Fine tuning Render Settings

[Gyroscope]

After reading various Mantra Optimization threads, including:

 

http://forums.odforce.net/topic/9590-pbr-snack/

http://forums.odforce.net/topic/16507-corona-render/?p=101045

http://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_forum&Itemid=172&page=viewtopic&t=21548

 

I've a few questions.

 

I'm still learning Mantra Render settings and am quite familiar with Vray and Max. Recently a couple tutorials/articles came out that actually go into visualizing the samples used when rendering.

 

Example1: http://www.grantwarwick.net/mastering-vraynew-page/

Example2: http://www.cggallery.com/tutorials/vray_optimization/

 

Is there a way to get similar results with Mantra Image planes? To really zero in and optimize a scene by seeing exactly what's going on with your samples? As I was looking into it, I noticed there are a few Vex Variables already for Image Planes. Most of the diagnostic render passes appear white, and seem to be per bucket rather than pixel. When inspecting, you do get values, and they do seem to correspond to the render settings but, as I said it looks per bucket.

 

Thanks.

Edited February 18, 2014 by Gyroscope

[Guest tar]

The diagnostics are per pixel, use "Adapt to Full Pixel Range" button in the Color Correction panel. furtherest right button/Shift-R keyboard shortcut. rmb in the render View/Color Correction

 

You will benefit from this Andrew Clinton's Mantra Masterclass:

http://www.sidefx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2160&Itemid=344