#Animation Help Request!
21 messages in this thread
I am trying to locate a 3D modeling program that will output
object files that can be read by Videoscape 3D. Alternatively,
can someone suggest a better (easier to use) 3-D animation
program? Ideally, I would like something that is also compatible
with Deluxe Paint III.
Well, the obvious 3D modeling program for Videoscape is: Modeler3D, by the
same company. Another one you might be interested in is Videoscape
ProMotion, which allows you to create motion paths using a mouse, rather
than typing in files.
'Easier to use' is a relative notion. Videoscape (if you have Modeler and
ProMotion) has a pretty simple interface concerning screen resolutions,
etc. If you want a completely integrated system, you might look at
Sculpt-Animate 4D Junior. It's object editor is pretty nice (easy to use),
and it has moderate animation capabilities. Like Videoscape, however, it
does not do real ray-tracing. (but now we're getting into image quality,
not 'easy to use' qualities).
Another you might look at is PageRender 3D (by Mindware). To use this
effectively you need to become very script oriented (ala Videoscape, but
there are TONS of commands availabe for object creation, metamorphosis, and
animation). But it also will not do 'ray-trace' quality images.
Concerning DPaint III compatibility. Any program you get that saves
non-HAM IFF images will be 'compatible' with DPaint. What this means is
that you could load the images animated with
(Videoscape/Sculpt/PageRender/etc) into DPaint, modify them, and resave the
anim. Is this what you mean by 'compatible'? Hope this helped. I'm sure
you will get PLENTY of other opinions, messages on your request!
–jp–seattle–
Thanks for the good info. Yes, I want to suck animations made with the
other program into dpaint, then resave them out. Right now, in overs
can, dpaint wont suck in videoscape 2.0 anim files. I have to go to
non-overscan. No matter, you've told me what I want to know!
DPaint won't use overscan Videoscape files? I'm surprised. Are you sure
you had the PAGE SIZE set properly in DPaint? You need to make sure that
the page size is the same as the Videoscape anim size, I'd think.
As I recall, Videoscape has oscan settings of Medium (352×440) and Severe
(384×480). DPaint creates a default oscan setting of 352×480. As you can
see, they are not the same. You'd need to override the DPaint settings to
whatever size you chose from Videoscape. (again, the Page Size requestor)
Another alternative is to save the pics (in Videoscape) as individual IFF
files (rather than as an anim), and then resize them (crop or squeeze) them
to DPaint size. Then let DPaint make an anim out of the individual files.
Good luck. –jp–seattle–
I tried setting the page size in dpaint. this would work for individual
filws, but I still could not make it read an anime. Your idea about saving
individual files and resizing is a good one, although work intensive, I
will try it. I was hoping a program like Anim_Magic could do this, but have
had no luck. Anyway, thanks for all the info. I will be looking thru the
back issues of Amiga Workd in hopes that they have reviewed Modler3D.
Well, you're right! I just checked and DPaint does reset the page size
when you load an anim. Pretty stupid, if you ask me.
But I found that I could create a 352×440 anim by 1) having the individual
pics on disk, named 'test.0001' … 'test.0030' (ie. alphabetical order,
the way DPaint likes it). Then go to the load file requestor, and type in
'test.0001' as the file name, and type in 30 for the number of frames to
load. It then asks you if you want to reset the page size to 352×440, same
as the file. Say 'yes' and it will create a 352×440 anim for you.
At least that way you can bring the pics you save individual files from
within V3D, and make an anim with them, and alter them, in DPaint.
(Of course for resizing, etc, you should check out ADPro, which will allow
you to resize, crop, reduce colors, optimize colors, generate gray-scale
and line art, etc, etc, etc. —- but you've been overloaded with product
names already!) Have fun. –jp–seattle–
Say, thanks! Does this ADPro program let you resize anims, so I cound
generate the anime in V3D, then resize it in ADPro, then load it in DPIII?
By the way, I going to order Modler#d and Pro Motion. -+WMS3+-
ADPro will allow you to resize pictures and such (as well as a GREAT DEAL
more). Notice I said 'pictures'. So you'd have to get your anim into
individual pictures, then process them with ADPro, then recombine them into
an anim.
The splitting can be accomplished by DPaint, by saving the frames in the
Picture Save menu item, rather than the Anim menu. The recombining can
also be done in DPaint, with the Picture Load menu. There are also good
PD/shareware/commercial programs that will do the same.
You'd need to decide how important the resizing and other manipulations of
ADPro are to you. ADPro comes in two versions; TAD (The Art Department)
which is less expensive, but might meet your needs, and ADPro (Art
Department Professional), which has more image processing functions and
allows batch processing if you have ARexx, but is more expensive.
I'd think you'd enjoy Modeler3D and Pro Motion; especially after typing in
all those coordinates by hand! –jp–seattle–
Well, I got Modeler3D today, and also got an ad for Art Dept! You have
given me some really useful information and I am looking forward to
animation sucess! Again, thanks for all of the help! -+WMS3+-
You're welcome. Good luck with all. –jp–seattle–
With the InterChange program from Syndesis, (my company,) you're free to
use almost any modeling program that suits your fancy, and then convert the
objects between file formats, so your final results will be in VideoScape.
If you like Sculpt's interface, or Turbo Silver's ray-tracing, you can use
InterChange to convert between their formats. Call (608) 455-1422 and ask
for some literature on our product line.
As for Deluxe Paint III compatibility, all of the animation programs can
render objects and save the image as an IFF file, so you're safe there.
However, many of the programs create HAM images, which can only be
manipulated with HAM paint programs like DigiPaint.
But then I would have to buy two programs. One to model, then yours, to
convert. Right now, I think I will check out other routs, but I may
thank you!
Yes, but your complaint is a common one, and our product solves the
problem, at a very affordable price. Next time you see a mail order
software ad, look at the price for InterChange. Many 3D users have more
than one product. They like modeling in one, rendering in another, and
animating in a third.
It sounds pretty good. I will check it out!
Yeah, but eventually [probably soon 🙂 ] you'll find that Interchange is a
necessity. A truly requisite Amiga product. –jp–seattle–
You may well be right.
I use Interchange (a program which was mentioned in another notice) to
convert objects from one modeling program to another. It's pretty nice to
use the modeler from the program you want and not be locked into only it's
format. With Interchange, I just convert it!
Steve
Yes, but I wonder which modler is best? Thanks, WMS
Personally, I like Imagine's modeler. Before I got Imagine, I would model
things in Sculpt-3D, and then convert to TurboSilver format using
Interchange.
It's pretty nice having Interchange and it's conversion modules. When I
find a 3D object I want to use, I don't have to worry about it being in the
wrong format for my modeler or rendering system. As long it's in one of
the formats supported by Interchange, I can use the object.
Steve
Uhmmm…
Did anybody mention DigiWorks 3D?
No, tell me about it! Thanks, WMS exzit