[vet-mm] Any recommendations 3D software

[Greg Neil]

User friendly is a hard call with 3D, as most packages have quirky
interfaces, ignore the windows interface standards, and are complex by
the nature of what they do.

At the high end you have autodesk's 3D Studio Max and now Maya (autodesk
recently acquired Alias). Maya has a fully functioning educational
version that watermarks output, Max does not have an educational
version, but traditionally the educational pricing has been very
generous.

Avid has an education version of the powerhouse XSI. Again, high end
stuff.

In the middle you have software like Cinema4d and lightwave, which have
most of the features of the high-end software (physics, radiosity etc).

At the more cheap and cheerful end of the market you have Amorphium,
z-brush, amapi. Z-brush is a hybrid 2d/3d paint and modelling package
that can produce very unique output. Amapi is more traditional in it's
features, although p3erhaps limited compared to other software.
Amorphium is a well rounded application for what it does, and is worth a
look.

If you are looking for more logo type software, Ulead's cool3d produces
solid animated output however it's modelling capabilities are not as
good as other packages.

Blender 3D is an open source 3D package with very powerful modelling and
animation facilities, and a quirky interface. The gallery is here
http://blender3d.org/cms/Images.151.0.html

Hope this helps somewhat.

Greg

Greg Neil
Computer Systems Manager
St Margaret's School, Berwick
-----Original Message-----
From: vet-mm-bounces at edulists.com.au
[mailto:vet-mm-bounces at edulists.com.au] On Behalf Of Chris Russell
Sent: Thursday, 10 November 2005 10:22 AM
To: vet-mm at edulists.com.au
Subject: [vet-mm] Any recommendations 3D software

Hi
I know in the past a 3D software unit was part of the Multimedia
Certificate and would appreciate any recommendations regarding a user
friendly package with strong animation features.  

Prerequisites -
- Student level of experience 
Year 11-12 studying computer arts. (i.e. not for use in Cert III
Multimedia)

Macintosh platform 
1.25ghz, Power PC G4, 768 RAM, OS.10.3.8
(In the past I have used Rainstorm's Swift 3D)
Thanks in anticipation
Chris Russell
BHSSC




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