Very Useful Book for 3D Artists
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.
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
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!!
This 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
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.
(20 reviews)
