HP today announced the HP Z 3D Camera, a standalone 3D camera system similar to the one integrated in the company’s Sprout Pro desktop that lets users add 2D and 3D capture capability to any display.
The HP Z 3D Camera attaches to the back of a monitor via a magnetic badge and then extends up and over the top, with its lens pointing down to the desk in front. This gives it a somewhat awkward appearance but also a small footprint. Once installed and calibrated, the Z 3D Camera can capture both 2D and 3D content, with tasks ranging from scanning and applying OCR to a printed document to creating a full 3D model of an object that is suitable for use in 3D renderings and mixed reality applications.
The system can also perform standard video capture, allowing users to stream live video of their desk surface via applications like Skype. HP states that this could be useful for sharing and collaborating on a hand-drawn sketch or for activities that are aided by hand gestures and motion, resulting in a “more human experience.”
The HP Z 3D Camera's capture resolutions and specifications:
| Scan Mat Capture Area | 11.8 in. x 17.7 in. |
| Camera Sensor Resolution | 4416×3312 (14.6 Megapixels) |
| Resolution Frame Rates | Up to 60fps @ 1056×792 Up to 30fps @ 1920×1080 Up to 25fps @ 2176×1632 Up to 10fps @ 3840×2160 Up to 6fps @ 4352×3264 |
| Field of View | 48.9 degrees horizontal 37.7 degrees vertical 59.2 degrees diagonal |
| 3D Resolution | 2~5mm, for depth sensing range 30cm~120cm |
| 3D Point Accuracy | 2~10 mm relative depth accuracy within depth sensing range |
| Scanned Object Size | 100x100x100 mm ~ 300x300x300 mm |
| 3D Export Formats | OBJ, 3MF |
The HP Z 3D Camera will work natively with apps like PowerPoint 3D, Paint 3D, Adobe Dimension, ZBrush, Substance Paint, Autodesk applications, and the Windows Mixed Reality Viewer. It requires a PC running Windows 10 with an Intel Core i7-4790S or higher, one USB 3.0 Type A port, one USB 2.0 Type A port, 16GB of RAM, 1.8GB of available storage and, for 3D capture, an NIVDIA GeForce GTX 960M or better graphics card.
It is compatible with flat panel monitors from all manufacturers as long as there is a flat surface near the center-top of the monitor's back to attach the magnetic badge that holds the Z 3D camera in place. Monitors that have sharply angled backs or necessarily ventilation in this location may not be suitable.
The HP Z 3D Camera will launch in the U.S. in March for $599. Pricing and availability for other regions is not yet known.
