although they've both chosen almost exactly the same camera angle, too

In fairness, the 3/4 view is probably the most common.

i do slightly prefer this one though

I love having different versions of the same idea. I really like the realism of hylemorph's, it makes it much more believable. But skiegraphicstudio's has more punch.

i appreciate that you've chosen the nicer lighting of the two from this post

Yeah, the first one felt a bit too dark.