I'm a Poserholic, but looking for ways to expand my posing without breaking the bank. I'd love Lightwaver or 3DS Max, but the $$ for the little I make on this isn't a good ROI. Bryce and RayDreamStudio (when I can find it) are similarly priced, but I can't really tell which would be better to use with Poser for creating backgrounds, clean up during production, and model slicing and dicing. I'd like to take .obj/3ds/etc files and be able to separate them into parts to make them posable as my "next step" in 3d work. Which, if either, is a better choice for doing this? Thanks for any help you can offer.. GrayMare

:: I'd like to take .obj/3ds/etc files and be able to separate them into parts to make them posable as my "next step" in 3d work ::

For this type of thing you would want RDS out of the two choices you gave. Bryce doesn't have any modelling functions (other than boulean functions and terrain creation...of which only terrains can be exported) that would help you in figure creation.

Other options you might want to look into are Rhino, Nendo and Truespace. TS is a bit more expensive, Nendo is a bit cheaper. They each have their limitations and advantages and it's certainly a good idea to "try before you buy" and look for some demos on these programs.

Attached Link: http://www.3dlinks.com/

heyas; bryce is a landscaping program. ray dream is more of a modelling/rendering program. completely different creatures. there are some nice freeware/shareware modellers out there. check out both the free/share and commercial lists at 3dlinks. you can find all the info and demos you need there. :)

I would go for RDS or Carrara for the slicing and dicing as well as new model creation. Cant beat Bryce for backgrounds. ;) Bloodsong has a good point about some of the free programs. You might also want to check out the other progs that JKeller mentioned. I think they might be more expensive than RDS. Since RDS is no longer being made (Carrara replaced it) you might be able to get a copy on BBay. Also - BigSerge has a copy of Carrara for sale. He is on the level and it is a release version of Carrara, not a bootleg/pirated copy. He wasnt asking very much for it either. Clint

Opps BBay = EBay Doh! Clint

i would try the 30-day version of Rhino for modeling things. An art director friend of mine at Electronic Arts (the computer game company) says they use Rhino for making meshes and 3DMax for renders. i say: use what the pros use. That being said, both those programs are pricy for the (so-called) hobbyists such as we. i myself use Bryce 4 for rendering, and also use a lot of free meshes which can be arranged nicely in Bryce instead of rolling my own--so far. RDS will make you crazy! compared to Rhino. i don't think you will be disappointed if you get Bryce. It won't go to waste, and you can do quite a lot with it. Yet, i am contemplating asking relatives to contribute toward a copy of Rhino, for birthdays & Christmases, as Rhino is also lot of bang for the buck. And just going to save up for 3DMax.