RealityCapture Pricing: A Complete Guide

RealityCapture has taken a bold step to make its cutting-edge photogrammetry software more accessible to a broader audience. As of April 2024, Epic Games, the software’s parent company, has introduced a revamped pricing structure that caters to hobbyists, educators, small businesses, and large organizations. Whether you’re a small studio just starting out or a well-established firm looking to expand your capabilities, RealityCapture’s new pricing model has something for you.

This article explores the changes, what they mean for different users, and how they align with Epic Games’ overarching strategy.

The Evolution of RealityCapture Pricing

RealityCapture has been a go-to tool for creating ultra-realistic 3D models from photos and laser scans since its launch in 2016. When Epic Games acquired the software in 2021, they began integrating it into their ecosystem, alongside Unreal Engine and Twinmotion.

Previously, RealityCapture employed a Pay-Per-Input (PPI) model, allowing users to process data for free but requiring credits to license the output. While this worked for some, it became costly for high-volume users. Additionally, perpetual licenses were available at $3,750, but these too had limitations, such as no guaranteed access to future updates.

The new pricing model simplifies access while eliminating these older systems.

Free for Small Businesses and Individuals

Perhaps the most exciting change is that RealityCapture is now free for users with annual revenue under $1 million. This includes:

• Hobbyists and Casual Users: Whether you’re experimenting with photogrammetry or creating small-scale projects, you can now access all features at no cost.
• Educational Institutions and Students: Free access empowers schools and learners to explore photogrammetry without financial barriers.
• Startups and Small Studios: For those working on commercial projects but not yet hitting the revenue threshold, this pricing change is a game-changer.

This move levels the playing field, allowing smaller players to harness professional-grade tools without breaking the bank.

Subscription Plans for Larger Organizations

For businesses earning more than $1 million annually, RealityCapture is available through subscription plans. These include:

Standard RealityCapture Subscription

• Cost: $1,250 per seat per year (plus applicable taxes)
• Features: Full access to all RealityCapture functionalities, updates, learning resources, and community forums
• This plan replaces the older perpetual license, offering a more affordable entry point for large-scale use.

Unreal Subscription Bundle

• Cost: $1,850 per seat per year (plus applicable taxes)
• Includes:
  • RealityCapture
  • Unreal Engine
  • Twinmotion
• This bundle is ideal for organizations already using multiple Epic Games tools, providing seamless integration and cost efficiency.

Transition Period for PPI and Perpetual License Holders

With the elimination of the PPI model, existing users have a 12-month grace period to utilize any remaining credits. Additionally, users with perpetual licenses will continue receiving updates for one year before needing to transition to a subscription or free access (if eligible).

Epic Games has ensured that legacy PPI projects can still be opened and converted in the latest version of RealityCapture, provided the user has an internet connection. This compatibility ensures no work is lost during the transition.

Why This Change Matters

Democratizing Photogrammetry

By making RealityCapture free for smaller users, Epic Games is democratizing access to advanced technology. Photogrammetry, which involves converting images or laser scans into 3D models, is increasingly used in industries like gaming, virtual reality, surveying, and cultural heritage preservation. The new pricing model ensures that these tools are no longer reserved for high-budget enterprises.

Encouraging Ecosystem Adoption

RealityCapture’s integration with Unreal Engine and Twinmotion is no coincidence. Epic Games aims to build a cohesive ecosystem where developers and creators can move seamlessly between tools. This is especially beneficial for those creating VR experiences or architectural visualizations, as photogrammetry models can be directly imported into Unreal Engine for rendering or Twinmotion for design.

Key Features of RealityCapture

Regardless of the pricing tier, all users have access to RealityCapture’s full suite of features, including:

• Photo and Laser Scan Import: Combine images and laser scans to create precise 3D models.
• Automatic Processing: Generate 3D meshes, textures, and orthographic projections with minimal manual input.
• Advanced Mapping Capabilities: Create georeferenced maps, DSM/DTM models, and orthophotos.
• High-Fidelity Outputs: Produce watertight triangular meshes and displacement maps.
• Customization Tools: Import custom meshes and UV maps for tailored workflows.

Comparisons with Other Tools

RealityCapture competes with software like Agisoft Metashape, but each tool has its strengths.

