Introducing PortalCam: A New Way to Capture and Create in 3D
Reality capture is evolving beyond traditional surveying tools and static imagery. For professionals who need fast, visually rich, and immersive 3D models—without the complexity of survey-grade workflows—the PortalCam 3D Scanner introduces an entirely new approach.
PortalCam is the world’s first true 3D spatial camera, designed specifically for creators, real estate professionals, and immersive content developers. Unlike conventional 360° cameras that only capture panoramic images, PortalCam generates fully explorable, photorealistic 3D spatial models. And unlike tripod-based 3D scanners built for metrology and surveying, PortalCam captures data simply by walking through a space—letting software do the heavy lifting afterward.
Paired with LCC Studio, PortalCam converts walk-through captures into cinema-quality 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS) models that are ready for visualization, sharing, and integration into creative pipelines such as Unreal Engine, Unity, Web, and VR platforms. The focus is on visual fidelity, speed, and creative workflow compatibility, while still maintaining practical spatial accuracy for real-world environments.
In this article, we answer the most common questions about PortalCam—covering how it works, who it’s designed for, how it compares to survey-grade scanners, supported formats, editing capabilities, and how professionals are using it today for real estate, virtual production, VR/AR, and digital marketing.
If you’re exploring modern 3D capture solutions and want to understand where PortalCam fits in the ecosystem, this Q&A will give you a clear, practical overview.
Let's dive into the Q&A
Q1. What is PortalCam and how is it different from a survey-grade 3D scanner or 360° cameras?
A: PortalCam is the world’s first true 3D spatial camera, designed for easy reality capture.
Unlike 360° cameras that only record panoramic images or videos, PortalCam captures and
generate with LCC Studio photorealistic and measurable explorable 3D spatial models precise
enough for content creation, architecture visualization, and immersive experiences, but not
survey-grade precision.
Unlike traditional 3D scanners that require tripods, multiple positions, and complex workflows,
PortalCam captures data for 3D Gaussian Splatting models simply by walking. The magic
happens in post-processing: LCC Studio automatically converts your walking capture into
cinema-quality 3D models ready for film, gaming, real estate, or personal use.
Key difference: Traditional scanners prioritize measurement precision; PortalCam prioritizes
visual fidelity and creative workflow integration while maintaining practical spatial accuracy.
Q2. How portable is PortalCam?
A: PortalCam is a lightweight, all-in-one device that can be carried and operated with one
hand. It’s designed for creators, real estate agents, and professionals who need quick 3D
capture without bulky equipment.
Q3. How long does it take to capture and generate a 3D model?
A: A typical 280 m2 (3000sq ft) indoor space can be scanned in about 15 minutes, and the
model is automatically generated within 3 hours using LCC Studio, ready for viewing, sharing, or
editing.
Q4. Can PortalCam handle complex environments like dim light, mirrors, or weak textures?
A: Yes. PortalCam uses advanced 3DGS technology and hardware improvements to adapt to
challenging environments, maintaining high accuracy and reliability. Follow our data capture
guide to apply best practices during scanning to produce the best results.
Q5. What formats does PortalCam support, and can the data be compressed?
A: With PortalCam captured data, LCC Studio produces 3D data in the LCC proprietary format
that automatically compresses file size by up to 90% compared with standard 3DGS ply
format. .PLY gaussian splats and .OBJ are also provided for Unity, Unreal Engine, and other
industry-standard 3D integratigration for maximum workflow compatibility.
Q6. Can I edit or annotate the captured models?
A: Yes. LCC Studio is the companion desktop software of PortalCam. Use the editing feature in
LCC Studio to crop, layer, and annotate models.
Q7. How can I view and share the 3D models?
A: Models can be viewed on desktop LCC Viewer and published as a sharable link through LCC
Studio. The link can be shared cross different platform such as Web browser, mobile phone or
VR.
Q8. Does PortalCam integrate with existing workflows?
A: Absolutely. With SDK support for Unreal Engine, Unity, and Web, PortalCam models can be
easily integrated into professional pipelines for film production, VR/AR, real estate, and more.
The SDKs and documentation can be found on XGRIS developer platform.
Q9. Who are the main target users of PortalCam?
A: PortalCam is designed for real estate marketing, film & virtual production, VR content
creation, and any professional needing quick, high-quality 3D models.
Q10. Do I need professional training to use PortalCam?
A: Not at all. PortalCam features a smooth learning curve with real-time app guidance, making
it accessible for both beginners and professionals.
Q11. What's the differences between PortalCam and Lixel series mobile scanner such as
Lixel L2 Pro and Lixel K1?
A:The Lixel L2 Pro and Lixel K1 are engineered for professional applications that require high
precision, such as surveying, engineering, and construction. They use advanced technologies,
like LiDAR and SLAM to create a highly accurate point cloud—a dense set of data points
representing the geometry of an object or space. The data is meant for detailed measurements,
analysis, and as-built documentation. While they can produce 3D Gaussian Splatting (3DGS)
models, this is a secondary, value-added feature rather than their main purpose.
PortalCam is the first spatial camera that is built for generating high quality 3DGS models and providing a new way to content creation. The emphasis is on visual fidelity and the ability to generate content quickly for applications like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), virtual film production, and digital marketing. While PortalCam data can produce accurate models, its primary goal is not the same level of geometric precision required for professional survey work.
To speak to one of our XGRIDS professional specialist feel free to email info@rapidscan3d.com. Rapid Scan 3D is a trusted reseller for the XGRIDS products and can provide sale, training and support
