Is there a program that I can easily import a pz3 scene into with a better render engine? I am getting tired of creating scenes and then having Poser 5 corrupt them when I crash. Decreasing the bucket size on my Firefly renders does help, but out of curiosity I would like to try another render engine. Please don't suggest Reiss's Body Studio, as it is on my "i want this but its too expensive list, as I don't have Max. ...Hoping Daz Studio has a great render engine... :-) Brooke

How about Vue? I've only begun to use the newest version and it imports and renders nicely.

i've almost always imported my poser stuff into bryce, and it renders quite nicely. i bought lw about 3 months ago, but, it is so complex that i have been merely trying to learn the modeller, and, have not yet actually put any time into creating a render with it. however, you can build, rig/bone, texture, and animate models in it....it just has alot and a realitively steep learning curve. i know, you can also render poserfolk in max, and, i would suppose maya, as well.

yup- vue inports pz3 and has a easy learning curve and WAY better lighting and render engine.

Attached Link: http://user.txcyber.com/~sgalls/downloads.htm

If you're into POVRay, which is old style CG but still very much loved, there's a version that will render your poser stuff. I don't think PoseRay will directly import a pz3, but I have seen some interesting renders that the POVRAY folks have done with Poser objects and materials. Personally, I like the firefly and the B5 renderer. Dunno about Mentalray. There is a stand alone renderer out there that I'll search for again. From what I recall, it needs a user that is code savvy.

Attached Link: http://www.3delight.com/renderman_FAQ.htm

well, just to follow up, here's the link to the Renderman that I was thinking of. I don't think its at all what you are looking for. From what I can tell, the Carrara 2 renderer is pretty kewl (I have C 1.1). Cinema and EIU have the fastest renderers around and Cinema has some Poser capability (EIU does not).

Vue, Bryce, LightWave, Cinema4D, 3DSMax among others.

As many have said, Vue will be the easiest to use, and it's renderer is very fast. If you are interested in modeling, and have a little more money, the base version of Cinema 4d might be the way to go. Neither of these programs support Poser 5 dynamic cloth or hair yet, though. Vue will directly import pz3's from Poser 4 or ProPack, and support for Poser 5 pz3s is supposed to be coming any day now in an update (still no hair or cloth, though).

Wow, thanks for all the great suggestions. I think i'm going to go price out Vue (my birthday is this month!)Will Poser 5 support be an update or a plugin? (...off to go read more about Vue) thanks :-) Brooke

I don't know if there will be a P5 plugin for Vue. There were rumors but so far, from what I've seen, everyone had trouble making a plugin. I don't know if its difficult code to write or the changing face of P5 that has folks holding off. One thing I do know is that Bryce 5 imports P5 just like any other program. But with the announcement of Corel's problems and Bryce being shelved, Vue is in for the kill. That said, B5 does not import the dynamics (hair/cloth) but, neither does any other program. The only progress in that department is Reiss. Personally, I prefer Bryce.

What about animation. Does VUE import pz3 files with animation? As far as the dynamic Poser 5 stuff I suppose since it doesn't even work great (fast) in Poser 5, then it wont in any other program for some time.

Vue has scheduled an update that will allow it to import P5 pz3. Not out yet (afaik) but it should be vary much on it's way.

Attached Link: http://user.txcyber.com/~sgalls/downloads.htm

PoseRay (which EricofSD mentioned above) will import the lights, cameras and materials from a Poser PZ3. You also have to export the scene as an obj from Poser but the process is simple and pretty well documented. POVRay can produce some stunning renders but really mastering it requires learning the command language. PoseRay does give you easy access to a basic subset of the rendering functions (including radiosity) to get you started. And it's FREE.