Re: Blender vs Maya

--- In [email protected], "greycoyotee" <greycoyotee@...> wrote:
>
> Ok
> 
> Besides the obvious of Blender being free
> 
> Has any one worked in both Maya and Blender? If so which one do you
> prefer?
>

I have only worked in Blender (who needs Maya!), but I have just
completed a VERY rushed project for an events company that normally
uses a Maya artist. THEY have lauded Blender and lamented Maya because:
1. Blender is a tiny cross-platform download, meaning we could easily
install the app on any available assortment of Macs and Windows PC's
(whatever we could find) to cut down on render time - for free (Saving
maybe even thousands of dollars compared to Maya)
2. Blender has such a small footprint on the computer, that the
installation didn't require taking any apps off or clearing out major
space, and so simple that we could do it all by our-creative-self
without calling in any overpriced alpha-geeks (Meaning there is more
budget available for the artist - moi - on this project and in future
AND the company has saved enough cash to justify setting up a proper
renderfarm).
3. Blender seems to be more versatile in adjusting time/quality
outcomes in rendering by using the node editor and tweaking
ray-tracing and OSA. We were able to meet end-client expectation and
time availability by trying out different render combos. Having the
option to render without any bells and whistles also allowed us to get
quicker and better previews for better tweaking, and therefore better
quality down the line. (I was told that a Maya render would not have
been ready on time, hence the client's decision to take a shot at
Blender - which came through with flying colors).
4. Blender imports almost any mesh you'll find on the 'net and I was
able to populate a cityscape with the most amazing architecture etc. -
for free and without any hassles
5. The Python scripts developed by members of the Blender community
allowed me to find shortcuts in the work - for free
6. The Blender community members like to help others, and I can take
on anything, knowing that I can find solutions by checking the wiki,
forums and tutorials
7. In 6 months time, Blender and its community resources will be
better still, while Maya will still be the same, or you'll have to pay
for a new version
8. On the next job, we will install DrQueue on a batch of new PC's to
enable bucket rendering, straight out of Blender, legally free

Blender being Blender, I am empowered to enroll more clients without a
huge capital outlay for software on my or their side, and it makes 3D
affordable for clients who would likely have opted out of it.

For the views of unrelated others, check out the following links:
http://www.tdt3d.be/articles_viewer.php?art_id=99
http://toastbusters.blogspot.com/2007/09/is-blender-really-equal-to-competition.html

Hope this helps!