Dang...

You guys are making me want to upgrade to LW 9.0 so bad.

I've been trying to hold back in the LW forum, but I just cant take it anymore. I'm so jealous of those using 9.0 with Vue Infinite. heh heh

I've been using LW since 7.5 (currently running 8.5) and I do like it's flexibility, and it's "No-Bulls**t" interface.

 

I confess,I'm also running Cinema 4D R8.2 XL bundle  with BodyPaint R2 (Module and Stand alone)and flip-flop between LW and C4D

 

Although I do like C4D's "Tag" approach,and REALLY Like it's content browser, but LW has it all.

If C4D had at least the Advanced Render module as part of the core app then I'd say it would be a pretty fair race,But LW has radiosity, caustics,etc.as part of it's native render engine.

LW also comes equipped with network rendering capabilities(100 nodes IIRC), where as C4D requires the NET Render module to farm out renders and has only 3 seats with the XL bundle. (Unlimited clients in the Studio Bundle)

 

So....Dynamics, Particles, Advanced Volumetric's, MoCap/advanced rigging (MOCCA),Radiosity, Advanced UV capabilities (BodyPaint) and Network Rendering is not part of the C4D core app,so those goodies will cost more.(significantly more)

 

LW, has all of that out of the box.

 

I struggle between the two, and like them both,I've seen some damn fine stuff come out of C4D,but I seem to find myself opening Lightwave more often.It just seems more like a portable studio to me,and as mentioned,no cryptic icons to figure out.

Both have equally UI customization capabilities, and as far as community support,I'd say they are pretty damn close as well. Lots of help and plug-ins in both camps.

 

Decisions, Decisions

 

Tom

“The fact that no one understands you…Doesn’t make you an artist.”