What 3d Modeling is Best for Me?

[ohmyhead]

Loving this feedback. I think I am getting clearer. Let's see if I am digesting this accurately:

• CA models in low poly.
  
• Even if I export low poly models into another rendering program - I can only get to a certain point of photo-realism output because of low poly.
  
• There is no way to take CA low poly output and make it high poly.
  
• Low poly is faster / cheaper. High poly is more realistic / expensve.

Is there a modeling program similar to CA that outputs to high poly? Is it called Revit?

Computer specs:

Intel i7 Quad Core Enhanced Performance Processor 4.5Ghz
8GB DDR3 2133 (2 DIMMS)
NVIDIA Quadro 2000 1GB
500GB 7,200rpm SATA
20GB 2.5 SSD Cache Hard Drive (Paired with Non−SSD Drives Only)
1TB 7,200rpm SATA

[ohmyhead]

Dermot, to your point - I need more photo-realisim than what is on the link you provided.

In my case, the 3d rendering will be compared directly to real photography.

If I can't produce an image that is literally hard to tell from an actual photo - my customer will just use real photography. (They currently photograph their product in a interior room or exterior residential environment.)

I really like CA interface and libraries - but am starting to think it may not generate the output I need?

[portrait]

In my case, the 3d rendering will be compared directly to real photography.

Well, then you need 3D Studio Max and V-Ray(this is optional, since i see very high end renderings made with Mental Ray -a built-in rendering add-on comes with 3D Max-)
This means a very difficult training and practicing process.

[Mark]

I do photo real stuff with chief but I first build the the 3model in chief as that is chief real strong quality then I export it into cinema 4d with vray and render the photo real part , photo real part is long learning process that take time to learn

Now I don't know of any program that is perfect at making a 3d model and photo real render I think you will have to use separate programs

You need to try and use chief as it is just the best for making 3d models to me it is the the only choice for that job

[jcaffee]

You need to try and use chief as it is just the best for making 3d models to me it is the the only choice for that job

For residential--here, here!

jon

[lbuttery]

Ohmyhead:

take a peek at the samples on Kathleen Moore's and Kay Norby's and Pat Aboud's websites

there are others that I am forgetting right now

they use chief for the modeling and then use Thea or other 3rd party raytracers

Lew

[ohmyhead]

Well....you all have been so gracious with your comments and suggestions. I am appreciative to all that have contributed to my learning.

I think the consensous is basically, give the software a try.

I agree. The best thing to do is just roll up my sleeves and give them a whirl. But here lies the fundamental issue and my annoyance at the software peeps:

(Caution - rant on).....

As a newbie, I have not used nor do I own any of these software.

Autodesk and most others only offer 30 day trial. CA offers free trial, but you can't save or export to see if their software will be compatible with others.

How in the heck am I suppose to learn these complex programs in 30 days to see if they are a good fit for my needs?

Sigh.

I suppose if the software didn't cost more than my car, I wouldn't mind so much. But it is an investment, and one I can't undo after I make it.

I'm just not understanding how in the world to make an educated decision.

Grrrrr.

(Rant off).

I guess I'll keep asking questions, if you all will put up with me.

Nickole

[lbuttery]

Nickole:

maybe someone can send you a .3DS export and a .VRML export of one of the their "fancy" plans

then you can import into software of your choice and play with it ???

Lew

[ohmyhead]

Reeeeeally?

Someone would acutally do that?!

*Drool*

Yes, that might answer a lot of questions and save me from the proverbial head banging on desk outbursts.

Is all I have to do is, ask? Or bribe with beer?

Asking. Bribing. Whatever is applicable.

ohmyhead@charter.net

Thanks for the suggestion, Lew.

[dshall]

Reeeeeally?

Someone would acutally do that?!

*Drool*

Yes, that might answer a lot of questions and save me from the proverbial head banging on desk outbursts.

Is all I have to do is, ask? Or bribe with beer?

Asking. Bribing. Whatever is applicable.

ohmyhead@charter.net

Thanks for the suggestion, Lew.

Maybe Lew will send one of his fancy pants plans so you can play with it.

[dshall]

After all Lew has over 15,000 posts, he is one of the most experienced users here.

[sutcac]

Here is an example of something done in the Chief/VRML/Thea workflow. It may not be quite as real as you are looking for, but I am not even that big of an expert in Thea. With more expertise in that software, you can get better results. Hi poly models such as the very elaborate bed shown earlier, can be imported into Chief but you will need a very fast computer with a very fast video card and a lot of RAM.

[dshall]

That looks wonderful, so let's be honest here...... what would it look like if it was done in CA, how long did that render take in Thea and how long would a CA render take........... what are we talking about here, let's do some comparisons if we are trying to help out the OP.

Lew, will you please help us out and show us what it would look like if it was done in CA and compare it to what it would like in Thea, and would you please post the times for each render. I would greatly appreciate your expertise in this matter. You being a very experienced user with over 15,000 posts I respect your insight, thank you.

[ohmyhead]

Bryce - this is indeed getting closer to the level of real that my clients need. I'm probably more in line with the high poly bed - but not quite that intense with the wrinkles. (Won't have that much fabric in my shots).

You think more mastering of the rendering program can get me there even with CA low poly model symbols?

Lew - looks like you have been nominated.

Do you have small files you can share?

[lbuttery]

Lew, will you please help us out and show us what it would look like if it was done in CA and compare it to what it would like in Thea, and would you please post the times for each render. I would greatly appreciate your expertise in this matter. You being a very experienced user with over 15,000 posts I respect your insight, thank you.


Scott is being sarcastic as usual

He knows I don't do raytraces
when I need fancy ones I hire Kathleen or Kay or Pat etc

My partner has done some nice raytraces but nothing "fancy"

He doesn't have the time to learn Phoebe (Chief's built-in raytracer) or Thea etc

so we outsource the "fancy" stuff

we have never had to "decorate" a house to the level needed for "fancy"
we outsource that as well

I'm sure someone will offer a "fancy" plan

If not, contact CA's customer service as they should have one "ready to go"

Lew