I've actually asked about this before, but this time I'm really gonna take the leap, darn it! What is the best 3D package or packages to go with Poser? This is a difficult question to research, 'cause there are so many factors to consider. For instance, another thread just above this one points out that Lightwave doesn't support Poser figure imports, and that you have to buy another add-on to do that. On the other hand, Shade is promoted as being the complete package to suppliment Poser; but for some reason I have my doubts about Shade. Anyway, here are the things I'd like to be able to do with a 3D package to suppliment and build upon my work with Poser-- * Natural landscapes. * Realistic architecture. * Sci-fi and fantasy architecture. * Realistic interiors-- rooms, furniture, objects. * Uniquely designed objects, like spaceships and zap guns. * Clothes that fit on and work with my Poser figure. * Skull caps to create Kozaburo-style hair. * To be able to modify my Poser figures to create unique characters (which of course Poser itself can do to some extent.) * To be able to create characters of my own that aren't Poser-based. * My new G5 can have as much as 8 gig of memory. What packages are 64-bit addressing? What packages can make use of my dual processor? I don't ask a lot, do I?:D

Vue is a favorite companion program for many Poser users. Lightwave should be able to render Poser figures/animations from within Vue scenes via the promised "Fusion" Plug, and will be 64bit within the next couple of months. I also heard that C4D is or will be 64bit also. For figure creation C4d, Lightwave, Shade, Silo, or any of the free software modelers. (Wings, etc.) Carrara has a "Transporter" plugin for Poser import, but don't know much about it. I hope this helps, but have a feeling it probably doesn't. :( Sorry about that.

If you want natural landscapes and easy Poser imports, I would go with Vue or Bryce. Both work almost seamless now importing Poser figures. Neither one of the above is a modeling program per se, so if you want to create all the other stuff, then I would highly recommend Cinema 4D. There are some really cool things coming up with the new Vue Fusion and the new version of C4D in the next few months. There is a plug-in that is under $50 to help import Poser figures into C4D with all textures. Price wise, Bryce is cheap, Vue has several options ranging from cheap to getting expensive. C4D is in the middle price range if you just get the core program, but the XL bundle is what you need to accomplish all of the above. That is expensive (but worth every penny). Good luck! Peggy

Eovia has a cool new choped down version of Carrara, even the free demo version (which will export in 3DS format) will make half of what you are looking for and you can try it for free. http://www.eovia.com/ Products - All Products - Carrara 3D Basic 2. The Full Carrara Studio will do all of the above, and I am starting how to tutorials here in the forum in a couple of days, the first fuw tut's will only require the Demo version. Worth checking out since it is free. OH and it works in any version of OSX or Windows XP

Attached Link: http://www.newtek.com

Try before you buy! It may take a little bit longer, and cause a lot of frustration, but not all programs are created equal, and the user interface/work flow can vary a great deal. You need something that fits the way you think. You can force yourself to learn a program that doesn't "fit", but it makes a difficult process even more difficult.

If you want a general package that does alot (modeling, decent landscapes, trees/plants, Poser pz3 import, top notch render engine, multiple render node support) at a decent price, Carrara Studio 4 (or 4Pro depending on what features you want) is a good option. Plus, with any luck, it looks like mapps is going to put together some tutorials for it (see earlier post in forum from mapps). There is a demo version you can download for a test drive at www.eovia.com

If you want to have a high end render engine, you have to look into C4D. Vue Infinite also costs almost the same as C4D core program, but it's not able to deliver the same render quality IMHO. The Lightwave/Vue package seems to be an excellent choice too, but I wonder why they give it away at such a low price, and the import issue is anoying. I also have my doubts about Shade. In the end it really depends on what you want to spend. Vue Infinite seems to be the best landscape renderer at the moment (procedural terrains and the ecosystem), but they have certain problems with bugs and encrypted content at the moment. On the other hand Poser import is very smooth. Cinema 4D has a good modeler and is very stable. Maybe Poser with Vue Infinite and Cinema 4D combined with the upcoming Fusion would be my choice.

Also, saying LightWave doesn't support Poser imports is a bit misleading. It won't open a Poser scene directly, but you can export the Poser content as OBJ files. You can then open OBJ files directly in LightWave, and then apply the materials in the Surface Editor. But the plug-ins by Greenbriar work really well and save a lot of time.

Yes The Tuts are comming, and You can start with the demo for free, upgrade to the full Basic for $99, then to the studio and then to the Pro (if needed) and each subtracts the cost of the cost of earlier version. The price can't be beat and the interface is very similar to poser so if you use oposer already the learning curve is smaller. The Basic can make the Landscape, Plants, architecture, rooms, furniture, spaceships, zap guns and lastly characters. Not too shabby for $99 (the demo can't export as Object but the registered version can). The other nice thing is all 3 programs are the same program, it just keeps geeting more options as you add too it.

Or get 'em both! ;) I use both Cararra4 Pro and Vue 5 Inf. That way you've got everything covered!

