Dimensional Capture: Which Phones Can Take 3D Photos?

The world of photography has witnessed significant advancements in recent years, with the introduction of new features and technologies that have transformed the way we capture and share images. One such innovation is the ability to take 3D photos, which has gained popularity with the rise of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications. But which phones can take 3D photos? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of 3D photography and explore the devices that can capture these immersive images.

What are 3D Photos?

Before we dive into the list of phones that can take 3D photos, it’s essential to understand what 3D photos are and how they differ from traditional 2D images. A 3D photo is a digital image that captures a scene or object in three dimensions, providing a more immersive and realistic experience for the viewer. These images are created using a combination of cameras, sensors, and software that work together to capture and process the visual data.

How are 3D Photos Created?

The process of creating a 3D photo involves the use of dual cameras or a single camera with a stereo lens attachment. The dual cameras are spaced apart to mimic the human eyes, capturing the scene from slightly different angles. The images are then processed using sophisticated software that combines the two images to create a single 3D image. This process is known as stereoscopy.

Phones with 3D Camera Capabilities

Now that we’ve covered the basics of 3D photography, let’s take a look at some of the phones that can take 3D photos. Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and new devices with 3D camera capabilities are being released regularly.

Samsung Galaxy S21 series

The Samsung Galaxy S21 series, comprising the S21, S21+, and S21 Ultra, features a quad-camera setup with a dedicated time-of-flight (ToF) camera. The ToF camera uses laser light to measure the distance between objects, enabling the creation of accurate 3D models. While the S21 series doesn’t specifically support 3D photo capture, the ToF camera can be used for AR applications and 3D modeling.

LG G8X ThinQ

The LG G8X ThinQ features a dual-camera setup with a ToF camera, which enables the creation of 3D models and supports augmented reality applications. The phone also comes with a feature called “3D Cam” that allows users to capture 3D photos using the dual cameras.

OnePlus 9 Pro

The OnePlus 9 Pro features a quad-camera setup with a ToF camera, which enables the creation of 3D models and supports AR applications. While the phone doesn’t specifically support 3D photo capture, the ToF camera can be used for 3D modeling and AR experiences.

Google Pixel 4

The Google Pixel 4 features a dual-camera setup with a telephoto lens and a standard lens, which enables the creation of 3D models using the “Dual Camera” feature. While not as advanced as some of the other options on this list, the Pixel 4’s dual cameras can be used to capture 3D-like photos using certain third-party apps.

Phone Model Camera Setup 3D Capability
Samsung Galaxy S21 series Quad-camera with ToF camera Supports AR and 3D modeling
LG G8X ThinQ Dual-camera with ToF camera Supports 3D photo capture and AR
OnePlus 9 Pro Quad-camera with ToF camera Supports AR and 3D modeling
Google Pixel 4 Dual-camera with telephoto and standard lenses Supports 3D-like photo capture using third-party apps

Third-Party Apps for 3D Photo Capture

While the phones mentioned above have built-in support for 3D photo capture or 3D modeling, there are several third-party apps that can be used to capture 3D photos using a single camera or dual cameras. Some popular options include:

  • Phereo: A 3D camera app that uses a combination of dual cameras and software processing to capture 3D photos.
  • Seene: A 3D modeling app that uses a single camera to capture 3D models, which can be shared as 3D photos or used in AR applications.
  • Tricorder: A 3D scanner app that uses a single camera to capture 3D models, which can be used for a variety of applications, including AR and 3D modeling.

These apps can be used on a wide range of Android and iOS devices, providing users with a way to capture 3D photos even if their phone doesn’t have built-in 3D camera capabilities.

Conclusion

The world of 3D photography is rapidly evolving, with new devices and technologies being introduced regularly. While the phones mentioned in this article have built-in support for 3D photo capture or 3D modeling, third-party apps provide a way for users to capture 3D photos using a single camera or dual cameras. As the technology continues to advance, we can expect to see more devices with advanced 3D camera capabilities, enabling users to capture even more immersive and realistic images.

What is Dimensional Capture?

Dimensional Capture is a feature that enables smartphones to capture 3D photos. It uses advanced camera technology, including dual-lens cameras, to capture multiple angles of a scene, which are then combined to create a 3D image. This feature is also known as “stereo photography” or “3D scanning”. The resulting 3D photos can be viewed in 3D mode on compatible devices, providing a more immersive experience compared to traditional 2D photos.

