Render depth map?

[ShaunDon]

Hey guys --

This isn't specifically a v-ray question, but perhaps v-ray can do it... I'm trying to do depth of field on a high-resolution image in post through Photoshop, but I can't seem to find a way to render out just a depth map in max. I know you can save the z-depth map with an RLA file, but it's a proprietary format that Photoshop can't mess with... Anyone here have any solutions?

I'm on 3ds max 4.2 ... praying for an upgrade to 6 soon. *grin*

Cheers!
Shaun

[dbuchhofer]

You can do it easily with scanline and Render elements.. where you can set the close and the far distances.. and save out to a speperate image file.. The only downside is that there is a limit to the distance you are allowed to go in the 'Far Distance' of 10000 units i believe.. A bit constraining, but can work around it with a global xform if needed for a still.

Hopefully someday Vray will support Render Elements.. (Please!)

[ShaunDon]

That's exactly what I was looking for -- somehow I couldn't find that through searching 3ds max's help. Thanks so much.

Shaun

[Seraph135]

I'm glad that solved your problem. I just wanted to throw out there that if your using V-Ray displacement in your scene you have to find another solution. The easiest way I've come across is to assign a black material to all your objects and add white fog to your scene.

Tim J

[samuel_bubat]

Hi there,

I have a solution to extract the z-buffer via Digital Fusion
for using it with any filter/effect.
Due to your problem is solved, I´m to lazy to write it down right now.
But if someone is interrested, just contact me.