it from bumps and scratches during transit.
Scan range:
The device sports a 3.5-inch portrait color screen used for inputting settings and viewing end scans. It's sized for a good glimpse of what the scanner is capturing, but it's not so detailed that you can tell if a rescan is needed. For that, you'll need to bust out the computer software. Operating the screen is relatively straightforward, although edge sensitivity leaves a little to be desired.
80-140m
Capturing scans can be done via USB stick in the onboard data port, but I found this method to be slow and cumbersome. A more sensible option is to record the scans directly onto the microSD card. It can be easily removed and inserted into a computer or card reader for further processing.
All in all, this is an impressive piece of gear that defies its low cost.
Live preview:
Performance:
3.5-inch screen
The Eagle's performance will be tinged with a few highs and lows. The loud fans might catch your ear as soon as you fire the scanner up, but it's a necessary evil to keep everything running smoothly. The device is working hard, and the noise level, though regretfully audible, is somewhat manageable in certain settings.
Although I adored the size of the color screen, I did find it a touch sensitive to operate, particularly when pressing buttons around the edge of the display. A bit of TLC in the next edition, and smooth operation will be a breeze rather than an occasional stumble.
Resolution:
The battery life is a bit of a letdown, lasting around an hour. This isn't a concern if you're scanning indoors, but you'll need portable power sources or adjust your scanning schedule for outdoor shoots.
8K imaging
Now, let's talk scanning performance. With the ability to capture data in various formats, I was impressed by the scanner's adaptability. Formats include 3D Color Point Cloud (PLY), 3D Colored Polygonal Model (OBJ), 3D Panoramic Tour Data (OBJ), and even 3D Gaussian Splatting (PLY).
Data can be recorded straight onto a microSD card, perfect for transferring point clouds to other devices and importing into packages like JIMUMETA or CloudCompare. The inconvenience? The card slot is located directly beneath the tripod mount, making card removal a task that requires unscrewing the tripod attachment first. Not the most sensible design choice, but it's a minor hiccup in an otherwise polished product.
Dimensions:
The lasers can scan to an accuracy of 2 cm, which might seem lacking when it comes to scanners designed for small to medium items. But keep in mind that this is a large-scale scanner designed for generating large point clouds of buildings and other large objects. With a scan range of up to 140m, you won't need to take too many scans at each location. The accuracy does, however, dip a bit the further the lasers travel, making it wise to take more scans than you think you need.
115 × 181 × 106 mm
Color images are picked up with ease thanks to the four high-resolution cameras that deliver 8K imaging. This superb image capture is ideal for creating more usable 3D scans and enabling the generation of textures for 3D models.
Who's it for?
Weight:
The 3DMakerPro Eagle LiDAR Scanner is catered to professionals seeking to create efficient and accurate 3D point clouds of rooms or large spaces. Thanks to its continuous shooting mode, it's perfect for navigating around a location, such as in and out of rooms in a house.
1.5 kg
If you can afford it, this scanner is ideal for designers and visualizers who often work with the source data of existing buildings, using LiDAR scans as the basis for creating a precise 3D model. Use cases include architectural surveying, film production, virtual exhibitions, and more.
Buy it if...
Compatible OS:
- You're regularly tasked with scanning buildings and spaces
- You need an entry-level and affordable LiDAR scanner
- You need more accuracy than photogrammetry allows
Windows
Don't buy it if...
- You only need to capture scanned data infrequently
- You want to 3D scan products, items, or small to medium parts
- The 3DMakerPro Eagle LiDAR Scanner, with its impressive scanning capabilities, is a powerful tool for creatives in the design industry, particularly 3D designers and UX designers.
- With a resolution of 8K imaging, this scanner can capture color images with exceptional detail, offering benefits for generating textures for 3D models.
- The scanner's data compatibility with packages like JIMUMETA or CloudCompare makes it a valuable asset for data-and-cloud-computing professionals in various fields, including science and medical-conditions research, such as chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease.
- For budget-conscious professionals or those with basic LiDAR scanning needs, there's also the single-camera model available, offering a more affordable entry point into the world of 3D scanning.
- Artists and other creative professionals can find inspiration in the 3D models and point clouds created by the Eagle scanner, potentially leading to innovative approaches in 3D printings and AR/VR design.
- The scanner's large scan range, up to 140m, allows it to handle larger objects, rooms, and spaces, making it ideal for architectural surveying, film production, and virtual exhibitions.
- As a tool for continuous shooting, the Eagle is well-suited for scanning buildings, indoor spaces, or navigating around a location, such as in and out of rooms in a house.
- The 3DMakerPro Eagle LiDAR Scanner is a great choice for professionals working with technology who need to scan efficiently and accurately, providing the precision required for their projects.
- On the other hand, if you only need to capture scanned data infrequently or prefer a more affordable option with less accuracy, it might be wise to explore other scanning solutions.
