Real-3D
22 messages in this thread
Has anyone else out there been using Real-3D (version 1.4)? I feel this is
a very strong ray-tracer and it just had a nice review in 'Amazing'. I have
Imagine 2.0 as well, but I find myself using Real-3D a lot and I can't wait
to see what new stuff will be added in the next version. Maybe we can get a
discussion area going here. I am in no way a expert with this product, just
a happy user.
I've tried the demo of Real 3D and also Caligari 2.0 But I still go back to
Imagine,BUT that is probably cuz with Demo's yer Stumbling along blindly
since ya don't have a manual to refer to. I hated Caligari when It came out
and 2.0 doesn't differ much from that Version so I hate it and it's
sloooow.Rela 3D's demo rendered VERY fast thoo I didn't like modeling with
Real 3D demo tho as it didn't have point editing
That was the important addition to version 1.4, lots of nice point editing
features. There is a demo of the 1.4 version out, I just don't have it.
After all… I have the 'Real' thing! 🙂
But The point editing is ONLY in the Pro version of Real 3D not the
consumer Version(tho the Pro version is fairly priced) Does Real 3d
import any other model types?
The Real 3D package comes with a converter for Sculpt objects and another
for Pro Draw clips, the latter of which can be used to build intricate
objects fast using "freeform mesh" tools in Real. Later.
John
Thanx for the Real 3D info
Would you give more details about using Pro Draw and Pro Draw clips with
Real-3D ? I am interested in possibly getting Pro Draw if it will help me
produce better 'Real' type objects finally.
<<Would you give more details on use of Pro Draw clips in Real 3D>> OK,
Doug, I'll try. Pro Draw is a structured drawing program, so called
"vector" based. This is quite different than a normal bitmapped paint
program like DPaint. In Pro Draw you create outlines that are individual
elements. They can be resized, rotated, distorted, magnified, etc with no
loss of detail and no pixelization as seen in bitmapped drawing programs.
It has really neat drawing and editing tools for creating nice curved
outlines. IFF bitmapped drawings can be imported and automatically traced
to form a PDraw "object".
Now, in Real 3D, very smooth curved surfaces ("meshes") can made by joining
together "curves". Curves can be absolutely anything from a rectangle to a
circle to whatever. Primitives can be used to create curves or you can
draw them freehand. The problem is how do you easily create a smooth curve
that cannot be made with the primitives. If you import a PDraw clip, it can
be defined as a curve thus giving you a very smooth outline with which you
can create your mesh. The beauty of these meshes is not only the
smoothness but they are very light on points used so you do not get bogged
down with complex objects. Other programs can be used to import bitmaps
but none of them will give you such a smooth result. See the section in the
manual on curves and meshes. Good Luck.
John
Well, that was what I wanted to hear and it does sound great! All these
triangles are getting to be a bit much! 🙂
You have convinced me that I do want to get PDraw. Also, have you heard
about the 1.4.1 version of Real-3D? (other message in this area) I thought
my 1.4 version was the latest, seems it is time for a upgrade…
Doug
Yes, do try that PDraw. The Canada BBS still has posted a tutorial on
using PDraw clips (in Real 3D conference, Dir 6), but not much else. I'm
still trying to find out how we get the upgrade to V1.4.1. I'll let you
know if I find anything. Till later.
John
Yep its equivalently powerful & very similar in someway. Like poor
documentation!! But seriously, object editor in this thing is
amazing+quality of picture is also goooooood. If few bugs gets wiped out
and added more capabilities for animation, this will be a real winner. I'm
a happy camper too.
– THANX R.SATOH ->via Whap!
Count me as a satisfied Real user. I find the program very polished and
intuitive. My only previous experience is with Sculpt but I only use Real
now. I would rate the manual as "all right", but I can't find the use for
some of the features. More examples are needed.
I hope Interchange or Pixel 3D picks up Real for object conversion.
I would enjoy a Real discussion area. They are also supported on a BBS in
Canada. Have you used Pro Draw clips with Real? The combination is
awesome.
For those who have tried the demo program, be aware that was V1.3. Many
new features have been added to V1.4 including point editing. This program
is excellent.
That is one thing I look forward to seeing, more programs (like Pixel-3D)
adopting the Real-3D object format, there are so many nice objects out
there that need translating! Importing objects in Sculpt format works, it
just doesn't produce 'real' Real-3D objects!
