Iray Deep Sea vs. Aguja Undersea Environment

the_assassin

Iray Deep Sea is currently in the Fast Grab sale.  Is this worth getting, given that I already have Aguja Undersea Environment?

From the store page, I see that Iray Deep Sea has options for different surface colours (which could presumably be replicated by editing surface parameters) and debris (which I don't think I currently have any other way of doing).

Are there any other notable features that IDS includes or enables that couldn't be done with AUE?

Gordig

Deep Sea doesn't have ground geometry or other land features, so you'd want to use it in addition to Aguja. Personally, I've found Aguja a little disappointing on its own, so it would be a good addition. I don't think I've used Deep Sea much so far, but KA makes great products, so you could really beef up your undersea renders with it.

TimberWolf

I can't do a compare and contrast essay, unfortunately, as I don't have Aguja but hopefully this might help re. Deep Sea.

Positives:

I don't think the Deep Sea promo renders do it justice. If you're after a one-click deep ocean look with that cinematic murky mystery it's great; submarines, ROVs descending, wreck dives etc. If you want to move away from the Caribbean, shallow depth style of render then it is what you're looking for. It's easy to use and set up out of the box with three concentric zones of increasing 'density'.

No messing about with atmosphere cubes, SSS and all that guff and therefore....

A big time saver.

Negatives:

Rendering of the surface (should you want to) is *highly* light dependent to achieve something satisfactory. It doesn't appear designed for this but I guess the clue is in the product name. However, it looks excellent in night/very low light scenes with reflected light. Ships moored at night with illuninated portholes and deck lighting sort of thing...

Nothing that can't be achieved with atmosphere cubes, SSS and aforementioned guff which actually produce better volumetric lighting as this prop isn't ermmm volumetric. It has a dust grid (transmapped planes) which produce a nice effect with light sources but won't produce a spotlight beam for that 'ROV rounds the stern of the Titanic, illuminating the name with its searchlights" scene.

Finicky if you want to use an independent camera and move away from the centre of the prop for murkier/deeper effects due to banding. It's not meant to be used like that as the sea prop is parented to the camera but it can be kicked into submission with a bit of patience.

 

At that knockdown price it's a bargain. Limitations aside, it looks great if you play by its rules and even better if you're prepared to invest some time and experiment.

the_assassin

OK, thnks.  Looks like its worth getting then.