Human 3D Scanning and Portrait Pricing
Understanding Human 3D Scanning Costs
Scanning a human subject requires entirely different technology than scanning mechanical car parts or static household objects.
Because people move, breathe, and shift, full-body capture usually relies on multi-camera photogrammetry rigs or lightning-fast handheld structured-light scanners.
Prices for scanning a person vary depending on whether you want a digital avatar for video games, a custom medical brace fitment, or a physical 3D-printed figurine.
Pricing Tiers for Human 3D Scanning Services
Targeted Body Parts & Medical Scans (R800 – R3,500):
If you are scanning a specific limb or region—such as capturing a foot for custom-molded orthotic insoles or scanning a face for protective gear—local specialized service fees generally range from a few hundred to a few thousand rands depending on resolution.
Full-Body Photogrammetry Booths (R1,200 – R5,000+ per session):
Utilizing multi-camera arrays (which snap your photo simultaneously in a fraction of a second to prevent motion blur) creates a fully textured 3D digital avatar. This price often includes the raw digital file package or serves as the base fee for physical figurine printing.
Miniature 3D Printed Figurines (R600 – R3,000 per print):
Many portrait and 4D scanning studios use your full-body scan data to print full-color sandstone or resin miniature statues of yourself, with prices scaling according to the height of the figurine (typically ranging from 10cm to 25cm tall).
Key Factors That Influence the Price
Capture Technology:
Handheld structured-light scanners require you to stand completely still for several minutes, whereas professional multi-camera dome rigs capture your entire likeness in a millisecond, commanding a higher studio setup fee.
Post-Processing & Rigging:
Getting a raw, unedited polygon mesh is relatively inexpensive. However, if you need the human avatar "rigged" with a digital skeleton for animation, video game development, or virtual reality, expert cleanup and texture mapping will increase labor costs.
Output Deliverable:
Paying only for a digital file (OBJ/FBX) differs significantly from paying for physical production, post-processing cleanup, and full-color 3D printing.
Bringing the Human Form into the Digital Realm
Scanning a person unlocks incredible creative and medical possibilities, from creating hyper-realistic video game avatars and custom cosplay gear to producing personalized medical prosthetics and miniature family portraits.
By understanding the difference between quick localized scans and full-studio photogrammetry booths, you can choose the right option to bring your human models to life digitally.
