Free unbiased rendering engines

[marko04]

Here are two unbiased rendering engines. The power of these solutions match that of a Maxwell, but the interface is not just there yet. Still, I think it is worth of try because both are free and very powerful...

Kerkythea - Home

Indigo Renderer - Home -- I like this one

[anonyma]

hey marko, already knew the kerkythea, as for the other will check that out...

[Horhe]

Yep pretty cool renderers especially that they are free.

[capnhud]

How do these renderers compare to commercials renderers?

[TheAllusionist]

Probably depends on what software you are using, if you can use mental ray or Vray in your application then probably not the best solution to use one, but if you are using something like Blender, maybe a viable solution. It also depends on your wallet, you can get into CG with free software, how cool is that!

[Mellowfellon]

we'll why not look in gallery ? And have a look at BnB's work. Pretty damn excellent for this style of renderer.. slow but good

[jenujacob]

Hi,
I've used both the aforementioned render engines with conjunction to SketchUp.. they both have really excellent export plugins which makes integration hassle free... ie; no eporting into 3ds obj etc etc,
*while KT is a standalone app which opens the native XML file which SU2KT (the plugin) exports and u press render after choosing anyone of the 20+ presets (more on that below), indigo works from within SU (well not exactly from within.. actually it too exports the model into XML and renders it automatically).
*KT has both biased and unbiased rendering algorithms. the biased one is basic raytrace, PM+FG (photon map + Final Gathering, which supports GI) while the unbiased engine comprises of PPT (progressive path tracing) MLT (metropolis light tracing) BiPT (BiDirectional Path Tracing) and the MLT+BPT (hybrid). Indigo on the other hand has only unbiased rendering algorithms namely the Bipt and the MLT and the hybrid mode.
*most recently Indigo has been developing MPD (micro poly displacement) and a technique called layer blending ( in maxwell language its called MULTILIGHT). KT is curently developing displacement mapping and KT already had subdivision tool built into the program. KT also has a bevel mapper (but i doubt whether it works with models exported from SU via the plugin.. only worked with OBJ for me)
*Indigo has physical camera with vignetting and exposure and lens diffraction and obstacle mapping . Kt however has a limited Camera ( NO vignetting and no camera filters).
* Both can utilize multiple threads.
* KT has an excellent Instacing Brush which works verymuch like the Vue Ecosystem brush with random scale, position etc etc. Indigo with Skindigo (the plugin for SketchUp) can create proxies for multiple instancing.
*Excellent forums for both render engines . very loyal to the cause.
* Both forums have material repositories.. where users can upload and share their materisl with each other.

i am sure i've missed a lot bout these wonderful packages.. but it was just a small look into what these guys have in stock.
Good things really come FREE once in a while!
Ciao!!!

[TheAllusionist]

Thanks for the informed information