Rendering Programs

[Russell Keller]

What other programs out there are good for rendering. Vanilla AutoCAD is
nice and capable but I was wondering if there is anything else out there
that may be better like 3D Studio Max or someting. Or do most professionals
who do rendering just use AutoCAD?

[Russell Keller]

BTW I'm talking about architectural renering which I have done in the past
with AutoCAD but I'd like to get into the more intense stuff


"Russell Keller" <524design@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:FesUc.7124$qS6.5316@newssvr29.news.prodigy.com... What other programs out there are good for rendering. Vanilla AutoCAD is nice and capable but I was wondering if there is anything else out there that may be better like 3D Studio Max or someting. Or do most
professionals who do rendering just use AutoCAD?

[Michael \(LS\)]

"Russell Keller" <524design@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:FesUc.7124$qS6.5316@newssvr29.news.prodigy.com... What other programs out there are good for rendering. Vanilla AutoCAD is nice and capable but I was wondering if there is anything else out there that may be better like 3D Studio Max or someting. Or do most
professionals who do rendering just use AutoCAD?

I use 3DViz, which "links" dwg file nicely from Autocad (or ADT) and allows
for easy updating. Depending upon your needs there are lots of options.
There are "photo-realistic" programs (i.e. 3DViz, Max, etc.) and there are
"artsy" programs (i.e. SketchUp, Penguin, etc.). Also, depending upon what
you're modeling there are some programs that do different types of models
more efficiently (i.e. Nurbs, Solids, etc).

Prices for the software varies from as little as $50 to thousands of
dollars. First, you need to determine what you're going to be rendering and
what "quality" of output you need. Then, what features are important (i.e.
Still images, Video, the ability to animate objects, accurate lighting,
etc.)

Once you know all this, then you can start to compare apples to apples.

HTH,

Michael (LS)

[Bill Gilliss]

Try AccuRender from www.mcneel.com It runs inside AutoCAD, and a free
demo version is available for download. It's what I used for the
projects at www.realerthanreal.com.

-Bill

Russell Keller wrote: What other programs out there are good for rendering. Vanilla AutoCAD is nice and capable but I was wondering if there is anything else out there that may be better like 3D Studio Max or someting. Or do most professionals who do rendering just use AutoCAD?

[FredBear]

If I were you I would first get to know the AutoCAD renderer intimately. It
is simple compared to the other programs that focus on rendering but it does
teach you some valuable basic like texture mapping, raytracing, and light
sources. Once you have mastered that you will be well equipped to judge how
the tools of the various renderers stack up in fulfilling your needs. IMO
if you are focusing on architecture you will likely end up using Autodesk
Viz as that is the industry standard. Well, that and 3DS Max and Alias
Maya (both of which will set you back the cost of a common used car).

LT


"Russell Keller" <524design@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message
news:FesUc.7124$qS6.5316@newssvr29.news.prodigy.com... What other programs out there are good for rendering. Vanilla AutoCAD is nice and capable but I was wondering if there is anything else out there that may be better like 3D Studio Max or someting. Or do most
professionals who do rendering just use AutoCAD?

[FredBear]

Oh yes, if you are using R14 or R2000, there is a free program called
Desktop Radiance which is a highly accurate lighting simulator/renderer that
provides scientifically accurate lighting and even specific fixture types.
The results can be stunningly realistic but unfortunately the program has
not been developed beyond R2000 compatibility. I forget the site for the
download but a google search should land you where you need to go.

LT



"LTravis" <lt> wrote in message news:10i9i3go4dle270@corp.supernews.com... If I were you I would first get to know the AutoCAD renderer intimately.
It is simple compared to the other programs that focus on rendering but it
does teach you some valuable basic like texture mapping, raytracing, and light sources. Once you have mastered that you will be well equipped to judge
how the tools of the various renderers stack up in fulfilling your needs. IMO if you are focusing on architecture you will likely end up using Autodesk Viz as that is the industry standard. Well, that and 3DS Max and Alias Maya (both of which will set you back the cost of a common used car). LT "Russell Keller" <524design@sbcglobal.net> wrote in message news:FesUc.7124$qS6.5316@newssvr29.news.prodigy.com... What other programs out there are good for rendering. Vanilla AutoCAD
is nice and capable but I was wondering if there is anything else out there that may be better like 3D Studio Max or someting. Or do most professionals who do rendering just use AutoCAD?