Poser 7 can it use normal maps? Mac 10.5.8

No, but Poser 8 can.

Laurie

Ok Thanks.

I'd like to see clear definitions of which colors correspond to which directions on
the P8 normal map.  I've tried a few available normal maps, and they don't seem
to work.   (The P8 manual PDF doesn't help, naturally.)

I won't be switching because of the normals.

somebody will hafta try a normal map in poser 8 or later to see if there's edge fall-off and which
normal deflection is associated with r, g, and b.  links to two free normal map generators were
posted in carrara forum, but they apparently don't know if a normal map has the same edge
fall-off as a bump map.  meaning a bump map doesn't cause apparent displacement (on render)
of polygons whose normal is at right angle (on edge) to camera view.

some reasons for switching to poser 8 (OS X):

• faster
• more stable
• IDL
• exposure control

red = x
green = y
blue = z

In the world of normals, however, there is some disagreement about whether more green is up (positive y) or down. However, it's a simple matter to flip it using nodes. (2 if I recall correctly) I posted this in a thread a long time ago. I'll try to find it.

Okay, thanks.  I'm basically trying to extend my well-established trick of using
the P node to generate displacement maps from modelled surfaces.  Seemed
like it should be possible to make normal maps by the same trick, using the
xyz components of N instead of P, controlling different colors.  But without a
basic guide I couldn't tell what needed to go where.

For those of us still arriving here riding on the "short bus", might someone please add a little quickie definition of what a "normal map" is, and what it's used for?

Attached Link: http://www.smart-page.net/smartnormal/fl10.htm

it's like a poser4.bum file but with extra colour (blue).  gamers are excited about it because they believe it can add realism to low-poly models, even tho, like poser 4 bump map, it doesn't show round the outline of object.  as opposed to displacement map, which is either in-or-out like bump map, but which shows round the outline (edges).

Thanks Miss N.   And would the advantage over displacement generally be render speed?

Normal maps do not use RAM like displacement mesh would.  Normals would render quicker as in they don't require nearly as much CPU time because displacement is not happening, just a more detailed bump is.

I've noticed that Sixus is using normal maps now instead of displacement maps. Wonder if there is any advantage? Render speed?