• Speed: RealityCapture is often praised for being faster, especially when working with large datasets.
• Platform Support: Metashape offers a Mac version, while RealityCapture is PC-only.
• Usability: RealityCapture focuses on automation, making it easier for beginners, while Metashape offers more advanced manual controls for seasoned users.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs, but RealityCapture’s new pricing makes it a compelling option for cost-conscious creators.

Potential Concerns

Some users expressed concerns about whether Epic Games could claim ownership of content created in RealityCapture. However, the End User License Agreement (EULA) clarifies that all imported and generated content remains the property of the user.

Another topic of discussion is the potential for Epic Games to use user-generated data to train AI models. While this isn’t explicitly stated, it’s worth considering as the use of AI in photogrammetry grows.

How to Get Started

Free Access

If you qualify for free access, simply download the software and start creating. No hidden costs, no limits on features.

Subscription Plans

For businesses exceeding the revenue threshold, purchase a seat directly through the Epic Developer Portal. Discounts or custom terms are available for larger purchases.

Trial Option

Not ready to commit? Epic Games offers a 30-day free trial of RealityCapture, Unreal Engine, and Twinmotion. This is an excellent way to explore the tools before making a decision.

The Future of RealityCapture

This pricing change is just one part of Epic Games’ broader vision. As photogrammetry becomes more integral to industries like gaming, architecture, and VR, tools like RealityCapture are positioned to lead the charge.

Whether you’re a hobbyist creating models for fun or a large studio tackling ambitious projects, RealityCapture’s new pricing ensures you have access to some of the best tools available.

By removing financial barriers for smaller users and offering scalable options for larger ones, Epic Games is paving the way for a more inclusive, innovative future.

How FlyPix AI Fits into the World of Geospatial Analysis

While RealityCapture has revolutionized photogrammetry with its new pricing model, other innovative platforms like FlyPix AI are pushing boundaries in geospatial analysis. At FlyPix AI, we specialize in AI-powered geospatial solutions, providing tools to detect, analyze, and interpret objects from geospatial imagery with unmatched speed and accuracy.

Our platform goes beyond static 3D modeling by enabling users to train custom AI models, work with multispectral data, and integrate seamlessly with existing GIS workflows. Whether you’re in agriculture, forestry, construction, or government operations, FlyPix AI tailors its solutions to fit your unique requirements.

FlyPix AI Pricing Plans

FlyPix AI offers flexible pricing to cater to different needs, ranging from individual users to large enterprises. Here’s how our pricing works:

• Basic Plan (Free): Ideal for individuals getting started, offering 3GB of storage, 10 credits for processing, and limited support.
• Starter Plan (€50 per user/month): Designed for small teams, includes 10GB of storage, 50 monthly credits, and email support within five business days.
• Standard Plan (€500 for two users/month): Suitable for medium-sized projects, offering 120GB of storage, 600 credits, collaboration features, and two-day email support.
• Professional Plan (€2,000 for five users/month): Perfect for advanced users, with 600GB of storage, 3,000 credits, advanced features like API access, and one-hour email/chat support.
• Enterprise Plan (Custom Pricing): Unlimited access to all features, tailored for large-scale projects with bespoke requirements.

Credits Explained: FlyPix uses a credit-based system for data processing. Each credit equals €1 and allows processing of up to 20 megapixels. Users can top up credits as needed to handle additional workloads.

Why Choose FlyPix AI?

FlyPix AI is an ideal solution for industries requiring scalable and precise geospatial analytics. With features like custom AI model training, multispectral data handling, and vector-layer exports, our platform ensures you have the tools to achieve accurate results without programming expertise.

By offering free and affordable options alongside enterprise-grade solutions, FlyPix AI aligns with modern industry demands, much like RealityCapture’s approach to democratizing technology. Whether you need to process satellite imagery, aerial photos, or drone scans, FlyPix AI adapts to your project needs efficiently and affordably.

With FlyPix AI, you’re not just analyzing data; you’re transforming how geospatial analysis is done. Experience the future of geospatial analytics with us -– start your free trial today and see the difference.

Conclusion

RealityCapture’s new pricing model is a game-changer for the photogrammetry community. Free access for small businesses and individuals, combined with affordable subscription plans for larger organizations, ensures that this powerful tool is available to everyone, regardless of budget.

As you explore RealityCapture, take advantage of its automation, precision, and seamless integration with Epic Games’ ecosystem. Whether you’re diving into photogrammetry for the first time or looking for a cost-effective solution for your business, RealityCapture’s new pricing makes it more accessible than ever before.

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