Render Poll

geh4evr

id suggest someone defines all the major materials in the scene

So for example specify that "that table" is wood and so on?

It might also be an idea to have a preferable render method (mlt, bidir-pt etc.) again so that the comparison is as objective as possible.

But that won't be possible in programs like Hypershot. It's only got one option.

remus

I was thinking more along the lines of providing a wood texture and some bumps to go with it.

Where it isnt possible to change the render method, just leave it, but if you can it makes sense to get everyone using the same render method, so that the results are as similar as possible.

rcossoli

I think it would be better qeu well, you have certain rules common to all programs that are to be respected so that the comparison is more objective, take the Decision, shall I adjust to the resolutions, greetings

solo

I have to say I disagree with the above way of comparing render engines.

Firstly what is a good rendering? is it a good rendering software?

Hell no, rendering is an art not a process, it's very easy to create a crappy render with a high end software or a fantastic one with an entry level one.
Rendering is an interpretation of a model, using all the tools and skills available to you.

You could have an awesome model and great textures, but if your camera angles are boring or too adventurous you could ruin a render, as well as if your choice and tweaking of textures are below par so will your final render.

A low end render app in the right hands could be way better than a top end engine in mediocre hands. What is the point to a sterile render test?

My point ... you cannot test a render app against another like this as rendering involves a skill and an understanding of modeling, texturing, light setups, atmospheres, layouts, camera, etc.

rcossoli

solo i find it very valuable your opinion, I do not think this is a comparison to decies which is better and which is worse, only to vaer the differences between various programs to see how they behave interpreting the same scene, only a comparison innocent

remus

I was waiting for that solo

solo

The thing is ... some render apps are built for speed, others are for accuracy, whilst others geared towards studio based results (Hypershot) or terrain and exteriors (Vue). I do not believe there is a render app out there that is master of all, so a comparison would be limited to a certain stereotypical look, which IMO is stale and boring.

Psyco_BoB

I don't agree with that solo.
I only know 3 rendering engines related to sketchup, so for me it will be quite interesting to see the capability of the other engines I don't know. That is why it should be the same exact model with the same viewpoint (and preferably the same materials). The Idea is not to make identical renderings, it's to show the different capabilities of the engines.
I did not mean for my request to turn into a philosophical debate. I just wanted to compare pretty pictures.

redot

I vote Indigo 'cos of its ease of use and value for money.

linea

I haven't voted. My rendering knowledge is at best rudimentary but I agree with Solo, the software cannot be judged like that - unless you have access to all of it and a really thorough knowledge.

Speed and cost is actually my main criteria because I am not paid primarily to produce rendered images. I use Kt mainly but my renders are really basic compared to what gets posted here. My work tools/skills are what I've got, not what would be on my wishlist.

Having said that; rendering comparisons of the same scene; I can't see any reason not to try it.

Edson

to speak of a best render engine is like referring to the best beer, the best football club, the most beautiful woman.

i would say it is more a question of what renderer fits your workflow or the one you feel more confortable with. i know for a fact that vray, artlantis, kerkythea, vue, maxwell, and others are all great in their own way. the fact that i ended up choosing podium does not mean it is better that the others. it is the one that suits me, so it is the best FOR ME.

nomeradona

i love podium, vray and now loving hypershot. all of them they have their pros and cons. but i voted for them as the same level, because i used them based on my personal needs.

EarthMover

Besides functionality, it will always come down to taste and personal style. I don't think it's a horrible idea to have a simple scene rendered by different renderers and juxtaposing them so that someone a little undecided on what renderer fits their taste, could better discern where to spend their money. (Or if free is the better route)

Coming from someone who's tried most GSU compatible render engines, Vue 6 is my favorite, with Vray and Kerky coming in 2nd and 3rd.

rcossoli

maybe not the best idea was to put in the survey which was the best, maybe it would have been better putting which was the most popular and most widely used engine for SketchUp, and so much more to also serve people who want desidir by one.
I agree that the good bad depends on the tastes of birds each, I think the herror would try to change the desision I respect everyone who uses the program for rendering, while this does not happen there should be no problems

nomeradona

a lot says Vue and its not even on the list.

Burkhard

Fry Render included but Maxwell missed?

Better was: What renderer do you use ( Choose max three of them )and give the pro and cons for it. So requirements or prices are even important then personal whishes.

pibuz

Hi all guys!
I read here, and i feel like this topic is getting a little hotter: i actually think rcossoli had a nice idea to shoot this poll. Actually, it's SO true what Edson say too: there's no best render engine, but there's one we prefer 'cos it's easy for us to use and 'cos we get good outputs out of that. So, i think the poll main question is to be taken personally (as for every other personal test question: don't you agree? ).
The other idea about rendering the same scene with different engine is really exciting, in my opinion. Not to be picky on other render engines, of course (nobody here in this forum would ever badly despise someone else's work: it's a fair and kind forum, really, and it's good): i'd use the comparison to say "Oh look how kerky does good grass and trees" or "See? podium is really fast and manages bump maps very well" or "that environmental skylight of indigo works really fine". So next time i have to render a scene, i can start with picking the render engine i find able to handle my scene the best way.On the other hand, should be very interesting to see differences between materials' parameters. Nobody would insert the same bump value for the same diffuse plaster, for example, and could be interesting for me to see what would have come out if i used a stronger bump.

I think it's a really good idea.

+1 from me

I checked Indigo, by the way

Stinkie

I didn't vote, as I agree with Pete. Nevertheless, here's my view on a couple of apps:

Podium: cheap as hell, and given some practice, you'll get good images with it. fast. get it.

Vray: better GI than Podium, but costs significantly more. very fast. get it, if you can spare the cash.

Indigo: good unbiased renderer. free, which is great. very good SU plugin. slow. get it.

Maxwell: offers perfect quality. great control over lighting. far too buggy for its high price. slow. don't get it.

rcossoli

I think we kwistenbiebel advancement, this thread seems to me great, the way it looks different images generated by different engines.

wheay

i like vray and podium, starting with hypershot but i think its cool.