DALL-E 2 vs MidJourney: A Visual Comparison of AI Art Tools
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Chapter 1: Introduction to AI Art Generation
In this article, we will explore a comparison between OpenAI's DALL-E 2 and the MidJourney AI art generator, utilizing the same prompts for both. Having tested various art generation tools, I find these two to be the most formidable options available. As both remain in closed beta, it's advisable to join their waitlists if you haven't done so already.
The focus of this comparison will be primarily on the visual quality of the images produced. I will not delve into other functionalities, such as resolution capabilities. For instance, MidJourney can create images at a resolution of 1792x1024, whereas DALL-E 2 is limited to 1024x1024. Additionally, DALL-E 2 can modify existing images, a feature that MidJourney lacks.
Now, let's dive into the art!
Section 1.1: Side-by-Side Analysis of Prompts
Prompt #1: Animated Pixar movie featuring two motorcyclists
Upon initial observation, the styles differ significantly. DALL-E 2 leans towards a more cartoonish aesthetic, while MidJourney presents a different approach. However, the facial features rendered by MidJourney seem somewhat distorted, which makes me favor DALL-E 2's output.
Prompt #2: A robot's head connected to wires and illuminated by colored lights
While typing this prompt, I envisioned several possible outcomes, but I was pleasantly surprised by the results. Both outputs closely matched my expectations, but DALL-E 2's facial details appeared to be more precise, leading me to prefer its rendition.
Prompt #3: Spongebob Squarepants interpreted by Pablo Picasso in oil
Once again, DALL-E 2's depiction resembles Spongebob much more accurately. I find it puzzling that MidJourney often distorts facial features, perhaps aiming for an abstract style.
Prompt #4: An elaborate sculpture of a skull
This comparison is a bit more challenging. While DALL-E 2 effectively highlights the light and shadows, MidJourney excels in intricate details and overall design, making it a tough choice.
Prompt #5: A vibrant summer afternoon by a flowing river in Studio Ghibli style
I noticed that MidJourney tends to favor a more painted style over photorealism. This is impressive, but given the Ghibli prompt, I expected something less realistic. In this instance, I believe MidJourney delivered a better result.
That's a wrap! What are your thoughts on these comparisons? If you have prompt suggestions for me to try with these AI tools, please share them in the comments.
Section 1.2: Accessing the Tools
Both DALL-E 2 and MidJourney are still in closed beta. To gain access, you need to sign up for an invitation: apply for DALL-E 2 here and for MidJourney here.
I waited four weeks to receive an invitation to MidJourney, with a few prompt credits to experiment with the bot on Discord. My DALL-E 2 invite took a bit longer—around two months. However, since the tool is free with unlimited image credits, I have no complaints about the wait.
Chapter 2: Conclusion and Recommendations
So, which tool is superior? It ultimately depends on what you're looking for. If you prefer a free option with lower resolution, DALL-E 2 is the better choice. Conversely, if you seek higher resolution and more intricate results—and don't mind spending some money—MidJourney is the way to go.
These two tools are not the only options available. I've compiled a list of other AI art generators in the article linked below.
5 AI Art Generators You Should Consider
If you're an artist or an NFT enthusiast, these AI art generators are essential for you.
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In this video, we explore the differences between using the same prompts in DALL-E 2 and MidJourney to determine which produces superior results.
This video compares the outputs of DALL-E 2 and MidJourney based on identical prompts, showcasing the strengths and weaknesses of both AI art generators.