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Eliminating noise in caustics and small light sources

Posted: Sat Jul 16, 2016 9:00 pm
by wafflelad
This isn't a bug, but a question on optimization. I've found certain lighting situations stay noisy for too long and I'm not sure what the best way is to solve the issue. Below is an example.

The first image is with 5000 max samples. I've tried adjusting the caustic blur because that light is traveling through the glass, but it didn't help. The second image is all of the same settings but 50,000 max samples and it's just finally getting smooth, but that's a ridiculous amount of samples and render time, especially when the rest of the scene is noise free at around 2-5000 samples. I had the same issue with a light inside of a glass globe.

So... what am I missing? Is there a way to get this sort of illumination without the noise issue? Also, in terms of a hack for this particular scene, is there a way to make the light ignore the glass and act as if it is not there?

UPDATE: I switched to PMC and increased the samples on the lights and it looks like that did the trick for the most part. I'd love to hear if anyone has any other suggestions, though.

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Re: Eliminating noise in caustics and small light sources

Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2016 6:48 am
by bepeg4d
Hi wafflelad,
I'm guessing, but in general, the bigger issue with emitters is if they are recessed or not.
Please have a look at this post:
viewtopic.php?f=23&t=52982&p=266457&hil ... er#p266457
Anyway PMC is there exactly for difficult and unusual light situation :)
In general, Octane users dislike it because is less reactive than DL and PT, but it's like a diesel, and it cleans with far less samples than PT :)
ciao beppe