I have been using Sketchup to do some concept drawings of a building at work.... they have now decided they want some proper "flythroughs"

You can set a camera path and compile an animation from Sktchup but its not amazing quality... its a bit framey..

Does anyone have any idea if there is an external rendering engine that actually works and looks decent?


I should be using 3D SM, but they dont want to buy it for me, and it would take me weeks/months to learn how to use it!

I use Rhino

here

It's quite expensive but you might be able to do something with the free download.

Cheers

Chris

[Edited on 3/2/09 by chrisg]

I've used Sketch-Up.

Good fun, but I didn't really read up on it, so wasn't getting the most out of it.

For stills just export as a jpeg into photoshop and use effects.
Or as you asked for video, I found exporting into 3d model files meant a lot more options. For example importing into Autocad Architect lets you play with addins for more fluid camera work, to hi def frame by frame rendering.

Just been talking to a friend on who still uses Sketchup and for professional reasons...
He suggests to look at some of the results here

I'm not too keen on it but the missus likes it on her chips.

Sorry couldn't resist. I'll get my coat!

I find it good for playing around. This is my future house. Still demolishing the existing building. Ground, First floor and roof respectively.

Considering its free, its amazing!!

I did this for a project at work Click here

I just want to be able to render out some better video walkthoughts with some form of external renderer...

Or ideally learn how to use 3D studio max!