Contents of AI vs. CGI: What's the difference?
- What is AI?
- What is CGI?
- What is the difference between AI and CGI?
- Advantages and disadvantages of AI and CGI
- Areas of application for AI and CGI
- More tips for your interior design marketing strategy!
- Conclusion: AI or CGI?
AI, AI, CGI; terms like these have become increasingly common in recent years. But what exactly are AI and CGI and how do these technologies differ?
We at Danthree Studio explain. Learn from real AI and CGI experts how the two technologies work and for which areas of application which technology is better!
What is AI?
AI stands for artificial intelligence and is also known as artificial intelligence (AI). With the help of artificial intelligence, texts, images and videos can be created without physical prototypes. So-called AI models are used for this, which create similar content based on existing content from the web.
AI generated image by Danthree Studio for furniture, home & living products
What is CGI?
CGI stands for computer generated imagery. This describes the technology of using computer technology to create visual content. Just like AI, no real prototypes or cameras are required for computer-generated content.
Danthree Studio - 3D Studio for high-quality brand communication
What is the difference between AI and CGI?
The biggest difference between AI and CGI lies in the way the technologies work and how they are used. While artificial intelligence is based on machine learning and automated processes, CGI is created in a manual process.
How does artificial intelligence work?
AI can automate processes or generate "new" content. AI models such as ChatGPT, Jasper AI, Midjourney or Google Gemini are used for this purpose, which are fed with information from the network that they can reproduce as required.
This is how it works:
The user enters a so-called prompt, i.e. a request to create content. This could be a question to ChatGPT, which then gives you a written answer based on the information fed into the AI model.
Prompts can be used to create content with AI models (like this Prompt Engineer for Midjourney shows)
For example, you could ask ChatGPT how a computer works or whether the AI model can tell you a joke. Alternatively, you can also access visual AI models such as Midjourney. In this case, you can ask the AI model to create a specific image for you, which Midjourney then creates based on photos and images from the web.
It is important to bear in mind that artificial intelligence is not intelligent. AI models can create content independently, but this is always based on other content and information. The AI model can therefore parrot its own words, but cannot think for itself or be creative.
How does CGI work?
In contrast to AI, CGI is not based on machine learning, but on computer technologies that are used manually to achieve results. This includes 3D software such as Unreal Engine, which can be used to create images and videos of objects, people or scenes.
This is how it works:
Creating visual content with CGI requires a lot of expertise as well as the appropriate hardware and software. With the help of 3D software, realistic 3D models can be created that look similar to real photos.
While you tell the AI what result you want, with CGI you have to shape the result yourself. With the help of certain tools, for example, you can manually edit details such as shadows and textures.
AI and CGI in comparison: all the advantages and disadvantages at a glance
To clarify the differences between AI and CGI, you can find an overview of all the advantages and disadvantages here:
Advantages and disadvantages of artificial intelligence
Advantages of AI
- AI can create content in no time at all.
- Not much specialist knowledge is required to work with AI.
- AI can create texts as well as image and video material.
Disadvantages of AI
- Users have no copyright on AI-generated content. This could lead to problems in commercial use.
- The quality of AI-generated content can vary greatly.
- It is not possible to create realistic images of new products that are not yet known to the AI.
Advantages and disadvantages of CGI
Advantages of CGI
- The copyright of the created content lies with the CGI artist. This means that companies can use the content for commercial applications and also create advertisements with CGI.
- With the help of CGI and 3D technology, extremely realistic images and animations can be created.
- CGI artists have full control over the end result and can also create images of products and scenes that are not yet known to AI models. CGI therefore offers more possibilities in this case and unique content can be created.
This photorealistic product image of the modern stainless steel refrigerator was created by Danthree Studio using CGI. It shows how high-quality 3D visualizations can be used in the interior and product industry. Compared to AI, CGI enables the precise design of materials and lighting moods.
Disadvantages of CGI
- CGI is more complex to learn and requires the necessary specialist knowledge.
- The time required to create visual content with CGI is higher than when creating visual content with AI.
- CGI is limited to visual content and cannot write text, for example.
Areas of application for AI and CGI
As you may have already recognized in the benefits, AI and CGI differ not only in the way they work, but also in the way they are used.
Examples of AI
- Private use: Since AI always raises questions about copyrights, it is better to use artificial intelligence exclusively for private purposes or to revise the results generated by the AI yourself.
- Text creation: In contrast to CGI, AI can also create texts or chat with you.
- Creation of visual content: Some programs, such as Midjourney AI, can also create visual content.
- Personal assistant: You can also use AI as a personal assistant. For example, you can use programs such as ChatGPT to check documents for spelling mistakes or to remind you of appointments.
- Search engine: There are now even AI tools that function as search engines, such as ChatGPT Search.
Examples of CGI
- Film production: Most people are familiar with CGI from film production, where this technology is used to create impressive effects.
- Video game production: Just as in film production, CGI is also used in the production of video games to create animations and effects.
- Realistic product presentation: CGI also has its place in product marketing. At Danthree Studio, for example, we create high-quality product visualizations in 3D for the furniture and furnishing industry.
- Advertising: Product images and videos created with CGI can of course also be used for advertising purposes. In contrast to AI, there are no problems with copyright here.
- AR and VR: CGI is also used to create animations for augmented reality or virtual reality. If you are interested in these technologies, you are welcome to read our article on how to use augmented reality in marketing or take a look at our virtual tours.
Danthree Studio created this CGI visualization of an outdoor lounge with modern upholstered furniture, glass side table and natural stone wall. Thanks to 3D rendering, detailed product images can be created that depict realistic scenes for interior and exterior design. The difference between AI and CGI lies in the manual control over textures and lighting as well as the detailed product presentation and scene creation/modification.
Conclusion: AI or CGI?
Both AI and CGI can be used to create great content. However, which technology is more advantageous depends on what exactly you want to achieve. With AI, you can create visual content and text and even automate processes. CGI, on the other hand, is better suited if you want to create visual content such as images or videos for commercial purposes.
Our 3D rendering agency Danthree Studio specializes in CGI visualizations for the home & living industry and can take over the creation of visual content for you. Simply contact us for a non-binding initial consultation!
