Max and Depth of field

[Gbanvl]

There are three methods for adding depth of field to renders in Max versions 6 and 7. The oldest and quickest method works by having Max blur the rendered image according to a depth map. I think that method works through video post. This method seems likely to generate the outlines you are talking about, because when an in-focus object passes in front of a background that's highly blurred the edges can be very pronounced.

The second method would be to use the multi-pass depth of field which is controlled in the modify panel of the camera you wish to render through. The good things about multi-pass are that it has a much more accurate look, and also that it can be previewed in the viewport before rendering. The fact that the term "multi-pass" reminds you of that fun movie, "The Fifth Element" is yet another small finge benefit.

The third method would be to use Mental Ray's depth of field settings. In my opinion this produces results that are no better than the multi-pass effect and takes considerably longer to render.

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