Hello - newbie here, and I apologize if this question has come up before. I've just discovered this forum and I'm a little short on time right now, or I would go back and read through older posts. I'm considering buying either Poser Artist (4) or Poser 5 and I'm trying to decide if Poser 5 is worth the extra $$.

I do traditional art and primarily want to use Poser figures as artist mannequins to have a realistic and proportional figure to use as a reference for drawing/painting, so I'd just about decided on Poser 4.

Then I read a little more about Poser 5 and the facial mapping feature using photo references, and that's a feature I would really like to have, but I haven't been able to find much more info about it. I would really like to see some examples from users, see how accurately a likeness can be captured, and know a little about how difficult that feature is to use before shelling out the extra bucks.

My question for anyone who's used the facial mapping feature - were you satisfied with the results? Was it fairly easy to do, or did you need extensive tutorial help? Any advice would be appreciated. :o)

You should choose depending on what you want... Poser 5 has a better render engine for your final work. Also has more options for applying textures, but it could get more complex than poser 4. If your job is just for render plain figures for sketch up mannequins, I think you choose correctly on poser 4. The facial mapping on poser 5 sounds pretty cool, but is not. It actually works great with the photos that comes with the program content, but not so good with the ones you put in and use. Don't relay on this feature. This is my humble opinion, I hope it helps. I know there is people with more experience that can help you.

I would vote for Poser 5....there will a Poser 6 out hopefully by end of year...You don't want to get to far behind in the grand scheme of things...

Most of the advanced features of P5 would seem to be irrelevant if all you're wanting is something to create reference images. You really don't need the face mapping capabilities of P5; you would probably benefit from getting some good human figures with a lot of morphing capabilities and a fistful of realistic skin textures. Armed with these, you can create your own characters (fairly) easily. Victoria 3 and Michael 3 are avaiable free from DAZ. The morph packs are not free but you will need them to get the most from the models. Anyhow, the money you save from buying P4 over P5 will leave you with enough to get tooled up with the extra bits. This is one of the few times I recommend P4 over P5 but hey, if you live long enough, you'll see everything. :)

Thanks so much for the advice everyone. You guys have helped me decide - I think I'll go for Poser 4 for right now. If the facial mapping feature isn't as great as it sounds, and if there are morph packs available (I never even thought of that), I think P4 is what I probably need for now.

And dlk30341, thanks for the info on P6 - I didn't know another version would be coming out soon. I do have a tendency to want the latest and greatest of everything. If there's a P6 on the horizon, I think I would do okay getting P4 for now, using it for awhile, and if I really get into it, I may get P6 when it comes out. I could always sell my used P4 on Ebay for a few bucks. :o)

I like the facial mapping feature, and used it a few times, not that I made anything great with it, but I thought it was simple enough to use and tho I used relatively low quality photographs I liked the results. I see you've already made your decision, but since you asked for examples here are a few... http://www.renderosity.com/viewed.ez?galleryid=622808 http://www.renderosity.com/viewed.ez?galleryid=623724 http://www.renderosity.com/viewed.ez?galleryid=631272

That's some wonderful work Gladyclump! I want to be able to take the Daz models in there without having to pay a license fee to some 3rd party...not interested in doing replica's of stars...just myself & some friends/family maybe. Anyhoo...well done Gladysclump!

Thanks for posting those for me to see, Gladysclump. They're great! I especially like the 'Fabio' one. Now I really want to try the facial mapping feature. I have a feeling that I'll probably be getting P6 as soon as it comes out, and maybe by then I'll have a little working knowledge of Poser.

I thought that being able to capture a likeness in a character would be a great way of offering unique portraits to clients - they would supply a front and side view of the subject, but could get a completely unique portrait rather than just a copy of their photograph. :o)

Attached Link: http://www.renderosity.com/viewed.ez?galleryid=698546&Start=1&Artist=xantor&ByArtist=Yes

Very cool, xantor! That's a really creative use of the facial mapping feature. I'm starting to see that this thing has endless possibilities. Thanks for the tip - if (when) I get P6 I'll keep the shadow tip in mind. :o)