Suggestions for a graphics/animation card?

[Kitros]

Needs-

VideoIn/VideoOut a plus.
Used for an amateur video editor/graphic designer.
Will perform great with Photoshop, MaYa, and other graphics/animation/video editing software needs.
*Dual support not needed.

~$100-$200

 

[rbV5]

I use my Radeon64DDR VIVO for what you describe, I paid $163 shipped awhile back, Its the 5ns version. I'm very happy with the Viewport acceleration in Max and Maya, and the 2D in Photoshop and Premiere is excellent.

 

[Kitros]

How does this compare to above consumer products/professional cards in the same price range(or slightly higher)?

 

[rbV5]

<< How does this compare to above consumer products/professional cards in the same price range(or slightly higher)? >>



My last Pro graphics card was a Diamond FireGL1000, which was OK(it worked), but no comparison in performance/image quality. I swapped that out for a V3 2000 PCI, which was OK for photoshop/premiere but unacceptable(worked) in Max, but wouldn't work for Maya at all.

I would rate the Radeon as a very good prosumer level card, and I doubt there is a card that can match it feature for feature for the price(It does everything well), but certainly the nVidia cards work VERY good in Maya and Max, but you would want to likely look long and hard for a model with acceptable performance in photoshop if you work with high resolutions, and the VIVO capabilities are no match for the rage theater. Matrox g550 would be great for photoshop/premiere, has dual head support, but not sure it would be a 3D application solution.

3Dlabs Oxygen VX1 is a pro level OpenGl card and would be a great for Max, and Maya and from what I've heard, pretty good in Photoshop/Premiere as well. If it weren't for gaming and VIVO, this card would very likely be my pick in this price range. This is an awesome entry level pro card.

My experience lies with what I use, and I can recommend the Radeon for sure, but you will want to hear from others that actually use the other cards so that you can make the right choice for you. Good luck.

 

[BaDNaN0TH0N]

i myslef use a geforce 256 sdr, and ive used the softquadro to get the quadro features. quadro's are really good profession 3d cards imo.
im looking to save some money and then maybe get a elsa synergy 3 or just a gf2 adn mod it to a quadro2

 

[Sunner]

The GeForce line is unmatched among the consumer cards for 3D modelling work.
But AFAIK only the MX's come with dual head support.

If you get one, make sure to get a brand with good 2D quality.