Post by OutriderAny one out there do any ship design and illustration on their computer?
I'm looking for a decent and inexpensive software package that will let me
do some 3D rendering of ships I have in my head and want to get on paper.
I have worked with AutoCAD and know that it would let me do what I want,
keeping everything in scale, but I don't have the budget for a high end
title like that.
Any suggestions?
There are quite a few choices out there. These are just off the top of my
head. I'm sure there are others. Each has their own devoted followers.
Free -
Wings3D - http://www.wings3d.com/ - a lot of people like this one.
It's currently in Beta.
Blender - http://www.blender3d.com/cms/Home.2.0.html - I've heard a lot
of people don't like the interface
Milkshape - http://www.swissquake.ch/chumbalum-soft/ - used by a lot of
people for gaming mods.
Gmax - http://www4.discreet.com/gmax/ - a stripped down version of 3DS
Max - also mainly used by gamers.
I haven't really used these but I doubt that they have a decent (if any)
renderer. You should be able to export the models to other programs.
A good (but very slow) rendering system is Bryce - http://www.daz3d.com -
relatively inexpensive and will be updated soon after being ignored for
years while Corel owned it. Mainly for building terrains but can import
many types of models.
Daz is also developing a basic rendering package called Studio (currently
available in beta) and are planning for the base module to be free. It is
mainly designed for their own human figures but can import and export
Wavefront obj objects
mid-range - most of these have demos or older versions available for free
downloading.
Rhinoceros has been mentioned - http://www.rhino3d.com/ - nurbs modeling
only, can export models as polygons. Nurbs modeling can be tricky. Well, it
is for me.
Cinema 4D - http://www.maxon.net/ - also mentioned previously. I've
heard that to get really good results the add-on modules escalate the price
quite a bit.
Cararra and Amapi - http://www.eovia.com/home.asp
Truespace - http://www.caligari.com/ - The one I play with. Has a
non-standard icon driven interface which drives some people crazy. If you
get one of the older versions and are willing to receive e-mail from them
you will get offers for fairly inexpensive upgrades. Version 3.2 should
still be a free download somewhere.
Shade -
http://www.curiouslabs.com/article/articleview/1157/1/282?sbss=282 - Just
breaking into the US and European market. Very big in Japan. Comes in
several flavors and prices.
Vue - http://www.e-onsoftware.com/Products/VueIndex.php - designed
mainly for terrains but can import 3D models made in other programs.
TC
Post by Outrider--
Outrider
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch.
Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the vote."
-- Benjamin Franklin, 1759.