The Dimensional Capture feature is not limited to just taking 3D photos. It can also be used for various other applications such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and 3D modeling. Additionally, the 3D images captured using Dimensional Capture can be shared on social media platforms, messaging apps, and online marketplaces, where they can be viewed by others with compatible devices.

Which phones can take 3D photos?

Several high-end smartphones are capable of taking 3D photos using the Dimensional Capture feature. Some of the popular phones that support this feature include the Apple iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21+, Google Pixel 4 and 4 XL, OnePlus 9 Pro, and LG G8X ThinQ. These phones come equipped with advanced dual-lens cameras that enable them to capture 3D images.

It’s worth noting that not all phones with dual-lens cameras can take 3D photos. The phone’s camera app must also support the Dimensional Capture feature. It’s always a good idea to check the phone’s specifications and camera features before purchasing to ensure that it supports 3D photography.

How does Dimensional Capture work?

Dimensional Capture uses advanced camera technology to capture 3D images. The dual-lens cameras on compatible phones work together to capture multiple angles of a scene, which are then combined to create a 3D image. The cameras are usually positioned slightly apart, allowing them to capture different perspectives of the same scene. The images are then processed using advanced algorithms to create a single 3D image.

The process of capturing 3D images using Dimensional Capture is similar to how our brains process visual information. When we look at an object, our left and right eyes see slightly different perspectives of the object, which our brain combines to create a 3D image. The Dimensional Capture feature works in a similar way, using the dual-lens cameras to capture multiple perspectives, which are then combined to create a 3D image.

What are the advantages of Dimensional Capture?

The Dimensional Capture feature offers several advantages over traditional 2D photography. One of the main advantages is that it provides a more immersive experience, allowing viewers to feel like they are part of the scene. The 3D images captured using Dimensional Capture can also be used for various applications such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and 3D modeling. Additionally, the 3D images can be shared on social media platforms, messaging apps, and online marketplaces, where they can be viewed by others with compatible devices.

Another advantage of Dimensional Capture is that it can be used to capture detailed 3D scans of objects. This feature is particularly useful for e-commerce, where buyers can use 3D scans to get a better look at products before making a purchase. The 3D scans can also be used in various industries such as architecture, engineering, and healthcare, where accurate 3D models are essential.

Can I view 3D photos on any device?

To view 3D photos captured using Dimensional Capture, you need a compatible device. Most high-end smartphones that support Dimensional Capture can also view 3D photos. Additionally, some tablets, laptops, and desktop computers can also view 3D photos using specialized software or apps. However, the device must have the necessary hardware and software capabilities to display 3D images.

It’s worth noting that not all devices can view 3D photos in the same way. Some devices may only be able to view 3D photos in a limited capacity, such as in a 2D representation with depth cues. To get the full 3D experience, you need a device with a compatible 3D display and software.

Can I edit 3D photos?

Yes, you can edit 3D photos captured using Dimensional Capture. Most photo editing apps that support 3D images allow you to edit the image, including adjusting brightness, contrast, and color balance. You can also crop, rotate, and resize the image as needed. Additionally, some specialized apps allow you to edit the depth map of the 3D image, allowing you to adjust the depth and perspective of the image.

It’s worth noting that editing 3D photos can be more complex than editing 2D photos. This is because 3D images have multiple layers and depth information that must be taken into account when editing. As such, it’s recommended to use specialized apps and software that are designed specifically for editing 3D images.

Is Dimensional Capture available on all camera apps?

No, Dimensional Capture is not available on all camera apps. The feature is typically available on the native camera app of compatible smartphones, such as the Apple iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max, Samsung Galaxy S21 and S21+, Google Pixel 4 and 4 XL, OnePlus 9 Pro, and LG G8X ThinQ. However, some third-party camera apps may also support Dimensional Capture, depending on the app’s capabilities and the phone’s hardware.

It’s worth noting that not all camera apps that support Dimensional Capture can capture 3D images in the same way. Some apps may limit the feature to certain modes or scenarios, such as portrait mode or landscape photography. As such, it’s always a good idea to check the app’s features and capabilities before using it to capture 3D photos.

Leave a Comment