How much does an automated photo studio cost? It is a fair question, and we are going to answer it with the transparency you deserve. No hidden fees, no surprises: here are real market price ranges, the factors that influence pricing, and most importantly, the math that turns this expense into a profitable investment.
At PackshotCreator, we have been distributing the Orbitvu range for over 20 years. We know every machine, every use case, and we have helped more than 500 companies transition to automated photography. Here is what we have learned.
What influences the price of an automated photo studio
The budget for an automated photo studio depends on four main factors. Each of them determines the right machine and therefore the final investment.
- The size of your products: a perfume bottle and a sofa do not require the same studio. Compact machines handle products up to 40 cm, while large-format systems accommodate furniture up to 3 meters.
- Production volume: 500 photos per year or 50,000? Your daily volume determines the level of automation needed and therefore your position in the range.
- Types of visuals: white-background packshot, interactive 360 view, product video, textile flat-lay, ghost mannequin... Each format requires specific capabilities.
- Level of automation desired: from a semi-automatic studio with manual adjustments to a fully automated AI-powered system, the price difference reflects daily time savings.
Orbitvu studio price ranges
The Orbitvu range covers every need, from desktop studios to industrial systems. Here are the three main price families, with the relevant models and their capabilities.
Compact
Starting from EUR 12,450
Desktop studios for small to medium-sized products (up to 40 cm). Ideal for getting started or for moderate volumes.
- Models: Alphashot 360, Alphashot G2, Alphashot Pro G2
- Capacity: 200 to 250 packshots per day
- Features: packshot, 360, video, automatic background removal
Versatile
EUR 18,950 to 46,450
Multi-format studios for medium to large products. Multiple visual types (packshot, flat-lay, 360, video) in a single system.
- Models: Alphashot XL, Alphadesk, Alphastudio Compact
- Capacity: 180 to 300 visuals per day depending on model
- Features: multi-camera, ghost mannequin, textile flat-lay
High volume
EUR 56,450 to 150,000
Industrial solutions for fashion, furniture, and very high volumes. High-capacity turntables, professional oversized lighting.
- Models: Fashion Studio, Furniture Studio, E-Comm Studio+
- Capacity: 60 to 150 visuals per day, products up to 3 meters
- Features: live mannequins, lifestyle, 1-tonne turntable
What does a product photo really cost?
A studio price means nothing if it is disconnected from the real cost per photo. It is this unit cost that determines the profitability of the investment. Here is a comparison based on prices observed in the market.
| Production method | Cost per photo | Typical volume |
|---|---|---|
| External provider (small volumes) | EUR 19 to 50 | < 500 photos/year |
| External provider (high volumes) | EUR 5 to 15 | > 1,000 photos/year |
| In-house photographer without automation | EUR 5 to 15 | Variable |
| Orbitvu automated studio (amortized) | EUR 0.50 to 3 | > 2,000 photos/year |
With an automated studio, the cost per photo is divided by 5 to 10 compared to external providers.
Return on investment: the numbers
An automated photo studio is not an expense, it is an investment whose return is measured in months, not years. Our clients reach break-even from as few as 500 photos per year. For high-volume users, ROI is achieved as early as the fourth month of use.
6-12 months
Average return on investment
60+ %
Photo cost reduction
x10
Productivity gain
300/day
Packshots per operator
A trained operator produces an average of 300 packshots per day with an Orbitvu studio, compared to 30 without automation. At 5,000 photos per year, savings reach 60 to 85% compared to outsourcing. The math speaks for itself.
What is included in the price
The price of an Orbitvu studio is not just for the machine. It is a complete solution, ready to produce from the day it is delivered. No surprises, no additional costs to plan for.
Complete studio
Enclosure, LED lighting, motorized turntable, camera (depending on configuration).
Orbitvu Station software
Capture, automatic background removal (IQ Mask), multi-format export, updates included.
On-site training
Hands-on training by a certified trainer. Full autonomy in 1 hour for routine operations.
Installation and calibration
On-site setup by our technicians, color and lighting calibration.
French-speaking technical support
France-based team, support by phone and video conference.
Maintenance: EUR 0/year
No mandatory maintenance contract. Consumables: EUR 400 to 2,500/year depending on model.
Financing options
Investing in an automated photo studio can be spread over time. Several options exist to adapt financing to your cash flow.
Leasing from EUR 344/month
For the Alphashot Pro G2, our best-selling model. Fixed monthly payment, controlled budget.
OPCO funding (up to 100%)
Our training programs are Qualiopi-certified. The training component of your investment can be fully covered by your OPCO (French training fund).
5-year depreciation
The studio is a depreciable asset over 5 years. Depreciation reduces your tax base every year.
Tax advantage (25% corporate tax)
Studio depreciation is deductible from corporate income tax at the 25% rate, reducing the real cost of the investment.