#3DStudio Versions
3 messages in this thread
I am very new to 3DS and I am considering purchasing 3DS for the
purpose of learning more about animation. I have an opportunity to
purchase version 2 at a reasonable price. I would be interested in
your comments on this version. Would I be very far behind the
latested versions or does a lot of the same information and procedure
apply? Thank you.
Release 2 of 3ds was an excellent program — until R3 came along. And
R3 is absolutely fabulous — until R4 shows up. And so it goes in the
computer industry. Although R3 is a big jump beyond R2 (over 200 new
features) the basic structure of the two releases is the same and
you'd be able to follow most of the threads here on the forum.
_However_, make sure that this R2 version you're getting includes
everything necessary for a full upgrade when you later decide you
want it. R4 is coming out very soon, so you'll probably be upgrading
to that. (I can't recall the upgrade price for R2 to R4, but I'm sure
someone will jump in with it.) If the R2 is _not_ upgradeable, it's
not worth the price.
Release 2 utilizes many of the same commands and principals as later
releases of 3DS. It's a good place to start. Upgrading from R2 – R4
will be resonably priced (I think $695 – check with your dealer).
Once you know the basics, you will appreciate the rendering
improvements and expanded features of R3 and R4.
Make certain that if you are buying used software that you contact
Autodesk about proper procedures for license transfer. You don't
want to get stuck with something you can't upgrade.