How useful is getting a Maya 3 book if I'm using version 4?

[ryguy]

Interface hasn't changed much. I bought "Maya Complete 2" and I've been using it still, even though I'm on version 4.0. Same with "Maya 2 Character Animation". Both a good references even if you use newer versions of Maya.

The newer books have updated information, like for 3 and 4 books, you get Subdivsion Surfaces info, Track Editor, etc.

I find some of the books, like Maya Complete 3 have the same tutorials and examples as the previous book... and same copy/ pasted text... however it has a few more stuff on the new features and tutorials.

Are the older books useful? Yes.

~Ryan

[KingMob]

the only annoying thing is that they moved a lot of the functions around, such as the poly -> sub-d stuff and alot of the windows and whatnot. but luckily AW gives us the find menu command...gotta love it.

I got Mastering Maya 3 and still use it with 4.

[boomji]

quote:How useful is getting a Maya 3 book if I'm using version 4?
answer:very !!!...along with a lil help from the mayans here and highend that book is a very/most comprehensive book out there.
dont expect a detailed step by step though, at least not in the slavish way most would want it...so ya,get it it's invaluable.
b

[Wigaru Wiyamoto]

Mastering Maya 3 was very useful when I started learning Maya 4 about six months ago. Just check the "whats new in 4.0" section of the documents to be aware of the differences and improvements.

[erwin1978]

I've been checking out barnes and noble and amazon.com for some deals and I figure I can get 3 used books. I just have to decide which to get.

[CGTalk Moderation]

This thread has been automatically closed as it remained inactive for 12 months. If you wish to continue the discussion, please create a new thread in the appropriate forum.