Z BRUSH or MODO - WHICH ONE?!!

[Fede]

Do you want apples or bananas? cause that is what you are asking.

They are two very distinct modelling packages with their own strengths and weekneses. I'd say that if you want a different modeller then go with Zbrush cause you will not find it's tools in any other package i'm aware of. Light wave modeller will be ok for you architectual stuff, but you can't beat the organic finess ZB will offer.

Also, if you are prepared to buy modo then you can get ZB and for another $100 SILO which is a fantastic sub D modeller over at www.nevercenter.com

Good luck with your choice

[macling]

ZBrush is an add on application in my opinion. If you already have lightwave to model archtictural stuff I'd go with zBrush too. It suports highly detailed organic modeling and Texturing at a very fair price! Together with a common 3d app like lightwave that you're familiar with its an unbeatable combo!

[ambient-whisper]

if you got LW, then skip modo and get zb.( and silo if you want ). itll cost ya less than modo, and youll be able to do things you wouldnt be able to do without zbrush.

[ThomasMahler]

I'd also go for ZBrush _and_ Silo.

[webhead]

Thanks much for all the advice, gang! As usual, I can always count on lots of help in CG Talks forums!
That Silo/Z Brush combo sounds like a very viable option. I just checked out Silo and it looks remarkable at just over 100 bucks. Just one more question:

How does importing and exporting behave between Lightwave, Silo, and Z Brush?
(When I try to import obj files LW crashes on me.)

[macling]

You will use the Wavefront (*.obj) Format between silo and zBrush. I'm not into LW but I'm sure you can export your LW models as obj files.
The Zbrush maps will be outputted as psd files.
But one more suggestion: Silo is a modeler without renderpossibilities.And zBrushs output is max. 4096x4096 and with good aliasing it decreases to 2048x2048 px. If you want to sell LW to switch to this new combo you might get into trouble...LW's got a great renderer.

[Mahlikus]

ZBrush and Silo.

Without a doubt. hands down. These two are the apps to invest in. Especially if you already own LW.

[Lyr]

I was in the market for new modeling software and the choice was between modo or silo and zbrush. Chose silo and zbrush it just offered more possibility and speed for what I wanted to do.

[Bob Gerber]

I own all three and I completely agree with the latest voices. Silo/ZBrush are the way to go.

As preface, let me say that I make software purchases on the basis of what I call the 4 C's: capabilities, cost, company, and community. Since we all seem to be in heated agreement for ZBrush, the issue seems to be Silo vs modo. IMHO, my 4C's score is: modo (+1), silo (+2), silo (+3), and silo (+1). So for me, it would not even be close.

As a Lightwave user, you might find some familiar feelings using modo. Luxology was started by the Newtek braintrust who left a few years back. It is a good effort with a big future but most of us have to live in the present.

Good luck,

Bob Gerber
Gerber Grafix

[pnoland]

If it's between Modo and Zbrush for organic work then screw Modo...Zbrush's zsphere's will handle what you need for that. It's great to have a good polygonal modeler at your disposal too but since you've already got Lightwave you'll have a decent modeler for buildings and what not. I'm going to agree with everybody here and say that Silo is also a great choice. It's easy to use and a helluva lot cheaper then Modo. Modo is a great app but Silo just rocks it in my opinion (I own both).

[richcz3]

Take a model you've produced in Lightwave and import to ZBrush. Use ZBrush's sculting like tools. Incredable brush like control on a mesh frees time and gives allot of creative freedom.
I use ZBrush to make changes to existing models creating new character class.

http://www.digitalworks.8m.com/Forumpix/TUT/Throt_Head_01.jpg
Export Lightwave as OBJ

http://www.digitalworks.8m.com/Forumpix/TUT/ZB_SmoothEDIT_01.jpg http://www.digitalworks.8m.com/Forumpix/TUT/ZB_SmoothEDIT_03.jpg
Import to ZBrush
Use Smooth tools to iron out multiple detail bevels

http://www.digitalworks.8m.com/Forumpix/TUT/ZB_SmoothEDIT_04.jpg
Adjust smooth edit and Sculpt parameters

http://www.digitalworks.8m.com/Forumpix/TUT/ZBLW_Import_Edit.jpg

ZBrush Export OBJ and add Lightwave finish
New class in less the time than building up from scratch.
ZBrush edit tools are so effective and save me allot of time pushing and pulling points in LW. When the next update comes out I'll spend even more time in ZBrush. It will feature rigging and tools for rebuilding topology. :thumbsup:

>>Preview Movies of ZBrush's Next Update (http://pixologic.com/zbrush/media_links/movies2.html)<<

.

[chrisWhite]

The one downside to ZBrush with Lightwave is how bad LW's displacement is. This is a major downfall of a lot of the full 3D apps, but many have renderers like Mental Ray that can handle subpixel displacement. Lightwave on the other hand can't do this type of displacement so you'll end up spending a lot of time trying to get a lot of the really high detail displacement into LW. If I were in you position, I 'd still probably go with ZBrush though, LW will have to get better at this eventually and it looks like you can do a lot of great stuff in Zbrush that will transfer just fine. Plus, your learning software that is at the forefront of the future of CG, can't hurt to know the software.

For more info on the LW/ZBrush problems just search the LW forum here.

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