CompuServe Messages

I'm not sure what the point of your comment is but it is true that Raytracing is considerably slower. As 90% of the time its a waste of rendering time, the Yost Group has wisely IMO not chosen the Raytraced route, which in fact is much easier to code. It is also considerably more difficult to get an artistic kind of feel to your work with RayTracing. For none artistic types Raytracing is easier to get a Photorealistic look. The down side is that it becomes a crutch, and one doesn't fully develope one's artistic skills. If one plans to develop a distinctive "style" this IMO is a real drawback. From a production standpoint "speed" is an important factor, but its becoming less so, with faster platforms. The "look" and range of "looks" is where 3DS really excells, all else being equal. In the end it comes down to personal taste and talent. I think if you've got the talent you'll prefer 3DS. John