Hi all,

I just started playing with Poser 5 a few weeks ago, and have worked through most of Shamms Mortier's book, along with a bunch of tutorials I've found around here.

I'm amazed at how much "stuff" is out there for this application, and love the fact that so many of you all share your "free stuff" so generously! Thanks!!

Now, I am just a hobbyist, but I would like to look toward starting to make some of my own (static) models and clothes, and maybe even upoad some free stuff of my own eventually :P

I looked at the 3ds Max demo, and while it is pretty awesome, I think the $3500.00 price tag is just a wee tad over my budget. I do, however, have access to an old copy of 3ds max 3.0, but I'm not sure if that is going to match up with today's software and file formats, etc. ?? Any help there?

I see that Bryce seems to get high reviews in these forums, and it is certainly more affordable, but I read one review that stated that models built in Bryce could not be exported and used in any other application due to a different method of "building" objects and a proprietary file format.

So, bottom line, I am looking for advice for a beginner who wants to start small and affordable, but be able to reasonably make some clothing items, props, and basic furniture items. I see programs for sale on these poser sites, but they look like follow-ons for processing models that have already been built in other apps - i.e. "QuickConform" which will take a model and turn it into conforming clothing.

For reference, I am using WinXP (Home) on an Athlon XP 1900+ machine, with 1GB of RAM (originally built and optimized for 3D gaming). So far, I am finding render times for a scene with 2 figures, about 10 props, and a nice Hi Res background to be pretty quick. Poser 5 with SR 2.1 has been rock-solid for me so far, also.

Thanks,
Drew

Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/messages.ez?Form.ShowMessage=995115

You'd do well looking in the Modelling Forum. There's a good thread there on modeling program preferences. (Link above.) 3DS will export into .obj format, which is prefered for Poser props. (Yes, even 3DS version 3 can handle .obj.) Bryce will not export objects for use in Poser. (You may be able to trick it with a LOT of effort, but no guarantees. The same with Vue d'Esprit.) I hate 3DS personally. Rhino is quite nice, but it doesn't always agree with me. I'm trying Lightwave now. At first glance, it looks like it will work well with me, but I'll know more in a few days. Hope this helps!

I'd recommend starting with Anim8or, which is free. It will take you quite a ways into the understanding of modelling; when you hit its limits (and you'll know when that happens!) you'll be better prepared to learn one of the more expensive apps, and you'll have some idea which of them will fit your tendencies.

I didn't care much for Anim8or, too limited. Rhino is a decent "budget buy". If you have 3DSMAX3, I would run with that for a little while. I tried many apps, haven't gotten in too deep on most, but it seems that the basics are the same. As to which is best for you, that will be a matter of taste. If you are serious about modeling, you will have to spend the money, there is no way around it. At that point, your decision should be based on your particular needs and nothing to do with budget. Do your research.

You may find these links to these free or low priced 3D modeling programs helpful:-- Anim8or

• Blender
• MilkShape 3D
• Wings 3D
• 3D Canvas
• Rhino
• Amapi & Carrara

I model in Truespace which may be within your budget. You may like to visit my site to see what that program can produce.

I use and love Blender. It is total freeware. I do recommend buying either of the two main books, Blender 2.0 guide or Blender book. They're around $50 each, which is a great price compared with $3K, and available at Blender's online store. If you have Max 3, use that. A vertex is a vertex and a face is a face. Modeling objects hasn't changed that much since 3.0 came out. It's also a good idea to UV map the models, which is a task unto itself.

If you like box modeling, the free Wings 3d seems to be a very good choice.

I use Rhino and Amapi. I suggest downloading the free version of Amapi and giving it a try. There is alot that you can do with it.

Love my Lightwave big time. No complaints at all.

download the free amapi. it's a total version of the program, and, is what made modelling "click" for me. i use rhino, and simply love it. it is very good for making clothing for poser. rhino also has the nicest forum i know of.....they are so helpful.

Lightwave! Lightwave! Lightwave! aaAAAhhhHHH!

if you already have a copy of max3 you should be able to get an upgrade to max 5 for I think 1500... that may be just about the same to you as 3500 hehe but if you already have max 3 Id stick with it. Max rocks! hehe

3D Studio MAX 3 may be an older version of the software but it is still an awesome modeler! You can model, UVmap and texture all within the same application. It will do everything you want it to do and always about 2000 things you won't have any idea about! lol! IMHO if you already have MAX 3 you don't need to look for another modeling app :)

Attached Link: http://www.annsartgallery.com/freeprop.html

I love the DVGarage Electric Image Universe modeler with Amorphium. But its not all that popular. Here's a site where you can find a ton of free modelers. Also, I think there's a link on the Amapi forum banner to get version 4 for free.

I use Max 3.1 coz that's all I've got. But is sure suite my needs L I haven't even figured out how to do all of those things it CAN do yet. And there are loads of plugins, also many FREE ones for MAX, and still a lot around that will work in Max 3 I'd love to have Max 5 but... I don't seem to have any luck in winning the lottery.... :o(

Wow! Thanks for all the feedback, people! I guess I'll try out a few of these other freebies vs. this Max 3 and see what 'clicks' the best for me. I had no idea there would br freeware apps for this sort of thing... Drew