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View Full Version : Upgrade from 6 to 7. Worth it for Poly Modeling?

mindful108
08-19-2005, 11:45 PM
Hi all,

How is the experience of poly modeling in Maya from version 6.0 to 7.0? I am using 6.0 on a Mac and so could not use Byron's Poly Tools or Koshigaya's tools in their totality. CPS and MJPoly tools are helpful but things like Maya's own grow & shrink selection was inconsistent and other stuff doesn't seem to work either. SubDs are also a bit slow.

I'm not an expert but have been trying to get better at modeling and I really like Maya, and I'd prefer to stay focused on one software package (if possible!)

And from those who have the experience, how does the current state of poly modeling in Maya 7 compare to Silo & Cinema 4D, (which I own) and Modo (which I am considering).

Thanks, and hopefully this will help other folks who are wondering as well...
annaleah
08-20-2005, 12:00 AM
Not just for poly-modeling I wouldnt upgrade.....
I thought C4D was a good modeling program?
If all I needed was a modeling upgrade I would go with silo basised on performance for the money.
Modo is to me is world class as far as modeling with Lightwave right behind(even more so now that they have dropped the price so low(Thanks to Brad...lol)
Ummmm....ok....lol

I mean silo to me is really easy to use and goes with Maya perfectly.

Get the demos and go with what you know...or with what you wish to learn.:thumbsup:
mindful108
08-20-2005, 05:29 AM
Thanks for the reply annaleah.

You know, I swear I have just been collecting 3D apps in search of something, or maybe I just like software!

Having noticed your arsenal of 3d apps I figure that you can relate.
I started off with Lightwave but had stability problems on my Mac, although I kinda liked the modeler. Then I went to Maya and really liked that but was a bit challenged with the learning curve and lack of Mac parity. Then when I got my Powerbook, I couldn't use Maya since it's node locked and no dongle option for the Mac. So then I got Cinema, which I have always liked because of ease of use and how it plays so well with other software like Photoshop and After Effects. But no sooner than I bought C4D than Alias offered to upgrade me to 7.0 at 6.0 prices and they have a dongle for the Mac! So...

The dilema,... shell out another grand for the upgrade to Maya and use all the Gnomon DVDs and books I bought or just try to focus on Cinema and maybe actually learn how to be good at 3D. I'd kinda like to stay with Maya beacause of the investment ( and I really like it) and was thinking that the upgrade might help. But it sounds like the poly set isn't any better than Silo, huh?

So far Cinema's modeler is pretty sweet but it is a little sluggish on my Dual G4 desktop but surprisingly good on my Powerbook. How are you managing workflow with all your different software. I guess I'm afraid of spreading myself too thin and then not getting anywhere...
annaleah
08-20-2005, 06:41 AM
I learned a little LW modeling and like it and find the tools sets logical,though I find silo fun and simple to use(like wings).
I mean maya is capable and really its all a person needs but its up to you.
Its a shame C4D runs slow on a Mac.

I dunno what to say ... if youve jumped into Maya keep going.I was just messing about in Paint Affects seriously for the first time and really its like a seperate modeling pr0gram inside of maya itself besides the poly,nurbs and sub-d modeling tools already.

Really Im all about Maya and have been for a couple years now.
Its where everything happens except maybe a little modeling in LW and silo.
I used to think LW was the end all until my father turned me onto Mayas PLE and slowly maya has taken over my mind....lol.
MunCHeR
08-20-2005, 06:57 AM
(cough) cheaper to get modo 1.02 now and get free upgrade to 201, great little subd modeller, and the new uv unwrap looks awesome(cough)

MunCH
annaleah
08-20-2005, 07:09 AM
(cough) cheaper to get modo 1.02 now and get free upgrade to 201, great little subd modeller, and the new uv unwrap looks awesome(cough)

MunCH


Everything about Modo looks good....
Dont even get me started on modo tonight...lol
Brad is a 3D GOD!!:deal:
mindful108
08-20-2005, 07:32 AM
C4D doesn't run that slow, but it could be better. Maya runs pretty good and I love the depth and the way it works.

i gueass I am trying to justify the cost of the upgrade. I think if I hadn't dropped the money on C4D I would have just upgraded to Maya 7.0 since they have the dongle for my Powerbook. I still might! And of course I still have Maya 6.0 and a stack of books and DVDs. I was just curious about the poly tools since that would probaly push me over the edge.
mindful108
08-20-2005, 07:34 AM
And Modo does look sweet. I saw that they had a $295 offer. Was that for Maya users or something and is it still available??
MunCHeR
08-20-2005, 09:50 AM
yeah its still available http://www.luxology.com/

checkout the top of the page, think it will be available till 201 comes out, sorry for flogging modo in the maya forum guys but you cant say it aint great value, and the tools are schweet!

