Post AC Rendering And Modeling

[Anonymous]

I am happy to hear about 9.0 having Lightworks but I am still looking at purchasing a modeling-animation package. I looked at Maya, it seems to complicated and more geared twards character anim. I really like the UI of C4D. I'm really close to purchasing C4D. I would really like to hear more opinions on the different programs.

[Anonymous]

I think you should wait for the next art*lantis version. Some great new features are expecting art*lantis user's.

[Dwight]

Cinema represents the most capable and value-laden choice - the model remains editable - sophisticated materials - quick previewing - ArchiCAD export module.

Maya is way too expensive, offering character modeling aspects we would seldom use - the wet hair tool, for instance - unless your bathtub is leaking on the shag carpet. And from what I saw at SIGGRAPH last year, to use Maya you have to become overweight, grow a goatee and wear a porkpie hat, instead of the crisco-reinforced hair point ArchiCAD users are familiar with.

You might investigate LightWave - it has a powerful user community and is favored by many atmospheric architectural illustrators. It also has the coolest interface ever....

Ro is correct that the new Artlantis will be fantastic. Waiting....

[Anonymous]

How is the AC to C4D plug-in working for you guys? This is another reason I am leaning twards c4d

[rgarand]

Not sure about the plug-in...but Cinema4D was the choice for us. make sure to get the Pyrocluster plug-in/add-on. This plugin looks like a plug-in for fire making effects and other things we may not use as architectural perspectivists...but as you look deeper into the plug-in you see that this plug-in can generate some excellent looking skies. Dusk, evening, mid-day the all come out looking great.

Just be patient when you start to experiment with it...it does take some time and effort to learn. Once you have learned the basics in lighting and material adjusting...and of course the pyrocluster plug-in you should be able to produce some pretty good looking renderings, fairly quickly.

Just my 2 cents

[Dwight]

In translating one needs to redefine materials carefully as importing method can limit editability. You have to be there ti see it.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the replys. I have been demoing C4d and all the plugins. I really like the pyrocluster plugin. All of C4d's tools seem like I could actually have fun learning and using them, unlike some of the other extremely complicated packages (No names, stereotypical body type or hair style needed! ). How does the exchange plug-in limit the editabality of the project. I am very interested in exactly how this process works because there is no demo for the exchange plug-in! Thanks

[Anonymous]

The exchange plug-in is very basic, much like the 3ds export. Main difference is that you can update your model (just don't move it in C4D) and it will align properly. I don't like the way it changes the camera position or size, it imports all of the cameras in a VR Camera object (very funny), and the polygons render differently. (anyone have a clue as to why?)

If you are the type who will not mess with a high end rendering until the model is exactly the way you want it,... why bother with the exchange plug-in? 3ds works just great and it is free.

Thanks for the inspiration to destroy the archicad render, I had so much fun with PhotoShop I felt I needed to share it.

Mark

[Dwight]

rgarand wrote:
Not sure about the plug-in...but Cinema4D was the choice for us. make sure to get the Pyrocluster plug-in/add-on. This plugin looks like a plug-in for fire making effects and other things we may not use as architectural perspectivists...but as you look deeper into the plug-in you see that this plug-in can generate some excellent looking skies. Dusk, evening, mid-day the all come out looking great.

Please post an example - but I didn't know folks were still designing nucular plants - to use the Maircan pronunciation