September 19, 2024

Pro2 vs. Pro3: Selecting the Best Matterport Camera for Your Needs

When it comes to 3D capture devices, Matterport’s Pro2 and Pro3 cameras stand out as industry-leading tools for creating immersive digital twins. Whether you're in real estate, architecture, insurance, or construction, these cameras offer immense value in capturing physical spaces in vivid detail. However, with the release of the Matterport Pro3, professionals now face a tough decision: which camera is best suited for their needs? This blog will dive into the key differences between the Pro2 and Pro3, their pros and cons, and how to choose the right camera for your 3D scanning projects.

Photo from Matterport

Overview of the Matterport Pro2

The Matterport Pro2 is widely regarded as a versatile, reliable, and high-quality 3D capture device. Since its launch, it has been the go-to tool for real estate professionals, architects, and insurance adjusters, helping them create detailed digital twins of spaces. With a battery life of up to 8 hours, the Pro2 is built for endurance, allowing users to document entire properties in one session. Its photo-realistic quality and precision make it an ideal choice for indoor environments such as homes, offices, and retail spaces.

The Pro2 excels in generating digital twins that capture every detail, from furniture placement to architectural nuances. For professionals in industries like Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC), the Pro2 helps track project milestones, create punch lists, and improve communication between teams. Similarly, in Insurance and Restoration, the Pro2’s accurate and immersive scans make it easier to estimate property damage, file claims, and document the restoration process.

Despite its long-standing dominance, the Pro2 isn’t without its limitations. One of its biggest drawbacks is its outdoor scanning performance. The Pro2 struggles in outdoor environments, especially under direct sunlight or in spaces where fine details are needed.

Photo from Matterport

Overview of the Matterport Pro3

Let me introduce you to the Matterport Pro3, a camera that revolutionises 3D capturing. The Pro3 camera, which replaced the Pro2, was released with a number of significant enhancements. The Pro3's powerful LiDAR sensor greatly increases the scope of what may be photographed, allowing for the recording of detailed interior features as well as vast exterior landscapes. The Pro3 is perfect for large-scale projects like resorts, industries, universities, and airports since it can scan regions up to 100 meters away. 

One of the Pro3’s standout features is its field-swappable battery system, which allows users to extend scanning sessions by quickly changing batteries. This makes the Pro3 a more versatile tool for industries that require extensive scanning in complex environments. Additionally, the Pro3’s improved sensor and 12-element lens mean it performs well in varying lighting conditions, from dim interiors to bright outdoor settings.

However, the Pro3 isn’t without its downsides. Its battery life, while supported by swappable batteries, doesn’t match the Pro2’s endurance. Moreover, the Pro3’s design is less robust, making it more vulnerable to damage if dropped. Some users have also expressed concerns about the Pro3’s weight distribution, noting that it may tip over on uneven surfaces.

Photo from Matterport

While both cameras use Matterport’s powerful 3D imaging technology, the Pro2 and Pro3 differ in several critical areas:

1. Scanning Range

  • Pro2: Limited to a scan range of about 4.5 meters, making it suitable for smaller, confined spaces.
  • Pro3: Can scan up to 100 meters, allowing it to capture large outdoor areas and intricate details in vast environments.

2. Indoor vs. Outdoor Performance

  • Pro2: Ideal for indoor scans but lacks the capability to capture high-quality outdoor environments.
  • Pro3: Excels in both indoor and outdoor settings, overcoming the limitations of the Pro2 with its enhanced sensor and outdoor capabilities.

3. Photo Quality

  • Pro2: Produces higher resolution photos at 7680 x 4320 pixels, providing excellent image clarity.
  • Pro3: Offers slightly lower photo resolution at 6068 x 3413 pixels, which may be a drawback for some users focused on high-quality imaging.

4. Battery Life

  • Pro2: Offers up to 8-10 hours of continuous scanning, making it ideal for long indoor projects.
  • Pro3: While it has swappable batteries, its battery life is shorter, with a 2-hour job potentially draining over half the battery.

5. Design and Durability

  • Pro2: Built with a more robust design, making it durable and resistant to accidental damage.
  • Pro3: While more advanced, its design is less sturdy, and it may be more prone to tipping over or damage in challenging environments.

6. Price

  • Pro2: At nearly half the price of the Pro3, the Pro2 is an affordable option for professionals primarily working indoors. It retails for around £2,200, making it a cost-effective tool for many.
  • Pro3: Priced at £4,899, the Pro3 is considerably more expensive. However, its advanced features may justify the higher price for users who need to scan larger spaces, both indoors and outdoors.

Photo from Matterport

Pros and Cons of the Matterport Pro3

Pros:

  • Extended Scanning Range: The Pro3’s ability to scan up to 100 meters makes it ideal for large, complex environments.
  • Indoor and Outdoor Capabilities: Overcomes the limitations of the Pro2 by capturing high-quality scans in both settings.
  • Swappable Batteries: Increases the Pro3’s versatility and usability in long, demanding projects.
  • LiDAR Sensor: Provides greater accuracy and precision in 3D captures, especially in outdoor or expansive areas.

Cons:

  • Shorter Battery Life: Compared to the Pro2, the Pro3’s battery life is shorter, although swappable batteries help mitigate this.
  • Lower Photo Resolution: Produces lower resolution images than the Pro2, which may be a concern for users focused on photo quality.
  • Less Robust Design: The Pro3’s design makes it more prone to damage, especially in demanding environments.
  • Price: The Pro3 is significantly more expensive, making it a substantial investment for those who need its advanced features.

Pros and Cons of the Matterport Pro2

Pros:

  • Long Battery Life: The Pro2’s 8-10 hour battery life makes it ideal for extended indoor scanning sessions.
  • Higher Photo Resolution: Produces superior-quality images, which is important for users who need detailed, high-resolution photos.
  • Affordability: At nearly half the price of the Pro3, the Pro2 provides excellent value for professionals focused on indoor scanning.

Cons:

  • Limited Outdoor Capabilities: Struggles to capture high-quality scans outdoors, limiting its versatility in some industries.
  • Shorter Scan Range: With a range of just 4.5 meters, the Pro2 is limited in its ability to capture large or complex spaces.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Is Right for You?

Choosing between the Matterport Pro2 and Pro3 depends on your specific needs and budget. For professionals focused primarily on indoor environments like homes, offices, and retail spaces, the Pro2 offers excellent value, long battery life, and superior image quality at a more affordable price. However, for those who need to capture larger spaces, work outdoors, or require more advanced features like extended scanning range and LiDAR precision, the Pro3 is the ideal choice—despite its higher price and shorter battery life.

Ultimately, both cameras are powerful tools, and the choice comes down to the specific demands of your projects. Whether you go for the proven reliability of the Pro2 or the cutting-edge capabilities of the Pro3, Matterport continues to set the standard for 3D capture technology.