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Maxon BodyPaint 3D R2 for Cinema 4D R9 & 9.5
Makes painting your 3D models as easy as painting ...
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| Page (1) of 1 - 10/05/06 |
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More than just a simple upgrade, MAXON has given their product line a complete overhaul, from top to bottom (and inside the guts). With new code, comes new features and retooled, supercharged older features. While the update focuses primarily on the character animation set (motion graphics designers got MoGraph last version), there are enough new features to go around.The "upgrade" versus "update" that I'm referring to is the fact that the application seems to have a a completely rebuilt internal pipeline. Sure, there are features that are new to the application, but even some of the standard tools, including, most importantly, the application's utility of OpenGL, that are super smooth.
While the MAXON website will give you a list of new features to expect from the new software, here's a quick look at the current version.
INTERFACE
The first thing that you'll notice when you open CINEMA 4D Release 10 is that it looks different. There is a completely new skin on the application, filled with the popular application colors: orange, grey, blue. If you're not particularly fond of interface change, switch the scheme back to the previous look using "Classic". You may have to build your own scheme buttons for all of the old looks (don't forget that there are several new tools and icons in R10 you'll need to customize).
Mac users will also note that many of the shortcuts have been modified to a CMD- state rather than the CTRL- state that lived in previous versions.
WORKFLOW
My prediction is that the "feature set" most notable for non-character animators will be the workflow - more intuitive - flexible - adaptive - and FAST. There are so many new features that will allow you to WORK BETTER. Save time, do more. Who doesn't like that?
The first feature that I really like is the introduction of Layers. Layers allow you to control groups of different objects (including tags), activating what you need, when you need it, as well as deactivating custom selections.
Chart of toggle switches in the new LAYER BROWSER
TIMELINE
While soloing objects that appear in the manager are already a MASSIVE improvement in the application, they are matched in usefulness by the ability to solo for specific animation parameters is now featured inside the new Timeline.
New groupings of parameters within CINEMA 4D R10 allow much more global control over individual objects or entire scenes.
Additionally, iconography and keyframe control has become more detailed, allowing for more precise handling of the the animation parameters. There are also new tools which allow for modifications through a range of keyframes which will aid in productivity and afford artists more time to explore creative options.
IT'S IN THERE
The addition of BodyPaint 3D to the core package is a windfall to all new users, and will create a vast difference in the quality (and quantity) of textures that are produced for CINEMA 4D R10.
New joint features (separate from MOCCA) will add life, not only to character animations, but to all kinds of parented objects.
While there are several changes that are unique to Release 10, it is no mystery that many will appear familiar to Adobe users, echoing controls found in Adobe's After Effects. Here in Los Angeles, MAXON's CINEMA 4D has rapidly become a favorite in the broadcast design community and its pairing with After Effects and Apple's Final Cut Pro. The new features will be easily adopted by old and new users alike.
But wait, there's more.
There is so much more in the new software that shouldn't be covered by an online review. The QuickStart PDF that is available from MAXON covers 200 pages of the application (both old and new) so you can start working on every button of the demo right away.
For in-depth overviews, you should go straight to the source: MAXON. The makers of CINEMA 4D R10 and BODYPAINT 3D have started their own forum and schooling system called CINEVERSITY. You can find it at http://www.cineversity.com. Staffed by code-writers, super-users, and educators, you can find your answers therein.
Of course, you can be sure to find many tutorials here on the Digital Media Net channels, including CREATIVEMAC.com, MACANIMATIONPRO.com, and the Maxon Channel.
CINEMA 4D R10 will begin to ship in Q4 of 2006, as early as late October. For a limited time, you can purchase the current version of software and receive the upgrade to Release 10 for free, saving you almost $500 (enough to fund additional modules). You can purchase the software through MAXON's online store, or from our friends over at www.TOOLFARM.com.
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Ko Maruyama is a freelance animator in Los Angeles. In addition to working on film and broadcast animations, Ko teaches at Pasadena's Art Center College of Design - focusing on motion design. When working, writing or testing software allows, you can find him lending a hand in the After Effects board and lurking among the Cinema4D, Visual Effects and Photoshop posts within the DMNForums.Related Sites: Creative Mac , Digital Producer , Digital Media Designer , Oceania , MacDesignPro , Maxon
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