Nowadays, it can be said that digital effects play an important role in bringing stories to life. However, when it comes to creating stunning visuals, VFX and CGI come up. Are they the same? And how do they differ? In this blog, 3S Cloud Render Farm will break out the key difference between VFX vs CGI. We believe that this guide will give you a clearer understanding of these effects. Now, let’s get started!
What is VFX?
So what is VFX? In a basic way, VFX stands for Visual Effects. It refers to the process of creating imagery that cannot be captured during live-action film. For example, Avatar (2009) has used modern 3D technology, especially 3D stereoscopic, this effect brings the feeling like living in the Pandora world. Moreover, Avatar (2009) used motion capture technology for Na’vi people characters, such as Jake Sully. VFX is commonly used in movies, video games and ads to create scenes that are difficult or impossible to capture in real life.
Until now, there are various types of VFX, includes:
- CGI: Creating scenes using computer graphics.
- Compositing: Combining visual elements from different sources into one image.
- Matte painting: Creating detailed backgrounds or environments digitally.
- Motion capture: Recording the movement of objects to create realistic animation.
Advantages and Disadvantages
What about advantages and disadvantages of VFX? Let’s get started with VFX’ key pros.
Advantages of VFX
From our point of view, VFX can bring many advantages to not only filmmakers but also 3D animators, such as:
#1. Creativity and Imagination
VFX allows filmmakers to bring their most imaginative ideas to life. Scenes that are too dangerous or impossible to shoot in real life can be easily created. This opens up infinite possibilities for creativity. Also, it allows creators to explore futuristic worlds and fantastical creatures that would otherwise be impossible to capture.
#2. Cost-saving
In many cases, VFX can be more affordable than practical effects. For instance, creating a big explosion using physical props and stunts would require significant budgets for special actors and insurance. With VFX, these complex scenes can be digitally generated. Therefore, it reduces the need for costly on-location shoots and physical setups.
#3. Ensure safety
As mentioned above, VFX is often used in dangerous cases, such as explosions or the like, where using real-time elements would put actors at risk. With VFX, dangerous scenes can be simulated safely, and no one gets harmed during production.
Disadvantages of VFX
While bringing many advantages, using VFX in filmmaking also have to face some kind of disadvantages, includes:
#1. High Initial Cost
In some instances, while VFX can be cost-effective, high-quality VFX requires significant resources. Nowadays, professional studios often need to employ highly skilled digital artists and animators. As a result, this can drive up production costs. The software and technology required for advanced VFX can also be expensive, making it a costly investment for some productions.
#2. Over-Reliance on Technology
In addition, a major drawback of VFX is the potential for over-reliance on technology. When filmmakers focus too much on digital effects, they may neglect the importance of storytelling, acting and practical effects. Also, an overuse of VFX can lead to films that feel artificial and lack emotional depth.
#3. Time-Consuming Post-Production
Taking advantage of VFX can save time during filming, however, the post-production process can be lengthy. Why? Complex visual effects can take a long time to design, render, and integrate into the footage. Hence, it can lead to extended production timelines. This can delay the release of the final product and add to the overall cost of your project.
What is CGI?
Unlike VFX, CGI or computer-generated imagery is the creation of animated visual content using computer software. It involves generating video or image from digital models (such as 3D) rather than capturing them through traditional filming techniques. Currently, CGI is widely used in various fields, including film, television, video game and the like.
Advantages and Disadvantages
What about CGI advantages and disadvantages? Let’s take a look at its pros first.
Advantages of CGI
#1. Unlimited Creative Possibilities
First, CGI can unlock unlimited creative possibilities in filmmaking. One of the biggest pros of CGI is its ability to turn any idea into reality. So, creators can generate anything from mythical creatures and futuristic worlds to real-life representations of objects. Therefore, this makes CGI a powerful tool for filmmakers, 3D animators and advertisers. Unlike traditional filmmaking, CGI is only limited by the artist’s imagination. This advance allows for the creation of visually stunning elements that would be impossible to achieve.
#2. Cost-saving
In traditional filmmaking, building elaborate sets or travelling to exotic locations can be expensive. CGI is here to solve this problem! It allows filmmakers to create entire worlds digitally, deleting the need for costly on-location shoots. Moreover, for scenes involving dangerous stunts or explosions, CGI can provide a safer and more budget-friendly alternative. Rather than investing in expensive equipment and safety measures, digital solutions can create these effects easily.
#3. Faster Production Time
Last but not least, CGI can shorten the production timeline, especially for complex scenes. For example, in action-packed sci-fi movies, entire environments and characters can be created digitally. This makes the post-production process much faster. What’s more? CGI reduces the need to film at multiple locations, saving time and resources. Filmmakers can create a virtual set, eliminating the time spent setting up for shoots at various locations. This is useful in films requiring multiple diverse settings, such as in historical genres.
Disadvantages of CGI
#1. Time-Consuming Rendering Process
After lighting 3D models, we need to render to create the final product. Rendering high-quality CGI can be extremely time-consuming. In detail, a single frame for high-end CGI can take hours or even days to render. So, this can delay production timelines and increase costs, as multiple interactions or changes may be required.
