What is a good software for arch rendings?

[GreenDrafting]

I'm looking for a 3d software that can make quality realistic interior and exterior house rendering and videos. I've been using the free Sketchup to do some exteriors, but it just doesn't seam realistic to me. Attached are jpgs of the kind of work I'm looking to do. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
www.GreenDrafting.com



file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/CLINTO%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg

[ReMark]

3ds Max and AutoDe$k VIZ are two of the most popular.

[f700es]

If you have the skills and time you can get that from just about anything. ReMark is right in that Viz and Max are 2 of the most popular and will have a LARGE user base to lean on for support and tutorials.
I have seen similar output from SketchUp and Podium, Vue, Cinema4D and even Blender.
If you have SU you should look at the Podium add-on and even the free Kerkythea plugin.
Good luck :)

[Lazer]

Something to remember is Viz is a watered down version of Max, and they have quite a learning curve. I played around with Viz at college for quite a while and never really got the hang of it, the modifier drop down menu confused the life out of me:lol:

[hazardman]

and from what i now autodesk is discontinuing VIZ and simply moving forward w/ max...i think there is a special promotion for current VIZ users to upgrade to max for a few hundred american bucks...

as far as sketch-up goes there's a plugin/standalone called artantis (http://www.artlantis.com/) which may be a good option if you're already proficient in modelling w/ sketchup...

[GreenDrafting]

If I'm going to try and learn this software my self is 3ds Studio Max a good program to start out on? Also I want to create architecture renderings do i need to add any additional add-ons program to accomplish i realistic look I'm looking for?
Thanks

[spittle]

I learnt 3DS Max myself, it's quite acheivable if you're willing to put in the time and a little effort. I think a good intro would be to buy a big 3DS Max DVD modelling tutorial which will have enough repetition in it so you remember how to do stuff.
Although you're looking for a rendering package, if the model you've imported has artifacts or other errors, you need to be able to fix them or else you'll have problems with your renders. The modelling will also familiarise yourself with the user interface and perhaps will inspire you! Then start the materials & rendering side of things.