An object in Cinema 4D always has a particular type, such as polygon object, light source or tag and is sorted in a hierarchical structure.
Cinema 4D works mainly with parametric objects, i.e. objects that can be defined mathematically. Such objects include the primitives, spline primitives and NURBS objects. These objects have neither polygons nor points. Instead, the surface is defined mathematically and is only converted to polygons when rendered.
However, the Cineware SDK allows access to the cache of these objects. To get the caches the Cinema 4D file has to be saved with "Save Polygons for Cineware" in the Cinema 4D Files preferences. This option defines if an additional polygonal copy (caches) should be made of the scene's generator objects (parametric primitives, NURBS, etc.). For more information see Polygon and Object Caches.
A variety of properties can be added to objects using tags. For example, it is possible to add smoothing (Phong tag), Materials (Texture tag) or prevent an object from being edited accidentally (Protection tag).
Materials and textures give a model color, highlights, structure and other important surface properties. A Texture tags connects the material to the object or parts of the object. A UVW tag contains the UVW coordinates (define which region of a texture should be displayed on a given polygon).
Animation in Cinema 4D is represented through tracks which includes keys. It is possible to add animation tracks to an object for nearly every object or tag properties.
The render settings are used to determine what a final image will look like. Everything from size, quality, single image or animation can be set here. A project can have several render settings.
With the help of Multipass rendering, 3D objects can be placed in front of a real background (compositing). Also filters can be used in post-production to make the final images more attractive.
For further information please check the Cinema 4D online help.