#Lightwave vs Real-3D
11 messages in this thread
I feel a bit like an alien here, but in real life I'm a PC user who is
considering the purchase of Lightwave 4.0 or Real-3D, and would be interested
in any recommendations current users of either/both products (PC or Amiga)
might wish to make.
I have a demo version of Real-3D, but nothing more than a flyer for Lightwave.
I'm also interested in knowing of any dealers in the So. California area.
Thanks.
Rick Quisenberry
If you are in San Diego, I have found IHD Computer very helpful. I can't find
the phone # right now but New Tek customer service has the number.
The reason I found them helpful is they are one of the few Amiga shops who
won't treat you like an alien because you want it for the PC. They really want
to know what your needs are as a PC user. Some places I went to told me they
are "…just an Amiga shop. Nothing else"
To answer your question about Lightwave vs Real 3D. I have not used Real 3D,
but if you compare the plug-in support for Lightwave alone (Xaos Tools Penello,
Metro Grafx Fiber Factory and more coming soon)I think Lightwave will be
superior in the long run.
The only real advantage I have heard about Real 3D is built in physics basied
animation. But again looking at LW plug-in support that may not last long.
Plus if you have LW and you want to do cool video with the PC you could tie it
in with the new Toaster for Windows (just a thought)
Alan
Don't forget that R3D is a spline-based modeling system, which I've always
found vastly superior to polygons. And on the Amiga, at least, it's a
zero-wait-state multitasking engine, and can run on most video cards.
Paul
Thanks Alan, that's very helpful.
Don't feel too bad, we're getting used to the likes of PC users :^)
What to you think about the demo vers of Real3D ? Hows the performance on the
PC your using? I've messed with it on my Amiga but haven't quite made it over
the learning curve yet. I hope it becomes easier to use when I get the
Horsepower to run s/w like this (like an Alpha workstation). If theres anything
about the demo you don't understand cause of lack of docs,get used to it. They
don't help much………..
I like 3d s/w that works naturely like the way my brain wants to work, Like
Lightwave. I, like many others here would recommend it very highly.
Theres KJ Computers in the Valley, I think they can get you LW for the PC.
….John
John:
The demo seem to perform fine, though I haven't figured out how to render
anything yet.
I guess my main concern is that it may be a wonder full piece of software, but
if I can't figure out how to use it, I'm out $1300.
However, it does seem to have a very loyal following among PC and Amiga users.
Rick
Rick,
You may want to check out Caligari/TrueSpace on the PC. I used it on the Amiga
before LW and it worked alot the same way. Realtime 3D perspective of scene
preview. I've never like 3D s/w that forces you to work in 3 screens
(Top,Side,Front). Being able to view a scene from the cameras angle realtime is
the greatest.
Coming from a Photographic background s/w like LW was natural for me. It works
just like a Camera, Studio, and Machine shop for building cool stuff to take
pictures of or animate. It definately sucks you into a whole new dimension of
Virtual Reality.
Theres really no limit to the Brave New Worlds we can create in this new
demension. Have fun……..
….John
Watch Babylon 5 and Sequest and parts of the last star trek movie if you need
LightWave demo material.
I have both programs for the Amiga. I make a living largely with LIghtwave.
Real 3D ended up as a door stop after 3 frustrating months of fighting the poor
manual, poor interface, and buggy software.
wmc – via Autopilot!
3.0 is much improved in ALL departments, from what I hear, but I admit this
isn't first hand info.
Paul
Paul,
I tried to see it at NAB, but unfortuneatly every time I walked passed the
booth where their sign was, no one was their. Goddfrey and Assocs wasn't
attending, but they were being represented by one of the Alpha packages, I
think.
wmc – via Autopilot!