XGRIDS has announced PortalCam, positioning it as the first consumer-friendly spatial camera that captures real-world environments into explorable 3D worlds. The $5,000 device uses Gaussian Splatting technology to democratize spatial capture, features four cameras plus LiDAR for comprehensive scene reconstruction, and processes data through automated software that outputs Unity and Unreal Engine-compatible assets.
For an industry where location scouting, set extensions, and virtual production workflows have traditionally required expensive equipment and technical expertise, PortalCam represents a significant shift toward accessible spatial computing tools (working alongside tool like Lightcraft's Spark platform).
Behind the Lens: Four cameras and LiDAR capture over 860,000 depth points per second
The PortalCam hardware combines multiple capture technologies in a handheld form factor. Two front-facing cameras work alongside side-mounted fisheye cameras to ensure wide field-of-view coverage, while a front-mounted LiDAR unit captures depth information at over 860,000 points per second.
This multi-sensor approach addresses a common challenge in 3D reconstruction: capturing accurate spatial data in environments with varying lighting conditions or minimal texture details. The LiDAR component proves particularly valuable for low-texture surfaces that typically challenge photogrammetry-based systems.
The device builds on XGRIDS' previous K1 and L2 Pro cameras but targets a broader creative audience through its more ergonomic design and lower price point compared to professional-grade spatial capture systems.
VP Land’s NAB Show coverage of XGRIDS and their compact K1 handheld scanner:
Post-Production Pipeline: Walk through spaces, upload data, export ready-to-use 3D models
PortalCam's workflow centers on simplicity. Users walk through an environment while capturing, then upload the data to XGRIDS' LCC Studio desktop application. The software runs neural inference to process the spatial, color, and depth information using Gaussian Splatting algorithms.
The output generates textured, real-time 3D models compatible with industry-standard creative software including Unity, Unreal Engine, and Blender. This automated processing approach contrasts with traditional photogrammetry workflows that often require manual intervention and technical expertise.
Gaussian Splatting technology represents scenes through overlapping three-dimensional "blobs" with position, color, shape, and transparency properties. This approach delivers sharper edges and higher photorealism compared to conventional voxel or mesh-based reconstruction methods.
Virtual Production Applications: From location scouting to set reconstruction in hours instead of days
The film and VFX industry represents a primary target market for PortalCam's capabilities. Virtual production teams can capture locations for digital set extensions, pre-visualization, and scenic reconstruction with significantly reduced time requirements.
Traditional location scanning workflows using photogrammetry or professional LiDAR rigs often require days of setup and processing. PortalCam's streamlined capture and automated processing pipeline compresses this timeline to hours, potentially enabling more flexible location integration during production.
The technology also supports rapid asset creation for gaming and XR content development, with direct compatibility for leading game engines eliminating additional conversion steps.
Market Positioning: Prosumer pricing targets indie studios and SME creative teams
At $5,000, PortalCam is making advanced spatial capture accessible to independent studios, advanced creators, and small-to-medium enterprise architectural and VFX teams. This pricing represents a significant reduction from professional spatial capture solutions that typically cost tens of thousands of dollars (just watch our video on the $60,000 Leica scanner).
The competitive landscape for consumer spatial cameras remains nascent. While companies like Matterport serve real estate applications and Apple integrates LiDAR into mobile devices, PortalCam's focus on GPU-accelerated Gaussian Splatting and creative workflows differentiates its approach.
The Final Cut: Spatial capture technology moves from research labs to mainstream creative tools
PortalCam's emergence marks a notable milestone in spatial computing accessibility. By combining advanced AI-driven reconstruction with consumer-friendly hardware and workflow design, XGRIDS addresses longstanding barriers that have kept high-fidelity 3D capture within specialized domains.
For virtual production teams, real estate professionals, and XR creators, the device represents an opportunity to integrate spatial capture into existing workflows without extensive technical infrastructure or training requirements. As these tools become more mainstream, the distinction between traditional 2D content creation and immersive 3D environment capture continues to blur.
The broader implications extend beyond individual device capabilities. PortalCam signals a shift toward democratized spatial computing tools that could reshape how creative professionals approach location-based content, from indie filmmaking to architectural visualization and personal memory preservation.
