Please Tell If Electric Image Animation System is Easy?

[plsyvjeucxfw]

Well - 3D animation in general is not terribly easy. However, Electric Image feels (to me) easier than any other application out there.

The interface is uncluttered, you only call up whatever dialog boxes you need, when you need them. Most of the tools (Most) are self explanatory. The basics, like light intensity, anti-alias settings, and so on, have defaults that create very nice looks, little or no tweaking required.

I made most of these test and short pieces as a fairly raw beginner:

http://home.comcast.net/~787kfillmore/movies.html (http://home.comcast.net/%7E787kfillmore/movies.html)


I'm currently in school for 3D and still consider myself a beginner. I'm forced to learn Maya, but I love Electric Image!

[monday1313]

i'm self taught and started with EIAS. having no experience with 3D, i downloaded the manual and read the entire thing before i bought the program(this was in 2002 i think). by reading the manual through before starting to play with it. i had a pretty good overview of the program before i started confusing myself by actually using it. :)
now i make a living with it...and a few other apps...

also, do some reading about the basics at wikipedia.
some topics for you:

3d modeling
sub-division surface modeling
nurbs

global illumination
raytracing
sub-surface scattering
rendering


hope that helps a little...

[nibeck]

As many people have stated, 3D itself can be difficult, but EI certainly has a lower bar of entry then many of the other apps.

One thing that does hurt EI is the lack of 3rd party books, tutorials, training, etc. Ian's video series is *amazing* to get started, but there aren't many resources for advanced topics. The on-line forums(this one and at EITG) are really great, with a dedictaed and friendly user base.

_mike

[juanxer]

You can find these videos here: http://www.eitechnologygroup.com/support/tutorials

(the most basic operations are covered in the first block's last ones, such as "menus and windows", "transform", "Camera control", etc.)

[AVTPro]

Not only is it EASY but it's getting EASIER every day. :buttrock:

[hemanherecomes]

Thanks everyone..
I had read some articles at wikipedia.. And the conclusion is that EIAS is well suited for begginners.. So I decided to confirm it. I need just the basic level animation... I will download the trial read the manuals and see what i can do.
Thanks for tutorial links

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