If you are already an Artlantis user and the 100E bargain has a coupon for a discount on the new Artlantis, go for it.
If you don't want to use an export renderer, and stick with LightWorks, get my book. I consider LightWorks (currently) a 90% solution.
If you want to have the best rendering possible and can commit to the learning curve of a real rendering application don't settle for less than ALL of these features:
1: radiosity
2: sophisticated camera animation tools
3: superior shader/surface/material management and definition
4: distributed processing / renderfarm capable for commercial animation work or large batch renderings
5: dynamic development community for add-ons like hair. You never know when you'll get a commission from apes and need some entourage.
6: Plenty of commercial addons for foliage, etc
7: quick preview
8: EDIT MODEL IN RENDERING APP
My favorites - from shaking them down and getting free software and actually working with it - are:
Maxon Cinema 4D
- soon to have excellent plug-in for ArchiCAD import
- inexpensive renderfarm services
- lots of fun and easy to use, if not long learning to become material manipulation master.
- good community.
Newtek LightWave:
- 21st century interface.
- great atmosphere particles for shafts of sunlite through dusty rooms.
- renderfarms easier to find these days.
- good community.
- 3Ds from ArchiCAD
My criteria concern actual working needs for a commercial illustrator if you don't reconsider your career as a designer when you get these real renderers - because they can become full-time jobs to be proficient.
LightWorks and Artlantis are intended to be useful out-of-the-box and users can have success quickly, especially in LightWorks if they get my book.
Dwight Atkinson
