Adehus Posted May 9, 2005 Share Posted May 9, 2005 Hi All- A question for those who are doing archviz work on OSX... I've been using FormZ for the last 10 years and have come to the point where it is no longer adequate for my rendering/animation needs. Unfortunately, with the investment we have in Mac hardware, I've gotta stick with OSX software. So... bearing that in mind, I've pretty much narrowed my search for a new visualization pkg down to Cinema4D and Lightwave. Now I can't decide which one to go with. I'll be doing primarily interior visualization, and intend to continue modeling in FormZ and export for renderings. Might anyone be able to give me any input as to their experiences (pros and cons) with either package, and for those who have experience with both, which package they prefer? Thanks, Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackb602 Posted May 9, 2005 Share Posted May 9, 2005 Hi Andy, I was at the point you're at now about two years ago. I started using FormZ in architecture school around 1994. About two years ago I bought a competitive upgrade to Cinema 4D, and couldn't be happier. I use it for all of my architectural visualisation work. I posted a brief tutorial on the FormZ forums on exporting from FormZ to Cinema, which is pretty straightforward. I'll just list a couple of my favorite things about Cinema. - great rendering engine that's relatively easy to learn - easy multipass rendering - Cinema is proably the most stable application I own - object oriented approach to modeling is very intuitive, and allows for easy revisions to an existing model - wide range of plugins that add very powerful functionality I can't really speak about Lightwave. But I gather from reading the forums that development for it has slowed, whereas Cinema's growth seems to be accelerating. Jack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adehus Posted May 9, 2005 Author Share Posted May 9, 2005 Jack- Thanks for the info- I've been getting the same impression regarding Cinema's development vs Lightwave. I looked up your tutorial on formZ export to C4D... now I've got to try it out w/the demo version I downloaded. In your opinion, is the Advanced Render module a must? I ask because I'm wondering if it'd really be necessary to go w/the XL bundle vs the base software. Thanks, Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackb602 Posted May 9, 2005 Share Posted May 9, 2005 Yeah, I'd say that Advanced Render is a must. It includes most of the best features of AR, including GI. I'd recommend getting the XL bundle, but check the Maxon website for their "competitive upgrade". As an owner of FormZ, you'll get a sizeable discount on the bundle. Jack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4DM Posted May 10, 2005 Share Posted May 10, 2005 Yep, C4D on OSX here. It's a pleasure to use for lighting, rendering and modelling organic and rounded shaped furniture. The more accurate rectilinear stuff such as architecture ( internal and external) plus cabinet making, furniture carcasses etc, I prefer to do in Vectorworks and export to C4D. Maxon is a company that wants to go places with the software, and there is a thriving community of plug-in writers to supplement the base functions. Check out cgtalk's C4D forum as well for lots of advice, tips, resources. I have the base module plus Advanced Render. You might also want C4DNet and Sketch and Toon if your budget allows. Cheers, D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edub Posted May 10, 2005 Share Posted May 10, 2005 - great rendering engine that's relatively easy to learn - easy multipass rendering - Cinema is proably the most stable application I own - object oriented approach to modeling is very intuitive, and allows for easy revisions to an existing model - wide range of plugins that add very powerful functionality Jack what jack said, and might I add: -great, easy network renderer (animations + stills!) -very stable Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adehus Posted May 11, 2005 Author Share Posted May 11, 2005 Thanks all! Your input has been very helpful. I've been leaning towards C4D, now I'm taking the leap. I've been playing around with the demo, and am amazed by well thought out it seems to be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STRAT Posted May 11, 2005 Share Posted May 11, 2005 one of the main key things in C4D is it's ease of use, particulally the renderer. it keeps the options down to an easy working minimum, whilst maintaining the highest quallity output. it really is a fast peice of kit to learn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thinice Posted May 13, 2005 Share Posted May 13, 2005 I am using Lightwave exclusively since 1999. (on PC) You can check out my website http://www.realismstudio.com to get a better idea of its capability. Pros: - fast modeling esp for changes - fast texturing and materials - good openGL support - optimisation reasonably easy - can get reasonable render quickly - render time quite good - free network rendering (I use lightnet) Cons: - complex animation quite a chore - modeling not very accurate ( can do accurate but not optimised for it) - particles quite basic - No credible alternative renderer - GI very slow, useless for animation - Missing out of the latest stuffs (dev quite slow) I am thinking of changing but if it won't be C4D. It would be Softimage XSI. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now