#2. High Production Costs
High-quality CGI requires sophisticated software and powerful computers to create realistic images and animations. These tools can be costly, and the hardware needed to render complex CGI effects can be financial investment. Moreover, the process of creating detailed CGI can take a lot of time and effort. From designing 3D models to rendering the final visuals, a considerable amount of work is involved. As a result, CGI-heavy productions can drive up the overall cost of a project.
#3. Risk of Overuse
One of the biggest drawbacks of CGI is that it can lead to an over-reliance on VFX. Filmmakers might prioritize the spectacle of CGI over the strength of the story or the development of the characters. So, this can result in a visually stunning but emotionally shallow production that fails to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
>>> Read more: How to Convert 2D Image to 3D Modeling Using AI?
VFX vs CGI: Key Differences
| Aspect | VFX | CGI |
| Scope | Includes both digital and practical effects | Exclusively digital (computer-generated) |
| Process Involved | Pre-production, on-set, and post-production | Primarily post-production |
| Purpose | Enhances or creates visuals, both real and imaginary | Creates digital elements, characters, and environments |
| Technology Used | Compositing, motion tracking, green screen, etc. | 3D modeling, animation, rendering |
| Example | Explosions, live-action integration with CGI | Fully digital characters, animated worlds, and creatures |
| Software | Adobe After Effects, Nuke, DaVinci Resolve | Maya, Blender, ZBrush, RenderMan |
VFX vs CGI: Usage
Both VFX and CGI are integral to the creation of modern movies and video games, but they serve different purposes within the creative process. While they are often used interchangeably, it’s important to understand their specific roles and how they are applied in different contexts.
Common Uses of VFX
#1. Enhancing Live-Action Footage
- VFX is used to add elements to live-action footage that would be difficult or too costly to shoot in real life. For example, a scene with a spaceship flying through space or a city being destroyed by a massive explosion would require VFX.
- VFX can combine real-world elements with digital elements, such as merging practical effects with digital fire, smoke, or weather effects.
#2. Simulating Natural Phenomena
- Many complex natural phenomena are difficult or dangerous to create practically. VFX allows filmmakers to simulate these effects in a controlled and safe environment. Therefore, it enhances the realism and visual impact of the scene.
#3. Creature and Character Effects
- VFX is also used to create digital creatures and characters. While CGI can generate these characters, VFX ensures that they are seamlessly integrated into the live-action footage, allowing them to interact convincingly with real actors and environments.
Common Uses of CGI
#1. Creating 3D Models and Animation
- CGI is primarily used to generate 3D models, which can then be animated and brought to life. These models can represent objects, characters, or entire environments. Once created, CGI allows for the animation of these models in a controlled digital space, often with detailed motion, textures, and shading that make them appear lifelike.
#2. Designing Characters and Creatures
- CGI is frequently used to create digital characters, from human avatars to mythical creatures. These digital characters are often used in combination with VFX to interact with real-world actors and settings.
- For example, the characters in films like “The Lord of the Rings” are all created using CGI, giving them realistic features, movements, and expressions.
#3. Pre-visualization and Storyboarding
- CGI is used during pre-production to create virtual storyboards or mock-ups of scenes. This helps directors and producers plan their shots and visualize complex sequences before filming begins. It’s particularly useful for large-scale action scenes, where the final look needs to be decided early on.
CGI vs VFX: Which One is Better?
The answer to this question depends on what you need for your project. Let’s break it down:
#1. For Creating Entirely New Worlds or Characters:
CGI is the better choice. If you need to create something that doesn’t exist in the real world—such as a fully animated character, CGI is essential. It allows for full creative freedom and the ability to visualize concepts that physical production can’t achieve.
#2. For Integrating Digital Elements into Live Action:
VFX is the better choice. If you’re working with live-action footage and need to add or enhance digital elements, VFX is the go-to. VFX is used to ensure these elements are seamlessly integrated into the real world, ensuring that everything works together to create a cohesive scene.
#3. For Cost-Effectiveness in Real-World Effects:
VFX might be better if the goal is to enhance real-world shots without needing to build costly physical sets. For example, using VFX to add digital smoke, fire, or weather can often be cheaper and safer than creating physical replicas.
Final Thoughts
Rather than comparing which is better, it’s important to understand that CGI vs VFX complement each other. CGI is better suited for creating entirely new, digital worlds and characters, whereas VFX is the best option when it comes to enhancing digital elements with live-action footage.
3S Cloud Render Farm – Your Trustworthy 3D Rendering Partner
If you’re looking for a reliable and user-friendly render farm, 3S Cloud Render Farm is a top choice. With support for leading software like Blender, Maya, and Cinema 4D, combined with 24/7 customer support and scalable performance, 3S Cloud Render Farm helps you meet tight deadlines and bring your creative vision to life!
>>> Read more: Rendering Artwork: Digital and Traditional Techniques Explained