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How to Capture Scans with Gen5

Learn how to capture Single and Double scans using your Gen5 camera, choose the appropriate scan mode and adjust scan settings.

Written by Elza Kreslina

Single and Double Scans

When creating a project, the Gen 5 camera lets you choose between two capture modes:

  • Standard Capture: Uses Single scans by default

  • 3D Capture: Uses Double scans by default

You can switch between Single and Double scans at any time, regardless of the selected capture mode.

For more information, see How to Choose a Capture Mode on Gen 5.

Single Scan

A Single scan captures one 360° panorama at the selected tripod height.

  • Capture time: Approximately 30 seconds

  • Best for: Smaller rooms, areas with low ceilings or spaces that do not need to appear in 3D video content

  • Supported outputs: Virtual tours, floor plans, tour videos, Property Websites and point clouds

Double Scan

A Double scan captures two 360° panoramas at different heights. The Gen5 tripod automatically moves between its highest and lowest positions during capture.

  • Capture time: Approximately 35 seconds

  • Best for: Indoor and outdoor areas you want to include in 3D content

  • Supported outputs: All Single scan outputs, plus 3D Walkthroughs, Gaussian Splat Videos for indoor spaces and Outside drone video for outdoor spaces

Note: You can use both Single and Double scans within the same Gen5 project. Each completed capture counts as one scan towards the project limit, regardless of the selected mode.

How to Capture a Scan with Gen5

  1. Position the Gen5 camera on its tripod at the desired location

  2. On the camera display, tap Scan to open the map

  3. Tap the right-hand side of the Scan button to select Single or Double

  4. Tap Scan to start capturing

  5. When the Leave the room countdown appears, move out of the camera's view

  6. Wait until the scan is complete. The camera will play a sound, and the new scan will appear on the map with its assigned number

  7. Check the scan's position on the map before moving to the next location. Gen5 automatically aligns scans, so manual adjustment is normally unnecessary

Important: Double scans require a connected Gen 5 tripod. If the tripod is not connected, the camera displays the message Connect the tripod to scan two panoramas.

Scan Settings

To access scan settings on the Gen 5 camera, tap the gear icon on the map screen.

The following settings are available:

  • Tripod Height: Select a height from Level 1 to 6 for Single scan

  • Leave Room: Set a countdown of 5, 10, 15 or 20 seconds to give yourself time to move out of view before scanning begins

  • Tracking: Turn camera tracking on or off

  • Still Dots: Show or hide the positions of captured still photos on the map

  • Walls: Show or hide walls on the map

Moving the Camera Between Scans

To maintain accurate tracking and positioning between scans:

  • Keep the camera upright and at a consistent height while moving

  • Hold the camera away from your body, with the display facing you

  • Walk steadily and avoid sudden or rapid movements

  • Keep the camera's side lenses clean and unobstructed by your hands, clothing or other objects

  • Follow a continuous capture route and minimise unnecessary backtracking or long pauses between scans

Note: Gen5 uses its side lenses to track movement and automatically align scans. Direct line of sight between consecutive scan positions is not required, although overlapping views help improve floor plans and 3D reconstruction.

Tip: If tracking fails and the camera prompts you to realign a scan, follow the on-screen instructions before continuing.

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