HA4 Task 5 - 3D Development Software

Examine the software tools used in the production of 3D models.

For example, 3D Studio Max, Maya, LightWave, Cinema 4D, Blender, Sketchup, ZBrush etc.


They're many different software tools used within different industry's that use 3D modeler software's. Here is a list of them.

3D Studio Max

Studio Max is 3D computer graphics software which is and are used for making 3D animations, models, and images. The software was developed and produced by Auto-desk Media and Entertainment the soft-ware has modelling capabilities and a flexible plugin architecture. It also can be used for the Microsoft Windows platform this makes it very useful and it is frequently used by video game developers to create models. Not only that but is used within TV commercial studios and architectural visualization studios, which proves how reliable this software is, and how popular it is within the entertainment business. 

Source:http://www.autodesk.co.uk/products/autodesk-3ds-max/overview

Maya

Autodesk, the same company that created 3Ds Max, are also know for there similar 3D software called Maya. Maya, is a 3D computer graphics software that runs on Microsoft Windows, Mac OS and Linux, It was originally developed by Alias Systems Corporation and currently owned and developed by Auto-desk Inc It is used to create interactive 3D applications,Which can including video games, animated film, TV series, or visual effects. This particular product is named after the Sanskrit word Maya, the Hindu concept of illusion. Now the differences between, Maya and 3DS Max depending on what your uses are with the two. For one 3DS Max is apparently preferred to be used for vehicles, buildings, and other game assets. Because of its mechanics and easier use of the software itself. Maya on the other hand, is preferred to be used for making movies/cut scenes, animation, and other character designs.
Source:http://www.autodesk.co.uk/products/autodesk-maya/overview

Light-Wave

LightWave is a software package used for rendering 3D images, both animated and static. It includes a rendering engine that supports such advanced features as realistic reflection and refraction, radiosity, and caustics. The 3D modeling component supports both polygon modeling and subdivision surfaces. The animation component has features such as reverse and forward kinematics for character animation, particle systems and dynamics. Programmers can expand LightWave's capabilities using an included SDK which offers LScript scripting (a proprietary scripting language) and common C language interfaces.
Source:https://www.lightwave3d.com/



Cinema 4D

CINEMA 4D is a 3D modeling, animation and rendering application developed by MAXON Computer GmbH of Friedrichsdorf, Germany. It is capable of procedural and polygonal/sub modeling, animating, lighting, texturing, rendering, and common features found in 3D modelling applications. Four variants are currently available from MAXON: a core CINEMA 4D 'Prime' application, a 'Broadcast' version with additional motion-graphics features, 'Visualize' which adds functions for architectural design and 'Studio', which includes all modules. CINEMA 4D runs on Windows and Macintosh PC's.
Source:http://www.maxon.net/products/cinema-4d-prime/who-should-use-it.html

Blender 

Blender - This is a free and open source 3D computer graphics software in which is mainly used for creating animated movies, interactive 3D applications or even video games. A big part of Blenders features is that includes 3D modelling, UV unwrapping, texturing and rigging and shinning. In addition, there is many more such as fluid and smoke simulation, particle simulation, animating, match moving, rendering, video editing ect. It also features a built in game engine which is brilliant for game designers.
Source:http://www.blender.org/

Zbrush

Zbrush is a digital sculpting tool used to create and develop high resolution models (up to 10 million polygons) for use in such things like movies, video games, and animations. Also Zbrush uses dynamic levels of resolution to allow sculptors to make either local or global decisions and changes to their models. Zbrush is well known for having the ability to sculpt medium to high frequency details that were originally painted in bump maps. The resulting mesh details can then be exported as normal maps to be on a low poly version of the same model. Zbrush is mainly used by games designers in order to create faces, body's e.c.t
Source:

Sketchup 

Sketchup is a 3D modelling program for a large range of applications such as architectural, civil, mechanical, film as well as video game design — and available in free as well as 'professional' versions.The program includes a drawing layout functionality, allows surface rendering in variable "styles," accommodates third-party plug-in programs enabling other capabilities. In April 2012, Google, the previous owner of SketchUp, announced it would sell the program to Trimble, a company best known for GPS location services.
Source:http://pixologic.com/