What It Does
Depth Scanner 2 generates depth maps from video footage and still images using AI. It analyzes your footage to estimate the distance of each pixel from the camera, producing a grayscale depth map where white represents near objects and black represents distant ones. The plugin includes eight different AI models, including Depth Anything v3, letting you choose the best match for different types of footage.
Key Features
Native video depth estimation. Depth Scanner 2 includes a dedicated video depth model that analyzes multiple frames together, producing flicker-free depth maps across video sequences. Earlier versions (and most other tools) process each frame independently, which causes flickering inconsistencies.
Eight depth estimation models. Switch between models depending on your source material. Some handle outdoor scenes better, others excel with close-up subjects. The plugin includes Depth Anything v3, the latest addition, alongside seven other models from previous versions.
20+ color maps. Instead of viewing depth as grayscale, apply color gradients to visualize depth zones. Use these for visual guidance while setting up effects, or render them directly for stylized looks.
Depth-based slicing. Isolate portions of the frame by depth value. You can cut out everything beyond a certain distance, or mask specific depth ranges to apply effects only to foreground, midground, or background elements separately.
Depth-based grading. Control color grading intensity using the depth map. For example, apply a warming effect that fades with distance, or desaturate the background while keeping the foreground saturated.
Who It’s For
Depth Scanner 2 is useful for VFX artists adding atmospheric effects like fog or haze that respect scene depth, for compositors converting 2D footage into stereo 3D, and for motion designers creating depth-driven color grades or slicing effects. Anyone working with After Effects or Premiere Pro who needs spatial information from flat footage will find it applicable.
Pricing
Depth Scanner 2 costs $99.99 for a single-user license. If you purchased a previous version of Depth Scanner after February 12, 2025, you can upgrade for free. Otherwise, the upgrade is $70. Owners of Depth Scanner Lite can upgrade by paying the price difference. The plugin is also included in the Depth Mosh Bundle (Depth Scanner 2 plus Datamosh 2) for $112.50.
Windows users need an NVIDIA GPU with at least 8GB of VRAM for acceptable performance. Other Windows systems run extremely slowly. Mac users need Apple Silicon with macOS Sequoia or newer and at least 16GB of RAM. Intel Macs are not supported.