Turn 3D models into film-worthy digital animations by mastering mental ray rendering once and for all. This must-have guide is the only book on the market to focus exclusively on mental ray in Maya, 3ds Max, and XSI, and it's packed with techniques and insights you can't get anywhere else. Best of all, the book's advanced rendering concepts apply to other rendering software as well, including V-Ray, Brazil, Maxwell and RenderMan. Discover advanced lighting, camera, and workflow techniques that usually take professionals years to figure out.
Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review
Very Useful Book for 3D Artists, September 22, 2008
By
Maya Man (Sydney)
I had been using mental ray for rendering for a long time but I still wasn't very clear on some of the principles of use. After reading this book I understood mental ray far better. The concepts are explained very clearly and it goes through the algorithms in great depth. Its too difficult for a beginner but somebody who is already experienced in mental ray and has a strong background in computing will find this book extremely helpful. The book showed me many more possibilities of use and improved my rendering quality. I love this book and highly recommend it.
The first useful mental ray book I've found., August 31, 2008
By
Michael D. Fisher (Los Angeles, CA)
This is the first mental ray book I've found that clearly explains the options available in mental ray and how to tune those options. My only suggestion is that the author should put a concise list of real world materials and their corresponding lighting model(e.g. refractions that go through severel different materials(glass and water) with different IOR - dielectric shading model). I know these examples are supplied in the text but they are not in a central location.
An excellent Mental Ray Bible, August 2, 2008
By
L.D.This really is a fantastic book on Mental Ray. You learn many various aspects to a degree unmatched in any other book that I've seen; and the fact that it covers multiple 3D platforms, is icing on the cake. Truly a "must have" for anyone working in 3D animation and Digital Arts.
My only wish for this book, would be a more in-depth tutorial set, perhaps a companion book. But it is "nearly" a perfect book. :-)
Mental ray Maya,3ds, XSI---Excellent!!, July 9, 2008
By
Rajiv NarayananThis book is the book that goes under the hood of the mechanics of mental ray. I learned so much by reading it. The MR features in all three apps are equally explained. The author describes the topics in detail:
Shaders,Shaders and more... (Architectural shaders little explanation)
Final Gathering and Ambient Occlusion
Subsurface Scattering
Indirect Illumination
Textures and projection, and more....
A Bonus chapter on Surface Approximation on CD
I recommend it to all CG artist.
For Intermediate Users, June 8, 2008
By
J. VANETTEN (Boca Raton, FL)
This book is for Intermediate users. If you are just starting out with Mental Ray I wouldn't suggest that you purchase this book. So far from what I can tell this book is a great learning tool.
