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Here's a clay render I did with it from a recent thread in the gallery section (http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=81&t=40998)
This is one of those models where it was really useful to be using a 64-bit operating system since SketchUp 8 supports more RAM under those circumstances 
I've run the most high-poly models I can through this new plugin and it can handle them all (including the "eye candy" models from Silvershadow).
Best,
Jason.
@unknownuser said:
dunno, it might be ok for quickie jobs like that.. it might be especially nice for clay renders as you'd just have a file set up with all the clay setting and push GO...
There's a material override option that will allow quick clay renders without losing your material assignments.
@unknownuser said:
one thing i didn't like is that i couldn't draw in another sketchup file while rendering..
and i had to install some other software in order to use this one
but the free version watermarks didn't show up
You can set the number of cores you want the engine to use in order to keep the machine responsive to other applications if need be.
No watermarks because this isn't a demo -- no expiration and full usage rights free of charge into perpetuity... can't get a better deal than that.
I'm wrapping up a short free tutorial video series for the new plugin which should be posted soon, let me know what you think if you watch it.
Best,
Jason.
I know for a long time one of the big roadblocks to getting Maxwell for alot of users was the fact that Maxwell required Sketchup Pro -- that is no longer true, as the plugin now supports a Ruby exporter in addition to it's C++ exporter (which is faster in Sketchup Pro and supports a few additional features).
Also a nice touch to this new version of the plugin is there is no need to have the Maxwell Render Suite so it's pretty easy to use and learn.
I still run the full version of Maxwell and Sketchup Pro and have no intention of changing that because I definitely fall under the heading of "power-user" and I would miss the advanced features of the full version... but I can definitely see a large market segment who don't want to spend any money (or very little) for SketchUp rendering but want a top quality engine and this new plugin delivers in spades on those counts.
Best,
Jason.
There is a brand new FREE plugin just released by Next Limit (makers of Maxwell Render) that will allow you to render with realtime feedback within the regular free version of Sketchup (versions 6,7,8).
Check it out here: http://www.maxwellrender.com/index.php/home/maxwell_for_sketchup
Edit - There are now tutorial videos showing the basics of using the new plugin available at the link above.
Best,
Jason.
This is outstanding -- it's so rare to see modeling like this on the warehouse. I couldn't resist doing a clay render with Maxwell.
Best,
Jason.
This really isn't a Sketchup tutorial per se but it is very relevant for Sketchup users who want to utilize the power of ZBrush to paint/texture their models.
I used Sketchup Pro to export the OBJ file that was used in this demo -- but if you have another OBJ exporter plugin it should work just as well... and of course when you are done you can just import the OBJ back into Sketchup using one of the import plugins.
[flash=960,750:2233uywx]http://www.youtube.com/v/NQ09hkA54LY?rel=0&hd=1[/flash:2233uywx]
Best,
Jason.
I have every version of .Net installed and all the latest patches for them with no issues.
Best,
Jason.
Profile Builder also may work for your needs.
Best,
Jason.
Shoot me a link and I'll Maxwellize it 
Best,
Jason.
Also worth mentioning is Layout (part of Sketchup Pro) has many nicer functions only available on the Mac version due to the nature of the Mac OS integrated color pickers (including CYMK) and typography tools.
For in Sketchup navigation I prefer the Space Navigator ( http://www.3dconnexion.com )
Best,
Jason.
It's also worth saying that I really wanted the FirePro cards to work out since I wanted to buy a more powerful card, and generally the FirePro cards have alot more hardware "bang for the buck"... but I just couldn't take the risk of investing a large amount of money into a brand that had failed so consistently.
The newer Quadro Fermi's are also problematic as they can overheat badly which is why I opted for the Quadro 600 -- no reports of overheating, and less money I'm out if anything does happen.
My policy has been to buy "entry level" until a brand/line proves it's value.
Best,
Jason.
I used an ATI FirePro V3700 in my i7-920 Windows XP machine... I had it installed until about 2 weeks ago.
I had numerous problems in several software's over the last year or so -- however Sketchup really wasn't one of them.
I replaced it with a Quadro 600... which fixed all of my issues -- which I already knew it would since my other machine is an older Quadro and nothing ever had any issues there.
I stayed with ATI hoping the drivers would work out, but with each new release it just got worse.
I don't need a powerhouse video card, I just need clean/reliable performance with no glitches... if you intend to do any GPU rendering then your priorities will likely be different.
I should also mention my friend has the ATI FirePro V3750 on his Windows 7 machine and he has reported similar issues.
Best,
Jason.
I had to give up on my Firepro (and go to Quadro) because of persistent driver issues that got worse instead of better... the Firepro hardware is fine, the drivers have been going down the tubes.
Best,
Jason.
Maxwell Render, no post work (minor Simulens effect) -- 16 minutes.
The HDR is a free sample from http://www.hyperfocaldesign.com/
Best,
Jason.
I think there is no question TwinMotion would beat Lumion pretty easily for most things... for the previous price difference that seemed reasonable -- less so now.
Best,
Jason.
