The EinScan SE and EinScan SP are both desktop turntable scanners from Shining3D that use safe white-light structured light rather than a laser, so neither poses eye risk during a scan. Hobbyists and first-time buyers on a budget generally do better with the SE; small studios and engineers who need tighter tolerances and a bigger fixed-scan volume tend to prefer the SP, even at a higher upfront cost.
At a Glance
| Category | EinScan SE | EinScan SP |
|---|---|---|
| Deciding spec: Accuracy | Less than 0.1mm single-shot accuracy | Less than 0.05mm single-capture accuracy |
Full Spec Comparison
| Axis | EinScan SE | EinScan SP |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | Less than 0.1mm single-shot accuracy | Less than 0.05mm single-capture accuracy |
| Resolution | Point distance 0.17-0.2mm | Single shot capture size 200mm x 150mm |
| Capture Speed | Full 360-degree turntable scan under 45 seconds; single scan under 1 second | Full turntable rotation under 45 seconds; single shot under 1 second |
| Working Volume/Range | Up to 700x700x700mm (Fixed Scan mode); 200x200x200mm (Auto Scan mode) | Up to 1200x1200x1200mm (Fixed Scan mode); 200x200x200mm (Auto Scan mode) |
| Tracking | Mechanical turntable rotation, no handheld marker tracking | Mechanical turntable rotation, no handheld marker tracking |
| Weight | Not published in the sourced specs page used for this comparison | Not published in the sourced listing used for this comparison |
| Computer Requirements | Not published in the sourced specs page used for this comparison | Not published in the sourced listing used for this comparison |
| Software & Subscriptions | Not detailed in the sourced specs page; confirm current bundling with the retailer before buying | Not detailed in the sourced listing; confirm current bundling with the retailer before buying |
| Price | $1,199 (Shining3D official specs page, as of September 2026) | $1,799, reduced from $2,599 (MatterHackers, as of September 2026) |
Where EinScan SE Wins
The SE undercuts the SP by roughly $600 at current pricing, per the Shining3D specs page as of September 2026, making it the easier entry point for anyone buying a first scanner. Its Auto Scan working volume matches the SP’s at 200x200x200mm, so small objects scan just as capably on the cheaper unit, and its Fixed Scan ceiling of 700x700x700mm still covers most household and hobbyist subjects. The SE also includes a dedicated 1.3-megapixel camera for color capture, and because it uses white light rather than a laser, per the manufacturer’s published specs it is rated safe for scanning children — a detail that matters for hobbyists photographing keepsakes, cosplay props, or family projects. Its capture speed is identical to the SP’s, with a full 360-degree turntable pass finishing in under 45 seconds, so buyers give up accuracy headroom and maximum volume, not speed.
Where EinScan SP Wins
The SP’s single-capture accuracy of less than 0.05mm is roughly double the SE’s precision, a meaningful gap for anyone producing parts that need to fit or measure correctly against a reference model. Its Fixed Scan mode tops out at 1200x1200x1200mm versus the SE’s 700x700x700mm, so larger objects — furniture, sculpture, architectural elements — fit in a single fixed setup instead of requiring multiple stitched passes. The SP also supports capturing with or without color, giving studios more control over file size and processing time when color texture is not required for a project. Per the manufacturer’s published specs, Shining3D positions the SP for small and medium-sized design and architecture studios rather than casual hobbyist use, and its higher price at $1,799 (MatterHackers, as of September 2026) reflects that professional-tier accuracy and volume.
Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Buyers who are new to 3D scanning, working with a tighter budget, or scanning smaller objects and people should start with the EinScan SE at $1,199. Small studios and engineers who need sub-0.05mm accuracy or a larger fixed-scan volume for bigger parts will get more value from the EinScan SP at $1,799, even at the higher price. For more on how we build these comparisons, see our editorial policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is either scanner safe to use for scanning people or children?
Both the EinScan SE and EinScan SP use white-light structured light rather than a laser, and per the manufacturer’s published specs the SE is rated safe for scanning children. Neither model carries the eye-safety concerns associated with laser-based scanners.
Which scanner is the better first purchase for a hobbyist?
The EinScan SE is the more budget-friendly option at $1,199 as of September 2026 (Shining3D), and its Auto Scan volume matches the pricier SP for small objects. Most newcomers do not need the SP’s sub-0.05mm accuracy or larger fixed-scan volume right away.
Can both scanners capture color, or just one?
The EinScan SE includes a 1.3-megapixel camera dedicated to color capture. The EinScan SP can capture with or without color, per the manufacturer’s published specs, giving users the option to skip color data when a smaller file or faster processing matters more.
Is the price gap between the SE and SP worth it?
At $1,199 versus $1,799 as of September 2026 (Shining3D and MatterHackers respectively), the SP costs about 50% more but roughly doubles both accuracy and maximum Fixed Scan volume. Buyers who only scan small objects for personal projects rarely need that headroom; buyers producing parts for fit-checking or scanning larger objects typically do.