Differences in 2D and 3D Animation

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Animation

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Animation is the process of creating a continuous motion and shape change illusion by means of the rapid display of a sequence of static images that minimally differ from each other. The illusion—as in motion pictures in general—is thought to rely on the phi phenomenon.

Animations can be stored or recorded on either analogue media, such as Flip book, motion picture film, and video tape, on digital media, including formats such as animated GIF, Flash animation or digital video. To display it, a digital camera, a computer, or a projector is used.

Animation creation methods include the traditional animation creation method and those involving stop motion animation of two and three-dimensional objects, such as paper cutouts, puppets and clay figures. Images are displayed in a rapid succession, usually 24, 25, or 30 frames per second.

2D Animation

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The creation of moving pictures in a two-dimensional environment, such as through "traditional" cell animation or in computerized animation software. 

                                                                  

This is done by sequencing consecutive images, or "frames", that simulate motion by each image showing the next in a gradual progression of steps. The eye can be "fooled" into perceiving motion when these consecutive images are shown at a rate of 24 frames per second or faster.

3D Animation

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3D Animation is a computer generated illustration that gives objects space. 

                                                                              

In 3D, the images and the graphics use three dimensions that give characters a depth, which makes them appear to be real and living. The graphic designers usually use computer software to give their pictures and image a life.

Difference between 2D and 3D Animation

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There are a lot of differences between 2D and 3D animation. 2D animation was widely popular during the 19th century, although, with the advance of computer technology, 3D animation soon gained popularity. Today, the use of 3D animation is common for creating special effects in feature films. Both 2D and 3D are forms of animation, but the capabilities of each and the processes for creating them differ largely.

           Let us look at the differences between them.

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Creating Animation

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Creating 3D animation is possible only on computers that are capable of using software applications such as Light Wave 3D or 3D Studio Max. However, creating 2D animation is possible on most computers, using simple software applications such as Adobe Flash. Creating 2D animation is also possible using a pad of paper, with distinct hand drawings rendered on each page to stir movement.

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Objects

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Objects in 2D are flat, just like a photograph or painting. When viewing the front of a building in 2D, it is the only part of the building that exists in the animation. In 3D, objects are more like sculptures. They will have every aspect – front, back, sides, top, and bottom. That’s why; one can view a 3D building from any angle.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Camera

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As a part of animation process, 3D animation applications use a virtual camera. This virtual camera has similar features that of an actual camera. The camera can also manipulate like an actual movie camera, which includes pans, zooms, and tracking shots. For 2D, such advance technology is not required.

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Realism

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Using 3D models and hyper-real textures, 3D animation can deliver viewing experience that are virtually similar to real life. On the other hand, even the highest quality 2D will still look like hand-drawn cartoon-like appearance.

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Lighting

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Similar to a virtual camera, 3D computer applications use virtual lights that can simulate any light, including the sunlight. With the application, multiple light sources or different colored lights can be created to deliver a variety of effects. Objects that pass through these lights project realistic shadows on other objects or the background in the scene. In case of 2D, shadows are only drawn by hand.

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Special Effects

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For 2D, special effects such as explosions, fire, smoke, water ripples, and so on need to be hand-drawn for each frame. In case of 3D, all these effects are created easily with the software plug-ins or filters. These plug-ins or filters will produce the animated effect automatically after assigning few parameters.