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When I began seeking software solutions for those very serious about 3D design, but not necessarily ready to the sticker shock that comes with the very highest of high end application, Maxon’s Cinema 4 D stood out from the pack.
In the very heated race for best professional end package on the market, the names are few and the features rich. Unlike digital editing which still features the undisputed star Adobe Photoshop, now version CS, there has yet to be such a clear front runner when it comes to features, power and configurability. Nearly everyone has a favorite application with out a clear winner. For most, Maya is still the application to beat. However, when it comes to features, function and power, as well as practicality, the field opens substantially.
With this in mind, Cinema has made some major leads. The big advantage this application has over others is the fact that it comes in a module form. The base program, which is feature rich, can be purchased independently of features that some users may not need or want. What this does is keep the price of the main application reasonable, and at the same time offers the power that deeper pockets can afford. It also makes Cinema a competitor in the mid level as well as the high end of computing. Being that Cinema can operate utilizing relatively modest power, the application has a far broader reach than others.
Operating as both a stand alone and a module for Cinema, BodyPaint 3D is quickly becoming a favorite for those that wish to paint in the three dimensional realm. Being new to this arena, I was curious to see not only how well the application works, but how well a neophyte, like myself, could be with the program after a few sessions.
What I quickly learned was that one can jump right on in without too much trouble. The enclosed videos are actually the best way to get started. It also helps that Maxon ships the entire program with a 700 plus page manual. Like Cinema, Maxon takes the same approach to instruction leaving few details out for the reader. I was able to unleash my own creativity in short order after a few lessons. I do however suggest you take time with this program.
Does this mean that it is an amateur program? Not at all, in fact this is a very high end tool. So much so that it is being basically a program intended for use with Maya, 3D Studio Max and of course Cinema. If it is power and configurability you want and need, there is more than enough of it here. For those familiar with Cinema, the interface shares the same look and feel. So much so that it is only logical that it operate so well within Cinema. The look and feel of the program is that of one that has been carefully developed. Words like meticulous come to mind. The beauty of the program comes from the way things are orchestrated, as well as from the way things flow.
For those that want a run down on what is new with this release, here is an overview of them. As you can see, the list is substantial. Having just become familiar with this program, the highlights for me were the depth of detail with the paint brush and the range of effects possible. Another nice extra is that this program can handle Photoshop plug—ins from your Photoshop application. While I am not sure if this is a new feature, it is a surprising and interesting one. Compared to older 3D painting programs I have worked with in the past, this is a radical departure. It makes most of what I have worked with seem outright primitive.
For those concerned about installation, the program installed without issues and followed the general rules that most do. In order to make the program operational, one does have to register. After purchase you are given a temporary serial number. In order to obtain the permanent one, you must contact Maxon. The turn around time is less than a day for the most part. Your time periods may vary. Every time I have done so it has been amazingly rapid.
Counting price points, power, configurability, practicality and the fact that this very professional program works well, there is a lot to recommend this program as the one of choice. Feature rich and intelligently designed, there is little to find fault here.
For the serious 3D artist, those that already have Cinema, and nearly any other type of designer, there is a lot to like about this powerhouse.
For more modest users and those seeking an all-in-one design solution, this may not be for you. This is a very serious high end application that does make some demands on the end user. However, even if you are brand new to this, Maxon does an excellent job of making it accessible without taking away the power or features of the program to do so.
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