Creality Sermoon P1 review: This ultraportable handheld 3D scanner let me scan almost any object I wanted

TechRadar Verdict

The Sermoon P1 builds on the likes of the S1, with similar functionality, just without the need to be plugged into a computer. Unlike other 3D scanners, everything is contained within the device, from capture to mesh creation and editing, all accessible through the six-inch touchscreen. You can, of course, then connect to a computer for fine editing later. This makes the scanning process fast and fluid, with instant on-screen results and a far faster workflow. This is expensive, but without those wires, 3D scanning becomes a far easier solution, although practice and technique remain key to success.

Pros

• +Excellent fine detail
• +Standalone workflow
• +Stable tracking

Cons

• -High price
• -Markers usually required
• -Texture mapping could be better

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Jump To:

• Price and Availability
• Design
• Features
• Performance
• Final verdict

The Creality Sermoon P1 is a handheld 3D scanner and follows similar use lines to the superb Sermoon S1 that I looked at earlier in the year. However, unlike the S1, it can be used in isolation: no wires, no need for a computer; everything needed from the scan to the display is held within one small, portable box.

This includes the initial capture, point-cloud fusion, mesh creation, editing, and multi-scan merging, all of which can be handled on the device, which is impressive considering the amount of data being captured. Inside is an eight-core Qualcomm processor with 24GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, and the scans appear on a six-inch Full HD touchscreen.

The fact that everything is contained makes a difference to the user compared with wired models. When I reviewed the Sermon S1 earlier this year, the biggest limitation I had was the Y-cable connecting the S1 to the computer, especially when I knocked it mid-scan. As the P1 essentially has an onboard computer and no wires, this isn’t an issue.

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Of course, this does mean that the P1 is heavier at 830g compared to the S1's 508g, but shaped a little like an oversized game controller, the shape and extra weight really aren’t an issue when you have that freedom to walk around an object without watching out for the cable catching.

Compared with the Sermon S1, the P1 is a complete device with a scanner and screen that lets you see the scanning process without needing to be constantly connected to a computer or a power source.

There are essentially two scanning modes: blue laser with lines that sweep across the object to be scanned and require markers to be stuck to the object, and then IR for objects where markers can’t be stuck; the scanning quality is also a small step up from the S1, although through the test I’d say they were actually pretty much on a par.

Physically, the large game-controller design of the handset, with its two substantial grips, makes it easy to handle, and at 830g, it’s thankfully not to weighty. As the device is completely standalone, it’s powered by a swappable 3,300mAh battery, with the kit including two; each charges to 80% in 50 minutes.

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