Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Photogrammetry has become a standard tool for documenting underwater archaeological sites, with Agisoft Metashape serving as the leading software in this field for years. This leading position is not accidental; rather, it stems from a long-standing track record of high quality and functionality across various field conditions, as proven in numerous projects. However, the current geopolitical situation, specifically the technology transfer restrictions related to the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the location of Agisoft's headquarters in St. Petersburg, has created a clear need within the underwater photogrammetry research community to identify alternative solutions. This paper presents an evaluation of the 3DF Zephyr software (3Dflow, Verona) designed to assess its independent, practical ability to meet the quality and reliability standards upon which Metashape's position is based. The test was conducted on the wreck of a wooden fishing boat (Lake Kłodno, Kashubian Lake District, Poland) in low-visibility conditions (1.2–1.6 m), capturing the source data simultaneously using an action camera and a professional full-frame mirrorless camera across four configurations. The generated models were compared in terms of detail reproduction quality, color fidelity, and the accuracy of control marker representation. The results confirm that 3DF Zephyr is a fully functional tool capable of creating both overview models based on widely available consumer-grade equipment and detailed reconstructions based on professional equipment, demonstrating that the final quality is determined primarily by the input material rather than software limitations. Finally, the article discusses the strengths and limitations of the software, as well as the extent to which the conducted study justifies further direct comparative research with Metashape.</p>