CGI vs. Photography:
Revolutionize - a powerful word, yet really fitting for this video! After all, what is more revolutionary than replacing something outdated with something contemporary?
Our message at Danthree Studio:
Photography was yesterday. Photorealistic 3D content today AND tomorrow!
Read on to find out about the differences between CGI renderings and classic product photography and why we at Danthree Studio prefer digital 3D photos!
Danthree Studio - Digital 3D Product Photography Studio
What is CGI photography?
CGI photography is a modern method of staging products in 3D. The physical product is created in three dimensions as a digital twin and then visualized. This model can then be edited on the computer and placed in different environments to create realistic 3D visualizations. Like in traditional photography, digital 3D product photography also requires the camera, lighting etc. to be adjusted - for optimum results.
Close-up of a wooden chair in a digital 3D product photograph
What is classic product photography?
Classic product photography is a proven method of product photography in which the product is captured with a camera. Here, various settings such as exposure, aperture and focus are adjusted to create an optimal image of the product.
CGI vs. photography: 10 reasons why digital 3D renderings are better than traditional photos!
1. Photorealistic 3D Renderings Are Often Cheaper Than "Real" Photography
Costs for a photographer, a location, travel, sample furniture, backdrops, equipment and image processing are completely eliminated if you have your visual content created with the help of 3D technology, i.e. entirely on the computer.
The money you save here, you can put into other projects. At the same time, the visual appearance of your products is guaranteed to be of the highest quality.
All the resources needed for a classic photo shoot are simply no longer needed to create visual content.
Photorealistic 3D visualization of a bonsai tree in the outdoor area, illustrates the flexibility of digital photography.
2. Photo Shoots Need A Lot Of Preparation Time - Digital Product Photos Do Not
During a photo shoot, a lot has to be organized and set up manually.
If we take the example of a living room scene, which is intended to convey a sense of coziness, conviviality and liveliness, we can immediately think of countless objects that need to be set up for this. That takes time, but not with photorealistic CGI visualizations.
With CGI (computer generated imagery), you can create everything digitally. In just a few clicks, entire scenes are created that convey specific emotions without the need to actually assemble and disassemble anything.
This saves time and resources!
Digital 3D product photography of a white washbasin with modern aesthetics and precise details
3. 3D Rendering vs. Photography: Resource-Saving Content Creation
To photograph something, you need real objects in front of the lens - for the creation of photorealistic CGI visualizations, technical drawings, and mood boards are enough to address the right target group!
Speaking of saving resources:
The furniture that has to be made and transported for a shoot is not only a burden in terms of organization, but also not always in the interests of the environment. You don't need real models to create digital twins, which saves on materials and effort, which is why digital 3D photos can be more climate-neutral!
4. Photorealistic CGI Visualizations Enable Advanced Marketing
As already mentioned, CGI (3D) visualizations are not based on real objects. Therefore, the product can be widely advertised and tested in all media even before it is manufactured!
This means that you are always one step ahead of yourself.
3D product photography of a plush octopus
5. Photos Are Very Inflexible In Contrast To 3D Renderings
Assuming that you can perform a photo shoot without wasting money or time, one more thing must be kept in mind: the finished result can usually only be changed with a loss of quality and increased effort.
Photorealistic 3D renderings, on the other hand, are extremely flexible. Whether a color or a proportional change is desired - everything can be realized with just a few clicks.
6. Digital 3D Product Photos Are Not Bound To Real Operations
When designing a virtual location using CGI, the designer can create any scene imaginable without being constrained by external conditions. Photographers have a lot more hurdles to overcome. The lighting conditions for outdoor shoots alone can turn a photo shoot into a lengthy procedure.
The consequence: loss of time and increased effort.
Digital 3D photography of a modern kitchen, showing the flexibility and precision of digital techniques
3D model to 3D rendering - Danthree Studio
7 Computer Generated Images Can Depict Things In A Way That Photography Cannot
Cross-sections that also show the inner workings of a product without having to cut it up at great expense are no problem for photorealistic images in 3D. They grant everyone X-ray vision and show products in all their valuable details.
8. You Can View 3D Models From All Perspectives In Real Time
No problem for CGI technology! Here, photography is completely out of the question.
Computer-generated 3D models lay the foundation for virtual and augmented reality, as well as 360-degree views. Offer your customers futuristic shopping experiences with the help of 3D models. AR is becoming increasingly popular and measurably increases conversion rates while reducing returns.
9. You Can Quickly Add And Expand 3D Product Images
If your product range expands, photorealistic renderings will quickly serve your needs!
If new products are added to your portfolio, these must of course be depicted in your media. If you are still using classic photography, this means that new shoots are required over and over again.
With 3D renderings, however, new visual content for online or print media is added and delivered at lightning speed.
With high-resolution CGI visualizations, you always quickly cover every need for visual content! This way, you always give your customers immediate access to all new releases and product variants!
Close-up of a designer chair, digital 3D product photography, shows the advantages over classic photography
10. The Charm Of A Real Photo Is Retained Even With Digital 3D Photography
A high-quality 3D product visualization does not differ visually from a photo.
So you don't have to worry about photorealistic renderings looking artificial and distorting the overall picture!
In fact, good photorealistic renderings are indistinguishable from photographs and therefore transmit target-oriented emotions.
