Why SunFlow?

[HdFeX47]

Why Sweet Home 3D chose a (in my researchs) dead renderer like SunFlow? It does the job for me, but it seems like it's last update was back in 2007, then why not migrate to another open source renderer?

[Puybaret]

The short answer could be: Why changing something that works? [;)]
As far as I know, there isn't any other open source renderer programmed in Java so proposing other renderers in Sweet Home 3D is quite challenging. Anyway, you could try the rendering plug-in based on YafaRay released a year ago, and if you wonder why choosing YafaRay, please read this article.

[snmavronis]

The default YafaRay worked fine. I installed the 2 rendering updates; the newer YafaRay (which is problematic for me) and the advanced rendering using both YafaRay and SunFlow. I like the Sunflow better. It seems to handle textures better than the newer YafaRay, which fractures some model surfaces. Sunflow behaves itself for me and shadows look better too.

That being said this won’t happen but UnrealEd technology engine would look amazing. It’s used everywhere: TV, film, architecture, more than with it’s gaming roots. Of course SH3D would have to be rebuilt from ground up and be a paid app. I’d go for it but I’m happy with SH3D in it’s present state. Kudos to the development team! I actually bought and tried LH3D but dumped it and got a refund. SH3D is so much more user friendly and excellent.

[HdFeX47]

The default YafaRay worked fine. I installed the 2 rendering updates; the newer YafaRay (which is problematic for me) and the advanced rendering using both YafaRay and SunFlow. I like the Sunflow better. It seems to handle textures better than the newer YafaRay, which fractures some model surfaces. Sunflow behaves itself for me and shadows look better too.

That being said this won’t happen but UnrealEd technology engine would look amazing. It’s used everywhere: TV, film, architecture, more than with it’s gaming roots. Of course SH3D would have to be rebuilt from ground up and be a paid app. I’d go for it but I’m happy with SH3D in it’s present state. Kudos to the development team! I actually bought and tried LH3D but dumped it and got a refund. SH3D is so much more user friendly and excellent.

Thanks for the answer, Puyabaret, but regarding Yafaray, i have to agree with snmavronis. Right now, SunFlow seems to take the cake. To be honest, i didn't even noticed any gap at all between the render times, saved from some seconds (Maybe its because i'm doing small projects, as i'm far away from doing any real project.) BTW, snmavronis, could you tell me what was your thoughts about LH3D? Is it better in some way or is just a paid and fancy SH3D?
Thx!

[snmavronis]

Thanks for the answer, Puyabaret, but regarding Yafaray, i have to agree with snmavronis. Right now, SunFlow seems to take the cake. To be honest, i didn't even noticed any gap at all between the render times, saved from some seconds (Maybe its because i'm doing small projects, as i'm far away from doing any real project.) BTW, snmavronis, could you tell me what was your thoughts about LH3D? Is it better in some way or is just a paid and fancy SH3D?Thx!

Watching videos and stuff LH3D seems cool but it was a little awkward to use making rooms to scale. Maybe it takes time to get used to but SH3D seems easier to use and create things. One video I saw has a nice woman explaining her remodel and reveal for a customer. I did like how she could literally walk through the house more naturally than SH3D with no lag. I hope SH3D improves that aspect. You should be able to "mouse walk" just like in a 3D game using like what I do - right mouse button to walk forward, A-S-D for strafe left, walk backwards, strafe right. I won't mention my trigger button. LOL, I'm so used to first person shooter games like Doom and Quake Champions.