Mac software limited?

Cesar R · September 5th, 2003

alright,

is it just me or is it there really nothing good for the max os platform? I mean C4D is the only 3d package that comes close to 3dsmax, but not close enough. the render engine is just not up there with Vray yet. As far as precision modeling tools all the good software seems to be only releasd for the PC

even VR tools like turntool are PC only.

someone please tell me otherwise

schmoron13 · September 5th, 2003

maya?

xgarcia · September 5th, 2003

....for arch viz? over-rated imo.

Christopher Nichols · September 5th, 2003

Quote:

Originally posted by Cesar R:
alright,

is it just me or is it there really nothing good for the max os platform? I mean C4D is the only 3d package that comes close to 3dsmax, but not close enough. the render engine is just not up there with Vray yet. As far as precision modeling tools all the good software seems to be only releasd for the PC

even VR tools like turntool are PC only.

someone please tell me otherwise

Actually Lightwave has been available for the MAC for a long time. Lightwave has a great rendering engine that is well production proven and has been used an a many feature films (way more then MAX). Not sure about Luxology (lightwaves younger but bigger brother).

Christopher Nichols · September 5th, 2003

Quote:

Originally posted by schmoron13:
maya?

maya's internal rendering engine is fairly poor.

jackb602 · September 5th, 2003

Cesar,

Your assesment would have held alot more weight a couple of years ago, when OS X was just arriving on the scene. But at this point it's easier to say what's NOT avaiable for the Mac. Basically, nothing produced by Autodesk/Discreet runs on OS X (though there have been rumors floating around that Revit and/or 3D Studio might be ported) which means no AutoCAD, Viz, Max, Lightscape, or any of the plug-in renderers for Viz/Max.

Some of the apps that are available include:
FormZ
Maya
Cinema 4D
Lightwave
Vectorworks
Archicad

Why do you ask? Are you thinking abou switching platforms? The obvious (to me anyway) difference between OS X and Windows is the huge improvements in ease of use and stability that separates OS X from OS 9 and Windows.

Hope this helps,
Jack

ingo · September 5th, 2003

Quote:

Basically, nothing produced by Autodesk/Discreet runs on OS X (though there have been rumors floating around that Revit and/or 3D Studio might be ported) which means no AutoCAD, Viz, Max, Lightscape, or any of the plug-in renderers for Viz/Max.

Thats the big advantage of beeing a Mac user

Quote:

I want to model buildings in archicad. as you know in archicad you can incorporate GDL objects. and created my own libraries.
I also want to make photorealistic renders and vitual tours with photoreal quality.
I want to model hiress models or objects to incorportate into renders, somewhat or industiral design visualisation. for isntance design and render a chair or wall unit or lanp ( sometimes we are asked to do these things in scool)

For modelling there is nothing better than FormZ, the accuracy of a CAD software and the modelling capabilities of a 3D package combined.
And as Christopher noted, Lightwave is still one of the best renderers available, and even C4D is a good modelling/rendering app.
So buying FormZ and LW for example is still cheaper like buying Max.

jackb602 · September 5th, 2003

I've been using Cinema for lighting, texturing, and rendering for about 6 months now, and I'm REALLY impressed with it. It may not have every feature that Vray or Brazil offer, but if you look at the work that's being produced with it, I think it matches the quality of those renderers.

I haven't used it for modeling really, and my impression is that it lacks some of the tools for precise dimensional modeling. This is why I continue to use FormZ. It offers all the precision of a CAD program (even includes a 2d drafting module, some architects use it to produce drawings) with a huge range of powerful modeling tools.

I haven't used 3d Studio since I did a school project 8 years ago, so I can't really compare it to that. I've used AutoCAD since around 1994 and only use it for 2d drafting.

Jack

Christopher Nichols · September 6th, 2003

Quote:

Originally posted by ingo:
For modelling there is nothing better than FormZ, the accuracy of a CAD software and the modelling capabilities of a 3D package combined.

I highly diagree on this one. There are a lot of packages that offer better modeling plus the power of parameterization which is a great tool for architecture and design. But that is another subgect. I just react to statements like "there is nothing better" when it comes to software.

ingo · September 6th, 2003

Quote:

There are a lot of packages that offer better modeling plus the power of parameterization which is a great tool for architecture and design

So can you give any examples ?

Parameterization is in my eyes simply useless for our modelling work, although FormZ has this its without use for me. It makes things more complicated than they need to be.

September 5th, 2003	#1 (permalink)
Cesar R Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Florida Age: 26 Posts: 876 Name: Cesar Rullier	alright, is it just me or is it there really nothing good for the max os platform? I mean C4D is the only 3d package that comes close to 3dsmax, but not close enough. the render engine is just not up there with Vray yet. As far as precision modeling tools all the good software seems to be only releasd for the PC even VR tools like turntool are PC only. someone please tell me otherwise __________________ Xeon 5130 : Revit + 3DSMax Architecture Student / Autodesk BSD AE ------------------------------------------ Fa5 - Honda Civic Si

September 5th, 2003	#2 (permalink)
schmoron13 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Syracuse, NY, Walnut Creek, CA Age: 29 Posts: 331 Name: Doron Serban	maya? __________________ Doron Serban

September 5th, 2003	#6 (permalink)
jackb602 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Chicago Posts: 440 Name: Jack Bransfield	Cesar, Your assesment would have held alot more weight a couple of years ago, when OS X was just arriving on the scene. But at this point it's easier to say what's NOT avaiable for the Mac. Basically, nothing produced by Autodesk/Discreet runs on OS X (though there have been rumors floating around that Revit and/or 3D Studio might be ported) which means no AutoCAD, Viz, Max, Lightscape, or any of the plug-in renderers for Viz/Max. Some of the apps that are available include: FormZ Maya Cinema 4D Lightwave Vectorworks Archicad Why do you ask? Are you thinking abou switching platforms? The obvious (to me anyway) difference between OS X and Windows is the huge improvements in ease of use and stability that separates OS X from OS 9 and Windows. Hope this helps, Jack __________________ Built Light

September 5th, 2003	#8 (permalink)
jackb602 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Chicago Posts: 440 Name: Jack Bransfield	I've been using Cinema for lighting, texturing, and rendering for about 6 months now, and I'm REALLY impressed with it. It may not have every feature that Vray or Brazil offer, but if you look at the work that's being produced with it, I think it matches the quality of those renderers. I haven't used it for modeling really, and my impression is that it lacks some of the tools for precise dimensional modeling. This is why I continue to use FormZ. It offers all the precision of a CAD program (even includes a 2d drafting module, some architects use it to produce drawings) with a huge range of powerful modeling tools. I haven't used 3d Studio since I did a school project 8 years ago, so I can't really compare it to that. I've used AutoCAD since around 1994 and only use it for 2d drafting. Jack __________________ Built Light

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September 5th, 2003	#3 (permalink)
xgarcia Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: FL Age: 29 Posts: 471 Name: Xavier Garcia, Jr.	....for arch viz? over-rated imo.

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