Mesh resolution - what's the difference?

stabio

Hi all

I played a bit with mesh resolution of Genesis 3 and i wonder what the difference is between "Resolution Level" --> "Base" and "Resolution Level" --> "High Resolution" plus "Subdivision Level = 0".

Both resolutions have the same polygon count but "High Resolution" seems to be smoother. Why that?

Is a "Subdivision Level > 0" a virtual subdivision of the base mesh? I can't select edges of the subdivided mesh (grey edges), i can only select edges of the base mesh (black edges). See attached image with "Subdivision Level = 1".  

Thx in advance!

stabio

Richard Haseltine

Ys, SubD 0 applies the smoothing algorithm to the mesh but doesn't add polygons - if you are still seeing the SubD polygons then you may have set the Render SubD Level rather than the plain SubDivision Level. Generally for morph creation and the like you want the Base resolution option before exporting, so that you have not incorporated any additional changes into the mesh that would then be included in the morph on top of the intended SubD.

prixat

Hi Stabio

Subdivision has a form of 'smoothing' built in. Subdivision 0 will not add any polygons but will still do that smoothing.

You can think of it as virtual. The base mesh (sometimes called the control mesh or control cage) is the 'real' mesh.

The added polygons are recalculated and redrawn every time you move a joint, apply a morph or move the camera etc.

stabio

Thx Richard and prixat!

So as i understand playing around with the subdivision does not really modify the base mesh (control mesh), it's just used to display the mesh with more detail. It's a virtual subdivision.

But when i render the image, the subdivision is really calculated and applied, correct?

Regards

stabio

mjc1016

Yes, when rendered, the subdivision is 'locked in'...for that render.