Google SketchUp vs. 3dsMax

pyroluna

hi Arjun I'm a student of architecture at TU Delft and the same discussion is going on here. Although here it's Maya instead of Max. Same thing.
Now for the answer to your question:

There is no right answer!

Some will prefer one, some the other. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage of the expensive packages is that they have all the advanced stuff already built-in, so they can do more. This is however also their main disadvantage, for it creates a steeper learning curve.

As for architecture @ TU Delft... we're still getting lessons in maya and autocad, but when it comes down to it - everyone uses sketchup. Even (some of) the teachers are saying "well, ok the curriculum says you ought to make a maya model, but if you hand in a SU model, it's fine with us!"

Personally, I like Maya a lot and I use it whenever I'm doing animation... but then, you were looking specifically for Stills. So, use SU! And tell your classmate to go and animate things if he likes Max so much

Cyberdactyl

@solo said:

Where SU wins is in ease of use, price and speed.

Bingo

linea

This is an age old argument, I had it with a new colleague the other day. It is futile really. Just accept the difference of opinion and let your modelling speak for itself.

dylan

@linea said:

This is an age old argument, I had it with a new colleague the other day. It is futile really. Just accept the difference of opinion and let your modelling speak for itself.

Totally agree Jon.

arjunmax09

@tomot said:

Whats often overlooked is that AutoDesk spends a lot of money, training and getting Higher Institutions to use its products. This creates a revenue stream for them from the next generation of users. It works! trust me.

oh i see!!!....Now that's some insider information from a cool buddy!!! Yo man they are filthy rich...filthy rich people spend a lot on business strategies....the thing is they've bought 3dsmax from discreet and revit from some masachussets company...i don't know

arjunmax09

@unknownuser said:

... we're still getting lessons in maya and autocad, but when it comes down to it - everyone uses sketchup. Even (some of) the teachers are saying "well, ok the curriculum says you ought to make a maya model, but if you hand in a SU model, it's fine with us!"

. but then, you were looking specifically for Stills. So, use SU! And tell your classmate to go and animate things if he likes Max so much

ditto for mee pyro!!! but our teachers aren't so lenient but heck ...they don't know sketchup.... i gave some of my max rendering virtual architecture submissions in sketchup only..shhhhhh!!!

Alex Jenyon

I work in a large VFX studio. I've got unlimited access to Maya/Renderman, Houdini, Massive - you name it, it's all there!

They also, on my request, own a copy of SketchUp.

Sometimes, SU it all you need. And if it's all you need, it's probably the fastest solution too.

You don't need a ferrari to round up sheep - you need a sheepdog.

AJ

(And just to be really pedantic, 3ds Max wasn't used on Avatar, maya was, but I realise that's sort of beside the point for this argument)

pilou

@unknownuser said:

Sometimes, SU it all you need. And if it's all you need, it's probably the fastest solution too.

Su is like this !

fakircho

I think that Sketchup is a design tool before its a modeler. Max is a modeler and not a design tool.
I don't use Sketchup because its the best modeler, but because it is a best design tool.
I am speaking as an architect.

dedmin

I don't use SketchUP - it's using me!

Alex Jenyon

I guess that means that 3ds Max is like this:

Gaieus

@alex jenyon said:

I guess that means that 3ds Max is like this...

And that's why you cannot simply put it into your pocket.

pilou

@ Alex :

pouria

hi,
for cutting this argument we can analize each of them and write advantages and disadvantages.
in general i'm working with (SU) , but in some cases it is really weaker than 3ds max.
advantages of SU :
1.quick
2.easy
3.attractive work space
4.nice renders
5.supporting most of formats for importing and exporting
.
.
.
disadvantages of SU :
1.weak in some aspects
2.it is useful just for modeling and you can't do other works like animations or face designing &... in it.
3.has problem in curves.
4.you can't edit the curve surfaces whatever you like.(this is the worst disadvantage).
.
.
.
advantages o 3dsmax :
1.include all the designing methods .
2.perfect and accurate work space
3.perfect renders and exports
4.quick and accurate in designing curves and curve surfaces.
5.professional
6.include animations and designing faces
.
.
.
disadvantages of 3dsmax :
1.takes more time
2.hard to learn
.
.
.