While interesting from a technical level, the increased fidelity of 3D renders is also opening up new commercial applications. Case in point: 25% of next years Ikea catalog will be renders:

http://www.theverge.com/2012/8/23/3262234/ikea-replace-photo...

That's actually a great point, thanks for sharing the article!

The classroom's flash illumination looks so realistic! Couln't tell it's not a photo..

I love the idea of sharing the code behind making grungy-looking renders like this.

import polaroid

import dust

import smudgyLens

"Bits of bread" would have been even more realistic with some breadcrumbs here and there.

Must have a been a tidy eater :)

In case you just skimmed through the descriptions, the library renders are actually stills from an animation: http://vimeo.com/7809605

It's really quite something. Made a big stir when it was released a few years back. Still amazing.

Amazing to the point I can't believe it!

Wow! That's Amazing!

Wow - check the inter dimensional predator!

that does not seem so realistic though :D