Lightwave vs 3DS for Flash

[tobijas20]

I’m new in 3D world and I want to improve my graphic for Flash. What do you suggest 3D Studio Max or Lightwave? I have heard that Lightwave is more intuitive for learning, but 3DS has more tutorials and resources. What is better for exporting to Flash or combining with Swift 3D? Do I need Swift 3D at all? Are texture resource CD-s the same for both programs, or they use some unique extensions? Is 1 year learning (books & DVD-s) enough to get the basics of modeling, lighting and texturing?

[LostBear]

I would suggest u look at other alternitives. Lightwave and 3DS are very expensive. I use 3DS personally, and your right there is a much larger tutorial base on the net.

However, u will not use 80% of either 3ds max or lightwaves toolkit if your intention is to only use it for flash export. Textures cd's can be used with ANY 3d program, they are not specific.

I would suggest Silo, since the next version will incoporate texturing ability, and it retails at around £60 ($109). Buy now and you will get a free upgrade to version 2.

Its very very esay to learn (i did it in around 4 days, 3dsmax i am still learning and ive been using seriously for a couple of years, its a massive program!!)

Couple it with Blaze3D/Swift3d and your on to a winner.

Hope this helps. If you want any help with the 3d stuff give me a shout.

LostBear

[mlk]

Click on 'angelina jolie' in the gallery at the top of this page ^^^

it's done in swift, and it's great.

[tobijas20]

Thank you LostBear for quick response and precise suggestions. I’ll try than with Swift 3D and Silo combination. With this 3D knowledge it would be easier to start hard working with other “serious” programs in the future if I would need more complexity.

p.s. wow, Angelina looks really great! I can't belive it was done in Swift 3D!

[Nuvis]

I'm not sure if there are many fans of ZBrush on this forum (me being one), but I have found the program to be amazing. Its also very cheap considering what it can do for you. If your looking to create very hi-res models for flash this would be the fastest way (in my opinion). I've never used Swift 3D or Silo so I'm not sure how they compare to 3D Studio Max. What I usually do is first model a simple version of what I'm looking for in 3D Studio Max. Then export as an .obj and import that "Tool" into ZBrush 2.0. Then I go on from there subdividing the polygons down and then adding detail. Its also very easy to texture your models in ZBrush using their Project Master. Anyway for furure reference if you find yourself looking for some more powerful tools you might think about checking out ZBrush www.zbrush.com

Nuvis

[DDD]

LW and Max both have an awesome plugin made by erain to work with swift. Check it out on www.erain.com

[tobijas20]

I have a few friends that are architects and they are familiar with AutoCad. They make models in AutoCad and texturing and rendering in Max. There are million ways, just need to get the logic how 3D works. I have LightWave Discovery edition and after a few hour it seams that I understand the logic how to combine LightWave and Modeler and make primitive models. I will experiment with other programs too, to see what I need and what is too much for me at this level.

[LostBear]

Zbrush is an amazing prgram but has functions i dont think are transferable to flash - sub pixel displacemet for one. Normal maps might be tranferable through Blaze 3D or Swift. It is also tricky to use.

For a begginer with no knowledge i really think that silo is the best way since it allows u to get straight into the modelling witht he minimum of fuss.

It is a small inexpensive program, but dont be fooled. A quick look through its gallery on the nevercenter site will show u its extremly powerful.

I now do 90% of my modelling in silo and take the model into 3DS MAX for texturing and animation.

[DDD]

Take a look at Modo too. www.luxology.com

[Nuvis]

Yeah I'm sure how ZBrush and Flash would work together, inless you were just going to use a still render you took from ZBrush in your flash

[LostBear]

hi tobijas20....

just wondered how your getting....if u can get to a keyboard..post summit!!