3D Scanner Comparison

FARO Focus Premium vs Core: Professional vs Essential

An expert comparison to help you choose the right equipment for your project.

Feature	FARO Focus Premium	FARO Focus Core
Range	0.5–200m @ 90% reflectivity	0.5–100m @ 90% reflectivity
Accuracy	2mm @ 10m / 3.5mm @ 25m	2mm @ 10m / 3.5mm @ 25m
Scan Rate	Up to 2 MPts/sec	Up to 2 MPts/sec
Field of View	360° × 300°	360° × 300°
Camera	13 MPx HDR	13 MPx HDR
IP Rating	IP54	IP54
On-Site Registration	FARO Stream	FARO Stream
Weight	4.4 kg (incl. battery)	4.4 kg (incl. battery)

Pricing shown reflects average US rates — indicative ranges, not a quote. Actual costs vary by location based on local market conditions, regulations, and project logistics — both within the US and internationally. Get a custom quote

Option A FARO

FARO Focus Premium

Maximum Performance Scanner

The FARO Focus Premium (2024) reaches 200m at 90% reflectivity, carries a 13 MPx HDR camera and runs FARO Stream for on-site registration. IP54 rated.

Pros

200m range at 90% reflectivity
Up to 266 MPx colour output (brochure 11/2024)
IP54 rating
On-site registration
Grayscale scans in under a minute

Cons

Premium pricing
More features than some need
Higher data volumes

Best For

Professional surveyingLarge exteriorsAll-weather projectsHigh-volume production

Option B FARO

FARO Focus Core

Essential Professional Scanning

The FARO Focus Core (2024) delivers the same scanning engine as the Premium at an accessible price point — identical 2mm @ 10m accuracy and 2 MPts/sec speed, with range as the only difference.

Pros

Lower price point
Identical accuracy and scan rate to the Premium
Same IP54 rating
Simpler operation
Good for most projects

Cons

Shorter range (100m vs 200m on the Premium, 400m on the Premium Max)
Range is the only published difference, so there is no cost saving on capability elsewhere

Best For

Interior scanningBudget-conscious operationsStandard documentationEntry to FARO ecosystem

Our Expert Verdict

Tie - Choose Based on Your Needs

In the 2024 Focus generation, range is the only published difference between the two. The Premium reaches 200m at 90% reflectivity, the Core 100m. Accuracy, scan rate, camera, IP rating, weight and temperature range are identical, and both share FARO Scene and Stream.

Choose FARO Focus Premium if...

Choose Focus Premium when the scene needs reach beyond 100m — large exteriors, tall structures, long corridors.

Choose FARO Focus Core if...

Choose Focus Core for interiors and sites where 100m range is sufficient; the data quality is the same.

Download the Spec Sheets

Original manufacturer documents, free with no email required — verified against each manufacturer's live copy.

FARO Focus Premium

Source: faro.com ↗

FARO Focus Core

Current Focus Core 100 specs (family brochure, p.6) (PDF) · 9.2 MB
Previous generation: Focus Core (70 m) tech sheet (PDF) · 0.2 MB

Source: faro.com ↗

Browse the full library: Equipment Spec Sheets & Downloads →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Core accuracy the same as Premium?

Yes. FARO publishes the same 2mm @ 10m and 3.5mm @ 25m 3D accuracy, ±1mm ranging error and 19 arcsec angular accuracy for the Core, Premium and Premium Max in the 2024 generation. The only published difference is range.

Can Core scan outdoors?

Both carry the same IP54 rating and the same +5° to +40°C operating range (extended −10° to +55°C). FARO's user manual describes the scanner as being for indoor and temporarily outdoor use, which applies to the whole family.

Same software?

Yes, both use FARO Scene for processing, the FARO Stream app for real-time on-site registration, and Sphere cloud upload.

Equipment Used

Professional Equipment In This Comparison

The professional equipment in this comparison, compared spec by spec. Specifications shown are the manufacturers' published figures. Models THE FUTURE 3D operates are identified on their own pages.

FARO

Current

FARO