Does anyone know of any other 3d program out their that uses this technique?

It would be nice if they had it in max and I am just interested if anyone seen this elsewhere to?

thanks

That's a first.  Most people hate it.  Don't know of any other app which uses it but then I don't keep up with what does what these days.

It wouldn't be too hard to replicate with maxscript.  Possibly someone already has.  Check some of the resources at scriptspot.com or the like

I dunno, I rather like dragging lights around in Max and wish Poser did it that way!

Just goes to show

Didn't Bryce use it at one point or was it just the trackball thing that Bryce used? hmm...I can't remember now.

OMG..you LIKE it? LOL

Laurie

I will explain the reason for my madness. It has to do with trying to composite 3d character in real world and have it look believable.

Attched is image of frame clip I saw on making of starwars Ep.2

In everyscene where there was a 3d character composited the production guy held up a silver ball and a model of character.

The question is. What is the ball for? I could think of only two possible things each not perfect but please include your ideas for what you think the ball is for.

The Theory is if the ball was more solid perhaps all the lights on the location would be recorded on that ball so that if I used a still frame of the guy holding up the ball you could use the ball light controls like poser uses to match your 3d characters highlights then match with the ball from your real environment thus making a great composite.

The other theory is the sphere image reflection is captured and used on the character for a realistic reflection map. But that has flaws because the production guy could be scene in the reflection.

Sooo...although I am venturing into a non poser topic. What is the reflection ball for?

I believe my theorys are close in accuracy but stil they arent perfect.

Quote - The question is. What is the ball for? I could think of only two possible things each not perfect but please include your ideas for what you think the ball is for.

It's so they can match the lighting if they use CG parts - I guess you could also use it as an HDRI image to render with

HDRI image...thanks for that

here's a quick explanation also

http://www.ruffstuffcg.com/journal/making-mirrored-ball-and-panoramic-hdr-images-part-1.html