Douglas, have you had luck with texture mapping a picture to a flat
object with the parallel option. I am having trouble getting the
picture to line up with the object. The manual gives no direction on
this point. I also can't get the bending of freeform meshes to work
as advertized, but then I am a novice at this program. BTW, do you
know that V1.4.1 is out that has a few new features, bug fixes, and
manual additions. I think the texture problem is a bug. Talk to you
later.
John, I thought I'd junp in here, because of your mappling problem.
It is in the manual, I'm looking it up now, but it is a little
obscure. The trick is that once you have created your material out of
the picture to be mapped and assigned it to the object, then you must
use painting to show the direction of the map on the object. This is
on p62. When you select painting, click once on the top left corner
of the object that you covering (use the front view or whatever view
you want the painting to cover) and then drag a line across the top
edge of the object coresponding to the top edge of the map you are
applying. The trick here with the mouse, if I remember, is to click
once, let go of the button, then drag and click again to mark the end
point. Depending on the aspect ratios of your map and the object,
you have to estimate the width to cover the height, but a quick
preview render will make fine tuning easy. Hope this helps. I have
been Real happy with this program, but it does have a few
obscurities…
Hey Chris, your right. It *is* in the manual. How did I miss it?
I just tried it. Beautiful texture! I'm totally psyched. This program is
unreal, er, uh, way cool. Thanks so much! One thing I've noticed about the
manual is that everything is documented concisely, but there could be a
little more expanding on the features. I guess I've been spoiled by
manuals like Sculpt and DPaint; so thorough. However I'll be up to speed on
Real in no time. This program fits like my favorite jeans; just right.
Thanks again. TTYL.
John
I think I have the 1.4.1 version, but I will check. I am glad that someone
answered your question on using parallel texture mapping. I still have a
lot to learn about this program too. It almost has too many features….
🙂
Doug, I think V 1.4.1 just came out a week ago. I still don't know how I
will get the upgrade. Yes it was great that I got an answer from Chris.
You know I also asked the question in the Real 3D support BBS in Canada and
I didn't get an answer at all. I think they are having problems up there.
I haven't seen a sysop message in over a week. Don't worry about learning
all the features right away. I have concentrated on modeling only and have
been doing pretty good. I'm just now learning about textures and mapping.
Haven't touched animation yet. Keep pluggin' away.
John
The Real-3D BBS in Canada just hasn't seemed that active with new objects
and scenes to me. Same stuff each time I log on. I am going to try to get
my 1.4.1 update as well.
As far as the features go, I will just keep plugging away. So far I
haven't done anything with amimation either, but I will someday! 🙂
Not only is that Canada BBS slim on Real objects, they haven't answered
posted questions about Real for a couple weeks. And they bill themselves
as the Official Real 3D Support BBS. They do have tons of other neat stuff
for the Amiga but little Real stuff. I think the key to learning Real 3D
for me is to learn the basic techniques well before jumping on to the
advanced features, and there are many.
John
Doug, I am also thrilled about Real. It's about time it got some
press, because this is the real sleeper in 3D (no pun intended). I've
just completed a broadcast animation with it and was very happy with
how smoothly the whole thing went. Also used the Nucleus SFC with a
Firecracker for display out to BetacamSP and it looked great. The
client was surprised when I told him it was done on an Amiga system,
"It looks like high-end animation." I told him it was, he was just
used to paying for hyped up systems (actually I wouldn't mind having
and Iris 4D running Wavefront, but I won't pay $60K for it). Anyway,
I have a hard time putting up with an Imagine interface and long
learning curves with a product llike Real pro out there. Yeah, I
have a wish list to make complex animation building simpler where
precision paths are needed, but the ease of use, the gorgeous texture
24 bit texture maps and the speed make up for it. I can't recommend
another standalone 3D product for less than the toaster or Caligari
Broadcast. MHO.
I have allways wanted to be able to run Lightwave but without a Toaster
(and the fact I have a A3000), Real-3D has been as close as I can come. I
am very happy that there is such a fine package that doesn't require a lot
more hardware than the basic Amiga comes with. (But I do still recommend a
faster processor than the 68000 if anyone is serious about ray-tracing.)