Hello, which is better bryce or vue ? They seem alike in many things so i cant decide yet which one to buy, ive just downloaded the trials..

I am sure I will not be the only one to say this, but each program has it's strengths. The biggest difference is work-flow and personal preference, as well as what you want to do. I find Bryce tends to appear more CGI, while Vue is more photo-realistic.

Hi akisha, thanks for dropping by the Bryce forum.

Which program is best is a simple question but does not have a simple answer. But to make progress you should first study the entry price, whilst bearing in mind what you want to do with 3D graphics.

The cheapest version of Bryce (Bryce 5 download) is $60.
The cheapest version of Vue (Vue 5 Easel download) is $89.

Vue 5 Easel and Bryce5 both have their comparitive strengths and weaknesses. Vue has some more advanced render features; Bryce doesn't suffer from deliberately built in limitations. If you just want a basic 3D landscape render package and you don't see a requirement for advancing your needs beyond that, then Bryce5 makes a lot of sense.

However, if you see yourself wishing to mature and develop as a 3D artist, then you need to consider your 'learning curve' in relation to the upgrade path each program offers. And currently, Bryce just does not offer a significant upgrade path. The top version of Vue (Infinite) is stunningly capable and good, and Vue seems to have a much more secure future as a program. You could start at Vue5 Easel and use all that you learn to advantage should you progress up through to Vue Infinite (including future versions).

I've used Bryce since the first Windows version, and I love it. But I cannot honestly say that I see much of a future for Bryce now. Indeed, I have purchased Carrara - because I see that it not only has a secure future but it has the potential to eclipse the whole Vue range.

So that's my advice. Compare Carrara and Vue -  and make your choice between those. Vue is the more capable natural scene generator but needs to import everything else. Carrara can't do quite as good natural scenes by default but it can make all of its own content.  Don't forget that Vue is notoriously unstable - Carrara is widely respected for its stability.

OK Agentsmith, come in and slap me. Tell me I'm wrong and that Bryce6 is just around the corner - and is only a short stepping stone to the soon-to-follow Bryce7megaPro...

Thank you for your replies, i will try carrara also before deciding hehe :)

I've just downloaded the trials

Try the trials and decide. There is no real clear cut better or worse program. It almost always falls on the user and what they like in a workflow and gui.

Unless you're in the Bryce forum, then of course...the choice is clear. Give me Bryce or give me death.  :tongue2:

Yep I've saved many bucks by trying a trial or demo version first on any software that has them available. Was glad to find out something was bad or would not run on my system or was way to intense and over my head or just plain not what I want, before paying.