@unknownuser said:

@gvsimages said:

That all makes perfect sense. I work on Mac OSX, any suggestions as to a good program for creating the final movie?

quicktime 7pro can import image sequence and make them into a movie.. for whatever reason, apple downshifted with quicktime X but 7 is on your install disks via 'optional installs'.. i had a 7pro license for a while so i'm not sure if regular qt7 has the 'import image sequence' option unlocked nowadays or not.. if not, you'll need to buy a 7 pro license (20 bucks or so?)

you can also do it in iMovie.

Great. I'll give it a try. Thanks.

@gaieus said:

Well, if we are speaking about SketchUp output only (no photorealistic rendering), I have always found that instead of exporting straight to a movie file (in your case a mov file), it is always better to export to an image sequence. I generally export twice as big as the final movie (without antialiasing) and batch resize my images in a 3rd party app. Let's face it; SU does not do a great job with AA. This way my edges are thinner, too.

Then it is just a matter of putting the video together (from the images) in yet another program for the final movie. You will probably have better control over the movie output in that program as well.

That all makes perfect sense. I work on Mac OSX, any suggestions as to a good program for creating the final movie?

@gaieus said:

Making detailed 3D models or good quality animations is not a matter of SU Free or Pro - both has the same tools for these (more or less). If you have issues with the animation quality output, we can discuss it separately as there are solutions you may have overlooked.

Fair enough. Are there any specific steps I should take to ensure "high" quality animation?

@gaieus said:

Hi Greg and welcome!

Well, it all depends what you (would) use SU for. To cut it short; here is a comparison chart of the two versions:
http://sketchup.google.com/intl/en/product/whygopro.html

Note that 2D documentation (construction drawings and such) are currently only developed via LayOut, which is a separate program coming with SU Pro. Besides, more flexible vector format import export and some other tools like boolean operations finally Dynamic Components are Pro only.

Thanks Gaieus for the quick response. My job as graphic designer has expanded to the point of my being called on for detailed 3D building conceptions. Also, there is now a need to create good quality animation "fly-overs". I created a test animation in my free version; was pleased with the overall result but greatly disappointed with the resolution. I'd also like to begin delving into more creative work with SU. Do i sound like a candidate for SU PRO?

I hear that if I'm using PS CS5 I can import SU models direct into PS. I've looked into that and can't see how to do it. Anyone care to enlighten me please?

G'day Everyone, I've been using the free version for nearly a year now and loving it. Can someone tell me what "real" advantages there are to upgrading to the Pro version? I don't have an issue with the cost, but am really curious what it has to offer that the free version doesn't.