Full Body 3D Scanner for 3D Portraits Made Easy

What is a full-body 3D scanner?

In recent years, 3D scanning technology has become an essential tool in various industries. Among the most advanced types is the full-body 3D scanner, which captures detailed photographs of a person from multiple angles. This is achieved by using a series of cameras placed around the subject, which take synchronized images. These images are then processed using specialized software to combine them into a high-resolution 3D model.

Full-body 3D scanners are widely used in applications such as 3D portrait printing, custom figurine creation, virtual fitting rooms and game character designs for creating accurate digital models. By capturing the entire body in great detail, these scanners provide lifelike digital representations that serve a variety of creative and commercial purposes.

Why use a full-body 3D scanner for 3D portrait printing?

When creating 3D portraits, it’s important to capture as much detail as possible. A full-body 3D scanner is a great tool for this because it captures both the shape and the color of the subject in one simple process. Unlike traditional 3D scanners, which may need the person to move around or be scanned from multiple angles, a full-body scanner takes everything in one go, making it faster and easier to use.

This makes full-body 3D scanners especially useful for 3D portrait printing. They create more lifelike and detailed models, capturing everything from skin tones to clothing textures. This allows for highly realistic, custom figurine prints, whether it’s for a personalized keepsake or a unique 3D figurine.

Pros and Cons of Full-Body 3D Scanners

Pros

High-Resolution Full-Body Details

These scanners can capture fine features like facial expressions, hairstyles, and clothing textures. This level of detail is perfect for printing realistic wedding figurines or graduation statues.

Fast and Efficient Scanning Proces

A full-body scan usually takes just a few seconds. This is ideal for places like shopping malls or tourist spots, where people want a quick scan and a fun souvenir.

Beginner-Friendly with Easy Operation

Most systems are designed to be simple to operate. In pop-up booths or small studios, staff with little technical experience can still run the scanner smoothly.

Perfect for 3D Portrait Figurine Businesses

These scanners are widely used in 3D portrait printing shops to create custom figurines for birthdays, anniversaries, or special events.

Safe and Non-Contact Technology

The scanner doesn’t touch the person at all, making it safe for children, the elderly, or anyone who prefers a hands-off experience—great for public scanning stations.

Cons

High Cost of Professional Equipment

Full-body scanners with color capture and high precision can be very expensive. They’re more suitable for professional studios or commercial printing businesses rather than personal use.

Requires Good Setup Conditions

Proper lighting and a controlled background are needed for clear scans. This can be a challenge at outdoor events or busy exhibition spaces.

Takes Up Significant Physical Space

A full-body scanner usually needs a spacious room or corner of a studio. It may not be practical for small shops or mobile setups.

Not Easily Portable or Mobile

Due to their size and structure, these scanners are not ideal for traveling exhibitions or mobile booths that require quick setup and teardown.

Needs Post-Processing Before Printing

After scanning, the images still need to be cleaned and combined into a printable 3D model. This extra step requires time and software skills, especially in custom figurine orders.

Types of Full-Body 3D Scanners Arm-Based and Matrix-Based

Full-body 3D scanners come in different designs, each using a unique method to capture the human body. The two most common types are arm-based and matrix-based scanners. Let’s take a look at how they work and where each one fits best.

Arm-Based Full-Body 3D Scanner

Arm-based scanners use a motorized arm that rotates around the person. Several cameras are attached to the arm, and as it moves in a full circle, it takes photos from all angles. These images are later processed in software to build a full-body 3D model.

Advantages:

• Small footprint, good for limited spaces
• Scanning is smooth and fast
• Easy to use, even for beginners

Limitations:

• Image quality is lower than high-end scanners
• Best for scanning one or two people
• Not ideal for flexible setups or group scanning

One popular option is the Su7 V4 3D Scanner. It’s designed to save space while still offering fast and accurate scanning. The cameras on the rotating arm capture clear images efficiently, making it great for small shops or mobile studios. If you’re running a portrait business in a tight space but still want high-quality scans, this model strikes a good balance between size and performance.

Matrix-Based Full-Body 3D Scanner

Matrix scanners surround the person with a frame made of vertical columns. Each column has several cameras, and they all take photos at the same time. This setup captures the full body instantly from every angle, all in one shot.

Advantages:

• Instant capture, no need to stay still for long
• Very high image detail from every side
• Works well for scanning individuals or small groups

Limitations:

• Takes up more space
• More expensive than arm-based models
• Not easy to move or set up in different places

A good example is the JZ 3D Portrait Scanner, which comes in two versions: one with 60 cameras and one with 120. The large number of cameras means you get super clear images that are easy to turn into accurate 3D models. Because the frame is spacious, it can scan more than one person at a time—perfect for family portraits, couples, or friends who want a 3D figurine together. It’s a strong choice for studios that want high-quality results and a smooth workflow.

How to use a full-body 3D scanner step by step?

Whether you’re creating a custom 3D portrait or scanning someone for a figurine, using a full-body 3D scanner is a clear and smooth process. Here's how it typically works, from stepping into the scanner to getting a model ready for printing.

Step into the Scanner Area

The person being scanned stands at the center of the setup. In a matrix-type scanner, this means standing inside a frame with cameras placed all around. In an arm-based scanner, the person stands still while the scanning arm moves around them. Keeping a relaxed and steady pose is important to make sure the captured images are accurate and clear.

Begin the Scan

Once the person is in place, the scan starts through the system's control software. Arm-based scanners rotate around the person, capturing images from all angles one after another. Matrix-based scanners use many cameras to take all the images at once. This quick capture is helpful when scanning children or people who may have trouble standing still for long.

Capture All Angles in High Detail

During scanning, the system captures dozens or even over a hundred high-resolution photos from every side. These images record detailed features such as facial expressions, hair, clothing folds, and accessories. A well-lit setup with even lighting helps make the final results more accurate.

Export and Build the 3D Model

After the scan, all images are saved within the scanner’s internal system. These photos then need to be exported to special 3D modeling software. In this software, the images are stitched together to form a full-color 3D model. This step also includes cleaning up the model, improving surface smoothness, and making small adjustments to get a ready-to-print result.

This step-by-step process makes full-body 3D scanning accessible and efficient, even for beginners. With the right setup and a bit of post-processing, it’s easy to turn a real person into a lifelike 3D portrait ready for printing.