3d Rendering

[enwar3]

So I have time over the summer, and I want to learn to render in 3d. Simple stuff at first, obviously. The problem is, I've looked into several programs and they all cost a heck load of money for a license. Where should I start? Do I have to BUY a program?

 

[Anubis]

Maya is freeish to mess with, render away

 

[Brainonska511]

If you have a copy of UT2003/2004 I believe they include a version of Maya with on one of the extra CDs.

 

[Kaido]

How hardcore do you want to get? If you are really serious about learning 3D, start out with POV-Ray:

http://www.povray.org/

POV-Ray uses a special language to design 3D scenes. It's difficult, but once you master it you'll have a really clear understanding of how 3D works in your head. Blender3D is also good (and free):

http://www.blender.org/

 

[TravisT]

Honestly if you want to do it right, get 3D Studio Max or at least some type of Autodesk software. They produce the most used and common 3D tools available. I am sure you can download the software somewhere, but not legally. Also, sometimes they have demo software available.

 

[Kaido]

Join some communities:

http://www.renderosity.com/

http://www.deviantart.com/

http://forums.cgsociety.org/

http://www.3dlinks.com/

Browse some galleries:

http://www.highend3d.com/gallery/

http://www.raph.com/3dartists/

 

[rbV5]

Softimage offers XSI Mod Tool, an excellent, FREE, full featured version of XSI 4.2 that exports to Valve Source, Unreal engine or Direct X.

If you have source or unreal games, you wouldn't need anything else to keep you busy with one of the top Highend 3D programs, free and 100% legal.

 

[hanoverphist]

lightwave is my 3d package of choice. cheaper than most of the other guys, but not cheap at all. softimage is a bear to work with, and 3dsmax has a ton of fun stuff to play with also. maya isnt too horrible either, i just like the way lightwave uses plugins and its interface.

 

[hanoverphist]

Originally posted by: Anubis
Maya is freeish to mess with, render away

wow, when did autodesk buy up maya? ironic that they list it above 3dsmax now, their cash cow for a long time. ive been out of the industry for way too long.

 

[EGGO]

What kind of rendering are you trying to do? Do you have a good grasp on drawing? That'll help determine what you want. I'm doing 3d stuff. I'm right now learning Realflow to do liquids, 4d Cinema for abstract, and Maya for model rendering.

Examples of what I've done: First experiment with Realflow a few months ago.
Abstract wings with Maya
3d part done with 4d Cinema XL

 

[RapidSnail]

Blender

 

[sandorski]

Maya PLE is an excellent learning tool, but start here first: 3DBuzz

 

[nboy22]

Blender if you want to get a cheap, legal way of rendering

Maya or 3DS max if you want to download illegally (not supporting this at all).

 

[enwar3]

Wow! Sounds like a lot of people are enthusiastic/knowledgeable about this.

As for what kind of 3d imaging, I don't mean like CAD or anything, more of a hobby making landscapes and stuff. Wallpapers, that sorta thing.

 

[fierydemise]

I really like lightwave although it is expensive, I'd suggest blender unless you're really serious and willing to pay a lot of money

 

[sandorski]

Originally posted by: enwar3
Wow! Sounds like a lot of people are enthusiastic/knowledgeable about this.

As for what kind of 3d imaging, I don't mean like CAD or anything, more of a hobby making landscapes and stuff. Wallpapers, that sorta thing.

That's not exactly 3D then. You can do that with Photoshop.

 

[Soundmanred]

It sounds like you're looking for something like Bryce. It does landscapes and basic shapes and some more complex things. It's easy to use and isn't expensive.
Check out the Daz site for more info.

 

[enwar3]

Originally posted by: sandorski

Originally posted by: enwar3
Wow! Sounds like a lot of people are enthusiastic/knowledgeable about this.

As for what kind of 3d imaging, I don't mean like CAD or anything, more of a hobby making landscapes and stuff. Wallpapers, that sorta thing.

That's not exactly 3D then. You can do that with Photoshop.

My bad. I meant like, 3d landscapes. Like................ stuff on digitalblasphemy.com

http://www.digitalblasphemy.com/fshow.s...&n=Sakura&b=count&z=228974819870693077

http://www.digitalblasphemy.com/fshow.s...ss%20Blue&b=count&z=228917713047338761

http://www.digitalblasphemy.com/fshow.s...the%20Sun&b=count&z=228071826059931970

man those are long links

 

[TanisHalfElven]

Originally posted by: enwar3
So I have time over the summer, and I want to learn to render in 3d. Simple stuff at first, obviously. The problem is, I've looked into several programs and they all cost a heck load of money for a license. Where should I start? Do I have to BUY a program?

look up blender.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: enwar3

Originally posted by: sandorski

Originally posted by: enwar3
Wow! Sounds like a lot of people are enthusiastic/knowledgeable about this.

As for what kind of 3d imaging, I don't mean like CAD or anything, more of a hobby making landscapes and stuff. Wallpapers, that sorta thing.

That's not exactly 3D then. You can do that with Photoshop.

My bad. I meant like, 3d landscapes. Like................ stuff on digitalblasphemy.com

http://www.digitalblasphemy.com/fshow.s...&n=Sakura&b=count&z=228974819870693077

http://www.digitalblasphemy.com/fshow.s...ss%20Blue&b=count&z=228917713047338761

http://www.digitalblasphemy.com/fshow.s...the%20Sun&b=count&z=228071826059931970

man those are long links

Terragen (free)

Bryce

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