Are high-res textures and big 3D models really what’s slowing down the rendering process?
Ever since I started working with SH3D, I have had the understanding that using tiny 3D models and
tiny textures will render a lot faster than using big 3D models and high-res textures.
But after experimenting for some time now with 3D models and textures, I’m seriously questioning this.
In my experience, this is what is slowing down the rendering process ( in this order):
1) Using the path-setting for global illumination.
2) Using a very high number of light sources.
3) Using the external brightness setting (IBL) (to some extent).
Using big sized textures makes Sunflow think for a while before starting the rendering process,
but once it starts, it renders just as fast as with small textures.
Here are two renderings where I'm using big sky textures ( 15000x3500 px), IBL and sunlight + a few light sources.
The reason for the significantly longer rendering time here is the very complex high-poly tree (76Mb textured),
which is unnecessary for a wide shot like this.
On the first image I use a low-poly version of the tree (3.2Mb) and it works perfectly well.
Another Sunset (All these sunsets are inspired by my short summer vacation in Norway):
Rendered with moon setting and just one big light panel simulating sunlight.
The sky texture is a high-res 15000x3500 px of 11Mb, downscaled from a 55Mb bmp image created with Vue eXtream.
The curious contraption on the left is my attempt to construct a rack for drying fish.
(If you're a local, you are welcome to laugh your head off.)
Here is a way more complex project, with a really BIG terrain texture, and a 15000x3500 px sky texture.
This time rendered without IBL (External brightness off):
Here's something to think of if the preview window is getting slow and difficult to handle:
And to finish this intro...
More to follow.
Cec
