The Matterport Pro2 camera has top-notch specs. It is a best-in-class, all-inclusive, 3D capture system and the camera of choice for real-estate professionals. Creating high quality 3D scans, its wide array of sensors supports an unlimited amount of 4k photography. This allows for incredibly realistic and spatially accurate Matterport virtual tours, remote job site inspections, and construction site documentations.
Albeit a somewhat hefty price tag, the Matterport Pro2 camera is absolutely worth it for professional-level photographers and businesses. Possessing unrivaled image quality, the Matterport Pro2 provides elite performance that’s not otherwise available on the market.
How does the Matterport Pro2 Work?
The Matterport Pro2 is incredibly user friendly and easy to operate. You don’t need any prior camera experience nor do you need to use any special photography techniques to use it. It’s straightforward, simple, and easy to set up. Here’s how the Matterport Pro2 works:
- Start by setting up your tripod and placing the Matterport Pro2 camera on it. Then turn the camera on.
- Use an IOS device (tablet, phone, or computer) to connect to the Matterport Pro2 via Wi-Fi.
- Download and open the Matterport Capture app and press the scan button to take your first capture point. This is done automatically and requires no further input. It’s important to stay behind the camera as it rotates or hide in another room so that you don’t show up on the scan.
- Move the camera 2-3 meters to the next scanpoint. Continue scanning until you have the entire floor plan on your device. On average it takes about 20-30 minutes to scan 100 square meters.
- When you are done scanning, hit the upload button and Matterport’s groundbreaking software, powered by artificial intelligence, will construct a 4K virtual 3D model based on your scans.
- Login to your Matterport account to view, download, and distribute your 4K virtual 3D model as you see fit.
It’s as easy as that! Anyone can easily and efficiently operate the Matterport Pro2. If you’re looking for more resources, check out Matterport’s official guide to capturing spaces with the Matterport Pro2.
Matterport Pro2 Specs
The Matterport Pro2 camera is a piece of cutting-edge technology. Thus, it has some pretty impressive hardware under the hood. Here’s some more details:
- Matterport Pro2 Size: 9.0” width/ 10.25” height/ 4.33” depth (230 x 260 x 110 mm)
- Matterport Pro2 Weight: 7.7 lb (3.5 kg)
- Matterport Pro2 Battery capacity: About 8 hours of continuous use via 2 packs at 77 Wh each. Full charge time is 4.5 hours.
- Matterport Pro2 Wireless Connections: WiFi 802.11 n/ac 5 Ghz. This is used to transfer the scan data from the camera to your device via the Capture app.
- Matterport Pro2 Mounting Connection: Female 3/8″-16 Arca-Swiss-type QR plate, permanently installed to the bottom of the camera and cannot be removed.
- Matterport Pro2 Capture Performance: 4K resolution with a capture time of 20 seconds per scan. The transfer time from the camera to your connected device is 11 seconds and the aligning/processing time is about 10 seconds. It also has 5 HDR exposures per frame and a depth resolution of 10 points per degree.
- Matterport Pro2 System Performance: Maximum 2D snapshot download resolution of 8092 x 4552 pixels @ 70% zoom level (36 MP). Maximum 360 degrees snapshot download resolution of 4096 x 2048 pixels, equirectangular (8 MP). Average load time of about 3.5 seconds for 3D showcase. Automatic full-model white balancing and 3D data registration included.
You can find a complete list of the Matterport Pro2 specs here.
Matterport Pro2 Cost
The Matterport Pro2 is an innovative 3D camera at the forefront of its kind. As such, it is priced accordingly. Getting your hands on a Matterport Pro2 won’t be cheap, but if you’re a professional looking to take your business to the next level it’s certainly worth the hefty price tag.
It’s also important to recognize that the Matterport Pro2 requires a subscription to Matterport’s cloud service. This monthly fee is based on the number of properties you’ve shot and are hosting on Matterport’s server. While it is only $10/month per property, charges can quickly rack up if you’re working with a bunch of different clients. On top of this, if you choose to stop paying this monthly fee, you won’t be able to access the virtual 3D models you’ve created. With this in mind, here is what the Matterport Pro2 will run you:
- The Matterport Pro2 camera costs $2,795 as a standalone product.
- The Matterport Pro2 camera with a tripod, mount, clamp and case costs $2,995.
Disclaimer: This pricing is based on the current listings on Matterport’s website and Amazon. It is subject to change
If you’re dying to get your hands on the Matterport Pro2 but can’t make a new one fit into your budget, you can check out eBay and other public marketplaces for a used one. However, as with buying any pre-owned camera, it’s important to make sure that it’s in good condition. Here’s a few tips you can use to ensure that you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
- Camera Check: Check the area surrounding the lens for any oil or gunk that has built up. This is an indicator that the camera’s internal mechanisms may not be functioning correctly.
