Just a couple of quick tests using the Bryce 5 demo. I like these metaballs, but they'll take some time getting used to...

Here's my depth of field test. I'm most pleased with the results over doing a distance render in B4 and taking it into Photoshop, even though it drastically increases render time. I've only had the demo for a day or so, and I've got another 28 days to decide if the upgrade price is worth these features, but so far I'm impressed. Haven't even worked with the trees yet, beyond five minutes of playing. Longer render times? You're talking to a guy who made posters using Bryce 1.0 on a 25 mhz Mac IIsi, so we don't need to speak any more of long render times! I'm not a deadline-oriented production artist, so time is relative to my happiness with the results. This one took an hour, but I'm happy... BTW, this is the only politically-oriented art I've ever created, but I was inspired by an editorial cartoon about the Beijing Olympics.

Looks good, Yep, I know people have been asking for years for a tree or plant editor and we finally got one. Not sure who asked for the meatballs but I am glad they put it in. Nice rust texture BTW.

Thanks, but I must confess it's a preset...

You'll be happy to know that the real version renders much faster than the demo. Neat images! Spit

what are metaballs?

The little globbies that serve as blood in the top image. They look like balls but interact with each other with proximity. Make for nice liquid, and other things which I haven't figured out how to make.