There's no permanently "best" model. Treat these three as today's candidates, then choose by the shot's non-negotiable: film texture and atmosphere, exact text and prop detail, or edit obedience. As you scroll, the example on the right swaps to a real generation from that model. Numbered pins show where to inspect; the matching notes spell out what the output proves and what could rule it out. A from-scratch candidate when cinematic texture and atmosphere matter more than exact object control. Choose it when atmosphere, material texture, or human realism is hardest to repair; switch when exact props, text, or a reference-locked edit matters more. A control candidate for readable text, prop geometry, fine detail, reverse angles, and reference-guided edits. Choose it when readable text, controlled geometry, or exact detail is hardest to repair; switch when organic film texture is the shot's non-negotiable. An edit candidate when a finished image needs a bold wardrobe, face, or object change and landing the requested change matters most. Choose it for a bold edit when landing the requested change matters more than pristine tones or face texture; do not use it to start a location or hero character from zero. ## The decision rule Before every later location or character pass, name one **must-preserve requirement**. Inspect the output at its intended crop: atmosphere, material texture, and anchor objects for a location; identity, skin, pose, and gradients for a character. **Choose the model that proves the must-preserve requirement and leaves only failures you can afford to rerun or repair with a mask.** If the roster changes, repeat this evidence test on the shot — do not carry today's ranking forward.