3ds max or Cinema 4d

[soraya]

Can somebody tell me which is a better 3d software to go for as a landscape architect...3ds max or cinema 4d ( i know cd4 is much cheaper) ? Im using vectorworks. Any additional suggestions welcome.

[jackb602]

I'll be honest, I haven't used Max since it was 3D Studio (around 1994), but I'll still cast my vote for Cinema. If you are just starting out, Cinema is known for its intuitive and totally customizable interface. Also, there is a plugin available that allows you to sync a Vectorworks model with Cinema. There are a couple of great plugins (Xfrog and DPInstantTree) that will be very useful for landscape architecture as well. Hope this helps.

 

Jack

[daly2]

I'm using VectorWorks with the plug-in for Cinema 4D and it works very well. I also downloaded a library of 3D trees for C4D and the results are beautiful.

But the bottom line about this subject in my opinion is that your 3D modelling skills in VectorWorks will be immediately useful.

There were models that I did that were modelled completely in VectorWorks and I just did the lightning and added or modelled some vegetation in C4D, and off course, rendered with it. By the way, the advanced renderer module native of c4d works perfectly for still renders, so you won´t need to invest in external renderers. I believe that´s one of the reasons it's so cheaper than 3DS Max

[soraya]

Thanx..i appreciate the feedback. Any more comments are welcome

[Sindala]

I've been working with vectorworks since it was still called minicad. It's a great cad program and also great for modelling. I've been using C4d for about 1,5 year now and with the new exchangeplug in its a really good combi. you can export your VW models to cinema and keep all symbols intact. You can also update your model from vectorworks back to C4d keeping all textures etc intact.

 

I think it's a great marriage