> Hey All,
>
> I'm hoping you guys can help me out. I've just started getting into 3D
> graphics. I've gotten both Povray and BMRT working. Now I'm looking for
> the best modeler for Linux. I've tried both AC3D and Amapi. They are
perhaps i did not really give them a chance, amapi had a strange interface
and no documentation.
ac3d was limited back when i tired it, is probably better now.
> both decent products, but for some reason, they don't seem like
> something your rich SGI friend would use. What programs do you guys
if your rich and have an SGI, i highly recommend maya. i used to use alias
(power animator with all the extra packages) and it is the most fluid,
elegant beutifully integrated system ive ever worked with. nurbs are
great, you dont have to worry about polygonal resolution and it can export
RIB. not that you would need to unless you have some custom shader, the
renderer in alias is great and its easy to fake radiosity in it. Maya,
from what i understand is alot better with polygons, which alias barely
supported, and will soon do subdivision surfaces (think an animatable
version of lightwaves metanurbs - kinda. great for things like cloth)
the scriptability and extesibility advertised in maya reminds me of the
gimps. You may want to set the gimp as you 2d image editor. ALso, this
interface of alias is one that should be studied carefully. its
wonderfull!
> recommend? It doesn't matter if it's free or commercial, but free is
> always nice :-)
ok, so chances are you dont have $30k to blow on software :-)
theres the moonlight creator in development
http://www.cybersociety.com/moonlight/
looks alot like softimage, i really like this one!
and theres also blender, neogeos in house animation system.
http://www.neogeo.nl
I find the output of this to be reminicent of the old version of 3ds MAX.
Its definatly interesting and the sparse documentation can make it kinda
fun to poke around in and find stuff in. pretty deep in abilities for such
a small download. missing a few things that make animation alot easier
(IK, collision detection) and im not sure it has a particle system.
that should keep you busy for a while.
if you have renderman running, i also suggest The Renderman Companion,
and if you have the time, Texturing and Modeling; A Procedural Approach.
You can get more info on renderman stuff at http://rmr.spinne.com/
decayed kisses,
Pixel Fairy
http://www.pitzer.edu/~zkazi
