guypapyrus
03-09-2005, 05:53 AM
[I started a similar thread in the XSI forum, but this seems like a better place for it]
I've been exploring 3D for a bit over a year now. I've dabbled in most aspects of 3D at this point, but am finding that I'm very interested in dynamics, particularly rigid body simulation. I currently own copies of XSI Foundation and C4D XL 8.5 (Educational), so I don't have full dynamics options available (particles in both, soft bodies in XSI). Interestingly, the rumors seem to point to both XSI's and C4D's dynamics being among the weakest of the major packages (Maya seems to have the reputation as the strongest).
I think what interests me most is comparison between various packages' dynamics options (again, with an emphasis on rigid bodies). What makes a good or not so good dynamics engine generally? What are strengths and weaknesses of various packages' dynamics? I just don't seem to be able to find that much on dynamics in the way of tutorials, discussions, etc.
As far as my own immediate options: I have the C4D R9 demo which includes dynamics (though it's save disabled); Maya PLE looks like an option, though Maya never really clicked with me; not sure about GMax. Does Blender have rigid bodies? I don't think so. For commercial licenses: I could do a competitive upgrade to Lightwave pretty cheaply, though I'm not eager to delve into it; just about all other options cost about the same (Maya Complete, upgrade to XSI Essentials, upgrade to C4D R9 XL+Dynamics or R9 Studio; Max seems to be the out-of-the-question one in terms of price.
I am taking classes part time now, so I could get an edu license of something or other, but this is really about the dynamics engines and their implementations in various programs, apart from price.
Anyway, looking forward to getting some input on this.
Thanks in advance,
Andrew
I've been exploring 3D for a bit over a year now. I've dabbled in most aspects of 3D at this point, but am finding that I'm very interested in dynamics, particularly rigid body simulation. I currently own copies of XSI Foundation and C4D XL 8.5 (Educational), so I don't have full dynamics options available (particles in both, soft bodies in XSI). Interestingly, the rumors seem to point to both XSI's and C4D's dynamics being among the weakest of the major packages (Maya seems to have the reputation as the strongest).
I think what interests me most is comparison between various packages' dynamics options (again, with an emphasis on rigid bodies). What makes a good or not so good dynamics engine generally? What are strengths and weaknesses of various packages' dynamics? I just don't seem to be able to find that much on dynamics in the way of tutorials, discussions, etc.
As far as my own immediate options: I have the C4D R9 demo which includes dynamics (though it's save disabled); Maya PLE looks like an option, though Maya never really clicked with me; not sure about GMax. Does Blender have rigid bodies? I don't think so. For commercial licenses: I could do a competitive upgrade to Lightwave pretty cheaply, though I'm not eager to delve into it; just about all other options cost about the same (Maya Complete, upgrade to XSI Essentials, upgrade to C4D R9 XL+Dynamics or R9 Studio; Max seems to be the out-of-the-question one in terms of price.
I am taking classes part time now, so I could get an edu license of something or other, but this is really about the dynamics engines and their implementations in various programs, apart from price.
Anyway, looking forward to getting some input on this.
Thanks in advance,
Andrew