Quote from Charlie01 on August 6, 2013, 07:35
we could address any feedback or questions you might have on here.
Thanks, the Fuel3D team.
As someone who was once wondering if his pickled liver (non smoker, garaged, runs good) or any other organ was barter-worthy for a $35k Creaform 3D scanner, I've got no issues with the Fuel3D pricepoint. There are however some questionable omissions not found in the Kickstarter campaign.
Concern #1. Zero mention anywhere of distance-to-object range(s). Red flag. The subject matter of the sample scans seems to indicate so far only close objects. Can it scan a bee? Can it scan a car?
Concern #2. The Fuel3D's scan-target requirement and single-shot scan is a mild bummer that pushes it more into the basic DIY category than waving around a game-changing Creaform. The Fuel3D's promise of stitching a multi-angle scan in downstream meshing software is just vaporware until proven. How smoothly will it be stitched? Again, sheer speculation at this point since Uformia has yet to develop this. If this scanner can't offer a better/smoother workflow for 360 degree captures, all the other scanners mentioned in this thread are back in the race.
Concern #3. For the jewelers amongst this crowd, a 0.5 or even 0.25mm resolution is not likely enough to scan gemstones for virtual mounting. The questionable scanning range and how it'll react with translucent gems and shiny metals will factor heavily into suitability for jewelers. (Form 1 made such a claim and has failed miserably)
Concern #4. Ergonomics. Someone was hell-bent on that triangular design above all else, huh? The sketches don't show a targeting reticle/viewfinder to provide feedback on whether everything is under the scanning envelope. That's the scanning noob in me asking what might be obvious. Some gadgets are so thoughtfully designed, it can be operated shortly after it's picked up for the first time. I'm doubting this is such a gadget. Fuel3D's answer to an incomplete scan might be "aim better, scan again". This won't provide solace to missing certain rare opportunities.
Thinking about 3D scanners now has me taking a broader view and envisioning the day some company will cram the processing power, the memory, the optics into a palm-sized device and spark the next generation of true 3D cameras. Much like how the first photography camera sparked its revolution. Instead of snapping old-timey digital PHOTOGRAPHY, the 3D scanning camera will shoot a scene and the file gets uploaded to grandma's computer where she can use her browser to trapse through the scene (VRML?) Then comes the 3D scanning camcorders. Forget the current baloney with stereoscopic images.
Who's gonna be first?