MunCH
cpan
08-20-2005, 11:01 AM
wow guys did you take a look at maya 7's new UV tools? wow i'm impressed :)
smudge, lattice, automatic mapping 10 times better, unfold, lol... whohoa :)

and the modelling in maya 7 is much better and faster BTW. The context menus are simply fantastic... it speeds up the workflow incredibly much:p BTW I've allready modified them to show on Nurbs Surfaces/Curves and SBDS ( plus components ) as well, not only on polygons as they were by default :)
wow the split and duplicate edge tools are fantastic (if you turn off Auto Complete wich is on by default)... they act like a smart split/duplicate tool hehe :)

many, many new thing in maya 7's modeling/texturing arsenal whooohoa:)... even new polygonal primitives, smart manipulators, etc ... can't wait for maya 8 if they continue in this incredible developing manner :p

whoooohooo
mindful108
08-20-2005, 06:53 PM
Hey munch,

I don't see the $295 price but I do see the free upgrade. Any idea on that offer?
Mikademius
08-21-2005, 10:13 AM
You ask if you should upgrade for the polytools alone. Answer to that = NO. If you have a licenced copy of maya 6.0, 6.01 or 6.5 just stick with MJPolyTools and you're there.
beaker
08-21-2005, 10:38 AM
If your not on maintenance and you don't upgrade to 7.0, when they have the next version(7.5 or 8.0), the cost of upgrading will be more than the cost of just going out and buying a new version of Maya. Just a little FYI. Alias's upgrade policy is a little wonky.
JasonA
08-21-2005, 02:37 PM
If your not on maintenance and you don't upgrade to 7.0, when they have the next version(7.5 or 8.0), the cost of upgrading will be more than the cost of just going out and buying a new version of Maya. Just a little FYI. Alias's upgrade policy is a little wonky.lol thats twisted... any idea what the 'upgrade' price actually is?
MunCHeR
08-21-2005, 05:13 PM
seems a bit dodgy, how do they expect to keep customers who arent big production houses.
mindful108, maybe they changed that deal after the siggraph announcement, might be better to email sales and find out.

MunCH
mindful108
08-21-2005, 05:35 PM
MunCHeR:
I did email Luxology last week about the $295 offer when they sent me a notice to extend my test drive for 15 more days. I haven't heard back but I'll let you know what they say...

Mikademius:
Thanks for the clear response. So, MJPoly tools does it? What about "OpenSource Maya Toolbox"? Any experience with that. Here is the thread http://forums.cgsociety.org/showthread.php?t=206277

The only other issue for me about upgrading is so I can use Maya on my new Powerbook. When I bought 6.0 there was no dongle option for the Mac and now there is, as I mentioed earlier in this thread. But now I do havve C4D (which is pretty darn nice I must say...)

Moeny IS the issue I think. Because they offered me the 6.0 to 7.0 at 6.5 upgrade pricing I didn't want to miss it. But is it worth the money to me right now? Considering poly modeling was one of my main issues it seems it's not in my best interest, especially since I am doing 3D on my own and haven't really been using Maya all that much or to any real extent. Of course since I still have it I am not missing anything, except the dongle...

And what about the maintenance program? Cost effective? :deal: ??
JasonA
08-21-2005, 05:49 PM
Well, I'm also going to do the 6.0 to 7.0 upgrade offer. I figure its an ok deal in that I'm getting the improved modeling tools, the improved MR performance (and satellite), and all the new features blah blah blah. Mainly for me it was getting satellite and staying on the upgrade path actually, everything else is gravy. regardless though I think the $899 upgrade price is too steep when the base app is $1999. Oh well, bite the bullet I guess
Mikademius
08-21-2005, 06:01 PM
I haven't tested it. I only know that MJpolytools are a great addon for maya and that the
modelingtools in maya 7 are nifty. However I don't feel that they justify the pricetag alone.
DuttyFoot
08-21-2005, 07:01 PM
to upgrade from complete 6 to 7 for 899 does sound pricey, but hey isn't it better than paying to upgrade to unlimited. cost a whole lot more
Iconoklast
08-21-2005, 07:16 PM
The opensource maya toolbox is a more uptodate version of mj polytools. Algorithms were enhanced so the scripts are much cleaner and much faster.
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