Colors comparison v9 and v10, and some observations

[PascalL]

Here is a comparison of screenshot from XP 9 and 10, both taken from the same place and exactly same time of year/day.

HDR is on, with atmosphere scattering.

The scenery is the same, Spain, Pyrénées with G2xpl.

I find interesting how the colors appear more lively and beautiful. The atmospheric effects are subtle but very well done. IMHO, this is a big improvement, not one that you need a telescope to see, but one that affects the whole scene and therefore enhances immersion.

Please, notice that mountains do cast shadows in v10, when shadows are set to max. Pretty gorgeous despite the fact they always move a bit, and might be quite heavy for the gpu.

Speaking of immersion, I find very funny how Austin narrates his concept of "plausible": he explains that he sees roofs, and when he zooms in a lot, he realizes the roofs are painted on the ground and made of pixels. Now, how would a painter solve the problem of realism (or plausibility) ? He would do exactly the opposite: he would zoom out, and look at the overall effect. Then come back to the details. This is exactly what cities lack in v10: the general feeling of a city.

However, at night, it works extremely well: the night lighting is nothing short of amazing. Unbelievable !

I suspect the problem with cities in daylight will easily be solved. I can't wait to experiment with some orthophotos under those buildings instead of the grass ! "Plausible world TM" and "Flat photographic world" should combine pretty well IMHO !

Pascal