The Lightwave / Vue 5 combo does sound really attractive, I have to admit. "The Basic can make the Landscape, Plants, architecture, rooms, furniture, spaceships, zap guns and lastly characters. Not too shabby for $99..." In that case, what would I even need Lightwave for?!?

In that case, what would I even need Lightwave for?!? Cararra's renderer is also something that needs mentioning. It has one of the best for it's price range IMHO.

Now here's a question that I shouldn't have to ask-- how do I find out how much Cinema 4D costs? I went to their website, and it took me all over the place but never to a screen with a price. Oh, yeah, I did find a screen with prices in Euros-- but I ain't got any Euros!!

Attached Link: http://www.caligari.com

Blender is free and a great modeling app.

Attached Link: http://www.maxonshop.com/cgi-bin/us/gp?pg=products/cinema4d.xl

I think the best bet is to go with the demos, no sence in paying $700-1000 for a program you discover you hate. Carrara has a great Demo, 3D Max has a great demo, as does Maya, most of the others listed above do have good demos. I have found though that some of the demos don't do the program justice. I think the best bet would be to pick a couple and try them if you feel completely lost try another. It's like buying a car, ford lovers love ford and will tell you to buy a ford, chev lovers love chevs and will tell you to buy a chev, which is the better car for you? Only you can decide which one you feel at home in by taking them for a test drive. I tried most of the ones above looking for a program to compliment Poser with out 5,000,000 features I would never use, Carrara Studio was the first and only choice for me...but that was me. And I'm a Dodge lover....lol

It looks that Wings3D can do what you want. It's free, it doesn't boast an own renderer (I understand you use Poser for that), and the learning curve is very gentle. B.

"In that case, what would I even need Lightwave for?!?" Lightwave is one of the most complete modeling/rendering packages available. The choice of many professional Poser creators, Including Daz, LadyLittlefox and Neftis. Also one of the Apps used in big budget motion pictures, with rendering, particle effects, hard and soft body dynamics etc. features as long as your arm. And, Lightwave to me has been the friendliest to use. No cryptic icons to memorize, etc. It's just a matter of time before Fusion allows Vue/LW integration; probably the reason Newtek is offering the bundle according to the buzz at various sites. $195 additional to the price of VueI gives you a seat of one of the most complete 3D packages available. $795 for both is incredible. Good luck with your choice :)

Singular3D...Infinite will surpass C4D core application for render quality....to access radiosty in C4D you have to purchase the extra AR module. With AR, I would agree with you. Cheers

Well with all you want I'm not sure if you'll end with with one extra application only. Here are some remarks on the possibilities: Bryce, don't even get into it. It cannot import any poser stuff directly, you'll need to go through D/S and that can be on huge nightmare going from Poser to D/S to Bryce. Also modeling in Bryce is very far from perfect. Vue 5 or Infinite. Great for direct Poser import, but Infinite and Vue 5 are very bug ridden (seems to get worse with every update), are very very slow with larger scenes and you cannot model with it. TrueSpace is cool, but no direct Poser import at all. Also creating natural landscapes in TrueSpace is quite a challenge. Lightwave, modeling great, Poser import one huge challenge. The Vue/Lightwave combination may be a good solution, but you will go from Pose to Vue to Lightwave which just doesn't sound brilliant at all. There is a one stop solution, but I've got no experience with it a t all and that is Cararra 4 Pro. It seems to be able to do it all in one package. The feature list is very impressive, it can model, import poser stuff, create landscapes, trees & skies and has some excellent rendering features. I would really try this one first to see if it's what you need. I've noticed someone using Cararra 4 Pro & Vue 5 Infinite, but I don't really see the need of Vue when one has Carrara Pro already.

• To be able to modify my Poser figures to create unique characters (which of course Poser itself can do to some extent.) I like Z-brush for this. I saw their 2.5(soon to be released?) demo at Siggraph and they used some Poser stuff for it. The work flow takes some getting used to but it really kicks when you get it going. Seems really stable and I've only come accross a few minor bugs... Steve

I happen to like poser for doing all of these things. ITs a lot more flexible than folks often realize. Just takes more effort ;)

"I happen to like poser for doing all of these things. ITs a lot more flexible than folks often realize." Even this one, ynsaen?... "To be able to create characters of my own that aren't Poser-based." LOL. It MUST be more flexible than even I imagined. ;-P I guess you can do this with only Poser if you don't mind creating characters from basic primitive shapes.

hey -- never said it was gonna be real, but its possible... But seriously, look at that statement and the overall structure: why would you use poser to create something that isn't poser based? In any case, excepting certain features found only in certain rendering apps and the inability to effectively model (you can model in poser -- it's just not something you can do with great speed, enjoyment, or detail) Poser's a pretty impressive application in and of itself. Personally, I sorta like Maya and XSI outside of that, and Modo looks very impressive -- but much more pricey than imagination, effort, wings3d, and poser....

Also 64bit ready only LW and (I think) C4D. Ok; that's my third strike so best of luck with whichever app(s) you choose. More important than anything is that you're happy with what you choose.

Shade?