- Lens Check: Inspect the camera’s lens for any scratches or chips on the glass. These are easier to see if you tilt the lens towards a light. If possible, it’s also helpful to run a scan and inspect the image quality. If there are any lines or blemishes on the image the lens or sensor may be damaged.
- General Wear and Tear: Small scratches, scuffs, and marks on the body of the camera should be expected. However, larger blemishes may indicate that the camera has been dropped and not properly cared for.
- Usage Check: Ask the seller how many scans they’ve done with their Matterport Pro2 camera. You don’t have to take their word at face value, either. You can get them to contact Matterport tech support for a report that includes the model name, sweep count, and model URL. This is important because like the engine of a car, the mechanisms of a camera wear down and start to fail with heavy use.
Matterport Pro2 Review: The Final Verdict
With no external batteries or cables and individual scans that take less than 90 seconds, the Matterport Pro2 is an extremely capable and efficient 3D camera. It’s great in the field and Matterport’s automated image processing service helps save you time in the office. Furthermore, the Matterport Capture app allows for the seamless transfer of data between the camera and your iOS device. Within a few hours after scanning, your images will be uploaded, processed, and rendered into a 3D model. With hardly any user input required, this is incredibly convenient for people unfamiliar with CAD software or who don’t have the time/resources to construct the virtual model by themselves.
In addition, capturing data with the Matterport Pro2 is a relatively easy process. Pretty much all you have to do is move the camera from one scan point to the next as it does most of the work for you. However, the Matterport Pro2 is not infallible. While Matterport claims that it takes about 20-30 minutes to scan 100 square meters, this can fluctuate depending on a variety of factors. In optimal conditions, where you can quickly move the camera between scan points in a large area, it is possible to scan up to 650 square meters in an hour. However, in sub-optimal conditions, it can take more than an hour to scan just 100 square meters. For example, unstable lighting or movement within the capture area can cause an alignment error. If you’re in an environment where either of these things are out of your control it can kill your productivity.
Also, unlike pricier laser scanners, the Matterport Pro2 can only scan up to 15 feet at a time. So while it’s still possible to scan a large area, it’s best to divy it up instead of placing the camera in the center of the room. You may feel like you’re over-scanning but this will ensure that you collect enough data to create a high quality 3D model. While this might seem like a chore (it definitely can be), at least you’ll be getting your steps in. Between moving the camera to scan points and waltzing around the room to avoid the scanner’s view, you’ll be getting a great workout!
And while you’re certainly getting a quality product, the initial price point is significantly higher than other 3D cameras with similar capabilities. For example, Ricoh’s THETA Z1 can be bought brand new for $1,047. While not having all the bells and whistles that make the Matterport Pro2 the market leader, it can create a similar product at less than 50% of the cost.
It’s also important to mention that the Matterport Pro2 is neither designed nor intended to scan for pin-point accuracy. While this is an inherent trait of 3D cameras within the Matterport Pro2’s price range, it’s a significant shortcoming that needs to be noted. And if you’re unfamiliar, the camera’s parent company, Matterport, are giants within the real estate industry. Because of this, the Matterport Pro2 is generally intended for use within that industry. As a result, image quality, ease of use, and automated features were the focus of its development; accuracy was not. So if you’re looking for a scan to BIM unit, this is probably not the product for you. However, the Matterport Pro2 is still very capable of collecting data for virtual tours, online advertising, and VR projects.
Also, while the Matterport Cloud is a convenient and time-efficient way to develop the images you’ve captured, it is completely automated and gives you zero control over the data being processed. If there are errors in the registration, you have to call tech support and have them troubleshoot for you. It’s possible to realign your data on the Matterport Cloud interface, but this doesn’t always solve the issue. Also, the cost of the service quickly adds up and can get pricey if you’re using it for multiple properties.
With all of this in mind, I would only recommend the Matterport Pro2 for professionals who are willing to shell out some serious cash to grow their business. In addition, it’s best used by real-estate agents and marketers who want to provide virtual tour services rather than contractors who need something more detail oriented. And while it provides top-notch quality within its niche, it comes at a hefty cost and doesn’t outperform its contemporaries enough to warrant its purchase for personal use.
If you’ve decided that the MatterportPro2 isn’t your cup of tea, Matterport Real Estate Tours can create a virtual tour for you. For a one time fee, we will scan your property and provide you with unlimited and unabated access to its virtual twin. If you’re interested in learning more, check out our services page. And if you want to see some of the virtual tours we’ve created, you can take a look at our portfolio of work.
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