vray for rhino vs vray for sketchup

[West1000]

Hi there. I was hoping someone could answer a few questions I have regarding vray for rhino. I have considerable expertise using vray for sketchup but am thinking of making the switch to rhino. I find the level of detail in the rhino renders much nicer then sketchup. An issue I have with sketchup is the modeling speed at which you can move around in 3dspace. I find it to be extremely slow to use during more complex senses. The nice thing about sketchup is how easy it is to use. I have made a list of questions in hopes that someone can shed some light on my situation.

1. Can you model as fast in Rhino as you can in Sketchup? I’ve used 3dmax and find it takes forever to design a simple model and am wondering if Rhino is like that.
2. Is there a 3dwarehouse for Rhino or some kind of online place to get free models?
3. Can you move around in a scene faster in Rhino then you can in sketchup? Sketchup can be tedious in senses with lots of topology.

Thanks for reading.

Aaron

[probitas]

Re: vray for rhino vs vray for sketchup

hey aaron -

i myself have toyed with the idea of switching to to rhino over su. i'm an urban designer, so typically need fast conceptual modelling, but often push the limits of SU if i model a slew of buildings, or entire streetscapes. I dabbled with rhino and found it to be far too slow. I have worked on UD projects with architects who know rhino very well and still found myself totally frustrated at the complexity that was required for them to create a simple building mass. (just push/pull it!!)

there is no 3d warehouse for rhino as there is for SU.

as you know, VfR and VfSU are exactly the same core (with the exception that the VfSU is slightly ahead until the new VfR is released). and frankly, the level of detail achievable is, in my opinion, due to the general technical bias of rhino modelers. rhino is a somewhat more intense modelling app than SU, and it's users, i think tend to be a little more interested in precision than us SU folks. i guess it depends on what you're modelling - if it's a lot of organic shapes, then maybe rhino or max is better. if you are using more architectural forms with repetitive parts, then SU may do the trick.

if you haven't already, learn how to streamline your SU models. components, components, components! anything that will repeat itself should be one! I recently finished a project - 10 city blocks, completely modelled buidings, streetware, etc. - 500 component defs, 26Mb (without textures), etc. and the only performance issue i ever encountered with this very complex model was a significant lag in turning SU shadows on/off. the bottom line - SU is more powerful than many give it credit for - you just have to model as efficiently as possible for your intended use. if lots of topology is unavoidable in your scenes, ie. you're doing interiors with curtains, puffy pillow, chairs, etc., then put those high poly objects on separate layers and turn them off until you're ready to render.

just my thoughts...

[fooprobe]

Re: vray for rhino vs vray for sketchup

1. To me it's not an issue of detail or complexity, it's an issue of geometry. If you're doing simple planar models, they will always be easier in SU. The minute you have curved surfaces to deal with, rhino will sing. Particularly if you're designing, not just modeling something you already understand. 3DS max and Maya are really geared towards film and gaming, where precision isn't important but fur (for instance) is. So they have a much more complicated UI, making simple models ridiculously hard to make. I like rhino because I think it's a good balance of very capable modeling, precision, and reasonably simple UI. If you're only doing planar models, you might not see much benefit from switching to rhino.

2. Rhino can import almost any 3D geometry, including everything in the SU warehouse. It preserves SU materials too.

3. this is probably more a graphics card issue, more than a difference between the modeling software. But SU can be irritating in preventing you from zooming thru walls.

IMHO.

[andybot_cg]

Re: vray for rhino vs vray for sketchup

My 2cents
I've tried many other modeling programs, some more in depth than others, and it comes down to sketchup is the fastest way to get 2D CAD drawings of buildings into a model. However, once you need to design something with curves/ lofts/ nurbs, etc. SU falls way behind in the level of control over complex non-orthogonal shapes. Best thing to do is to do a trial of the software and get to understand the workflow and find out what things it can do for you. Most software has very good tutorials.
In terms of moving around a model - I do find sketchup has limitations that I don't run into with parametric 3D modeling apps (meaning that SU relying on polygons exclusively puts limits on topology that other programs - like Rhino - aren't bothered with.)
Andy

[sergeneren]

Re: vray for rhino vs vray for sketchup

ok i feel an urge to reply this post since i've tried modo401, C4D, maya, CAD and actively using 3ds max,Zbrush,SU,Rhino and many more 3d software u can't imagine.

SU is -first of all- blazing fast to model but when you want something with curves rhino comes in very handy and it has an unofficial repository (www.flyingarchitecture.com). But 3ds max polygon modelling and adding details with Zbrush lets you create lifelike objects (i am currently working on an old tree). but modelling something takes you days even weeks. But i usually create smoke,fire and liquids with 3ds max, modelling is not very often.

After all, VfR imho is better than VfSU since it seems to be more "accurate".

Sorry i have forgot to answer your questions.

1. How fast i can model somethin?

SU > Rhino > 3ds max > ZBrush

2. Repository: i use www.flyingarchitecture.com

3. Rhino is way much better when it comes to moving around because viewports make it so easy.