#Why 3D Studio expensive?
7 messages in this thread
Why is it that 3D studio is so expensive? Surely if it were cheaper there
would be more sales and therefore more profit. I know that if it was cheaper I
would buy it and I'm sure many others would too. As it is, amateurs are unable
to use it to gain experience that may be useful in later life.
It looks an excellent program, but it's just too pricey. Still maybe theres a
good reason. Thanks.
George Cockburn
George,
Its not expensive. Its very reasonably priced, but you have to compare it to
other programs like Alias and Wavefront to realise why this is so. Its also not
a program for amatuers. There are plenty of programs out there for them. What
it is a Professional Animation package. If you think the software is expensive,
just wait until you start getting into the hardware side of the equation. Then
you'll really understand what a bargain 3DS is!
As the next obvious question is "what makes it a professional animation"
package, I will give you my intepretation. Other's will no doubt join in.
To meet my criteria, first and formost it has to have the ability to produce
"professional results". The renderer is absolutely superb in its output look
and capability. Second it has to be powerful yet easy to use. Again 3DS wins
hands down. Third it has to be fast. You have to be able to get the job done
quickly as compared to other animation packages. Animation is very labor
intensive not to mention render intensive. Both in terms of being able to get
the job done quickly and rendered quickly it is very fast, and competes and
exceeds in some cases Workstation class performance, but without the associated
hardware costs.
What more can I say, other than I adore the look of the final product which
after all is what the client sees, everything else is just icing on the cake.
Still a bargain at twice the price, though I'll annoy some people for saying
so.
-JE
George,
>> amateurs are unable to use it to gain experience <<
that statement sums up completely why you are totally off-base. 3d Studio is an
_inexpensive_ PROFESSIONAL (not amateur) level product, designed to allow you
to sell you work for a profit. In the arena of professional products, it's dirt
cheap. I recouped the software expense on my first paying project, which was 3
months after I bought it.
If you are looking at _amateur_, hobbyist products with no interest in
money-making, I'd suggest Caligari Truespace or Playmation (Promation?). Heck,
you could even find some freeware or shareware software on CI$ (live POV) which
would allow you to get experience. If you feel you enjoy the work and would
like to start a lucrative business, graduate to 3d Studio.
>>As it is, amateurs are unable to use it
>>to gain experience that may be useful in later life.
As a former amateur, I can say that the best way to start into 3D work (for
free!) is to use PoV and Moray. Together they're a kind of 'poor man's 3D
Studio.' Using them will give you a deep understanding of what goes on in the
algorithms of a 3D modeling and rendering system. They'll also give you some
appreciation for what makes 3DS so cool. There are, of course, mid-level,
non-pro (at least in my opinion, the packaging's claims notwithstanding!) 3D
programs that'll do a lot also… Playmation, Truespace, Renderize, and more.
Jim
Hi George,
If you want to see expensive check out SoftImage, ALias and Wavefront then
check out the hardware you need to run them, then check out the plug-in cool
effects….it will change your perspective….I also would like to add that
Topas was very expensive (about 10,000) until 3D Studio came on the scene…now
Topas is about the same price….
CU GH
George,
Bet ya didn't expect such a response. Don't get discouraged by some of the
veteran users. I'm new to 3DS and have been lurking around this forum for a
while, and have to say… If you get into 3DS, you'll find this forum is filled
with real insight and a genuine love for 3DS. I know I've asked my share of
"virgin" questions.
To add to some of the other responses, I started with Renderize for Windows,
and it made the transition to 3DS much easier. But seriously, if you're
concerned about spending money wisely, don't buy an intro rendering program.
Either use a shareware program for free, and plunge right into 3DS and spend
any money you have left<g> on "In The Studio". It's a set of video training
tapes by Digimation. Well worth the $.
Also, don't spend a dime on hardware before running it by the Forum. It could
save you loads of money and time.
Good Luck,
Darrin Sabin
George,
3DS is a package that allows you to create high-end workstation images
on a PC. Check out it's bang for the buck. Get the October issue of Digital
Video Magazine (previously Desktop Video World). They do a side by side
comparison. I think it will help you understand.
But if your really serious about running 3DS, I recommend two things to
get you started. College and Spare Time. If you are a full time college
student, Autodesk has discounts for students. The lisence is different, so be
sure what you're buying. (ex. You can't resell you're animations, or something
like that.) And the spare time to GO THROUGH THE TUTORIAL!!!!!!!!!!!! It's the
best book out there for 3DS. It's well documented and complete. I went through
it twice and discovered a lot of stuff I missed on the first pass. Have fun
and keep a warm mouse… 🙂