Why Camera Resolution Matters in 3D Scanning – And Why Older Tech Can’t Keep Up

3D body scanning technology has evolved rapidly. A few years ago, depth cameras like the Intel RealSense D435 were considered cutting-edge. They made 3D scanning accessible with stereoscopic depth sensing and modest RGB resolution. But today, consumer-grade devices have leapfrogged that hardware—offering far higher resolution, better scalability, and greater long-term support.

Let’s look at the numbers—and the cost.

Legacy 3D Sensors: Intel RealSense D435

The RealSense D435, used in systems similar to Styku or Shapescale, offers:

• Depth Sensor Resolution: 1280 × 800
  
  
• RGB Camera: 1920 × 1080 (Full HD)
  
  

At launch, the D435 was a smart pick for 3D developers. But in 2021, Intel officially discontinued the RealSense line, ending future development and production. Despite that, these sensors still sell for $250–$400 on the secondary market—if you can even find reliable stock.

That’s a high price for aging, unsupported hardware.

Modern Tablet Cameras: Samsung Galaxy S9 FE (Used in Fit3D SNAP)

Compare that to the camera tech inside the Samsung Galaxy S9 FE, used in Fit3D SNAP:

• Front Camera: 12 MP Ultra-Wide
  
  
• Video Resolution: Up to 3840 × 2160 (4K)
  
  
• Retail Price: $350–$450, brand new
  
  

Not only is the S9 FE comparable in cost to a discontinued RealSense camera, but it also delivers far higher resolution and benefits from regular updates, long-term manufacturer support, and economies of scale.

Additionally, the entire tablet is the full product for Fit3D. You can start scanning for hundreds of dollars compared to the thousands of dollars for larger systems that do the same exact thing. Why pay more for the same quality of hardware & software?  This also applies to systems like eVolt and InBody that do not have any imagery at all.

Why It Matters

In 3D scanning, camera resolution directly impacts the quality of the scan—how accurately you can capture body shape, surface detail, and measurement points.

Fit3D SNAP takes advantage of high-resolution consumer tablets, layered with proprietary depth reconstruction software. The result: better scans, lower costs, and no dependency on hard-to-source, end-of-life hardware.

The Takeaway

Other 3D scanners that rely on older 3d cameras may be not sustainable longer term. Intel RealSense components means it’s built on discontinued, lower-resolution technology—hardware that’s increasingly hard to support and scale. Fit3D SNAP takes the opposite approach: leveraging modern, high-res tablet cameras that are more affordable, better supported, and already in mass production.

Why pay more for outdated hardware when consumer tech is doing it better?

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