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Lights, Camera, 360° – Capturing Real Objects for Stunning 3D Models

3/31/2025 • 5 min read

Lights, Camera, 360° – Capturing Real Objects for Stunning 3D Models

🎥 Lights, Camera, 360° – Capturing Real Objects for Stunning 3D Models

Ever wished you could wave a wand and turn a real-world object into a 3D model? Well, put down the wand and grab your phone! With a bit of creativity (and the UnrealizeX platform doing the heavy lifting), you can film ordinary objects and get extraordinary 3D results.

In this fun guide, we'll show you how to capture perfect 360° videos of real objects using just any of your smartphones (DSLR users, we've got a bonus section for you too).

Let's roll! 🎥🌀

💡 Light It Up (But Keep It Soft)

Lighting can make or break your 3D capture – it's the unsung hero of 3D scanning. The goal is to evenly light your object so the video captures clear details from all sides. Here are some bright tips (with a dash of humor):

  • Avoid harsh shadows and blinding glares. Your object isn't in a horror movie, so don't light it like one. Hard shadows and bright hotspots confuse 3D reconstruction. Go for soft, diffuse lighting instead.

  • No strobe light parties – keep lighting constant. If you're using the sun as a light source, be mindful of the time: sunlight changes fast (clouds, sunset, etc.), which can alter lighting mid-video.

  • Disable your camera flash. Phone flashes create harsh light and moving reflections as you circle around – not flattering for your object (or your model).

  • Pro tip: If your object is highly reflective or transparent, consider dulling them temporarily with powder or matte spray to reduce shine.

🎭 Set the Stage: Background & Object Setup

  • Choose a clean, non-distracting background
  • Keep the background static
  • Secure your object on a stable surface
  • Elevate if possible using a stand or makeshift pedestal

🌀 Slow and Steady: Mastering the 360° Camera Dance

  • Move in a circle around the object
  • Go slow and steady – avoid fast or jerky movements
  • Keep equal distance from the object
  • Keep the object centered in frame
  • Avoid oscillations or back-and-forth movements
  • Stabilize your footage using both hands

🔄 Every Angle Counts

  • Change your elevation for multiple passes
  • Use the tilt technique while circling
  • Capture top and bottom views
  • Consider multiple passes for complete coverage

⏱ Duration & Quality Matter

  • Aim for 30-60 seconds of footage
  • Use highest reasonable resolution (4K at 30fps ideal)
  • Keep movement smooth
  • Lock focus and exposure
  • Check your footage before finishing

📱 Quick Smartphone Tips & Tricks

  • Lock focus and exposure
  • Use 4K and 30fps or 60fps if available
  • Keep lenses clean
  • Avoid digital zoom
  • Use video stabilization
  • Monitor battery and storage

📷 DSLR Users: Unleash the Pro in You

  • Use small aperture (f/8 to f/16)
  • Mind shutter speed (1/60 or 1/100)
  • Use manual focus
  • Stabilize the camera
  • Shoot in good light
  • Consider RAW or high-bitrate video
  • Watch for rolling shutter

🚀 Ready, Set, Unrealize It!

🎉 Quick recap:

  • ✅ Good lighting = great models
  • ✅ Clean and static background
  • ✅ Smooth 360° motion
  • ✅ Capture all angles
  • ✅ Prioritize video quality
  • ✅ Use device-specific tricks

Now head to UnrealizeX and upload your 360° video. Watch your real-world object become a stunning 3D model ✨

Happy scanning! 🚀