Budget-Friendly 3D Scanning: Professional Results on a Shoestring

Cost is the number one barrier cited by small museums when asked why they haven't digitized their collections. There's a misconception that 3D documentation requires expensive laser scanners and supercomputers.

While high-end gear has its place, the democratization of capture technology means that skills usually matter more than hardware.

The Power in Your Pocket: LiDAR

If you have an iPhone Pro model (12 or newer), you have a LiDAR scanner in your pocket. While the resolution isn't high enough for documenting coins or jewelry, it is incredible for:

• Quickly capturing spaces and rooms
• Documenting large statues or furniture
• Creating scale references for photogrammetry

Apps like Polycam or Scaniverse can process these scans directly on your device in minutes.

Photogrammetry for High Detail

For smaller objects where detail is key, photogrammetry is king. And the best part? You just need a camera. Any camera.

The "Shoebox Studio" Setup:

1. A rotating turntable (a cheap lazy susan works fine)
2. A matte black background (black velvet fabric is < £10)
3. Consistent lighting (two cheap LED clamp lights with tracing paper diffusers)

With this setup standing on a desk, you can take 50-100 overlapping photos of an object. Free software like Meshroom (open source) or trial tiers of RealityCapture can process these into models that rival those made with £10k setups.

When to Call a Pro

So if you can do it yourself, why hire someone like me?

• Scale: Capturing 500 items is a logistical challenge, not just a technical one.
• Complexity: Shiny, transparent, or black objects break standard scanners.
• Accuracy: When conservation measurement is needed, verified accuracy is essential.

My advice to small museums: Start today with what you have. A "good enough" scan made today is infinitely better than a "perfect" scan you can't afford to make for another five years.