On the edge...

#1

Hi all,

I’m right on the edge of purchasing A:M and am wondering about it’s ease of use for rigging, modelling…well pretty much everything as compared to Lightwave or Maya. I most recently have used the trial version of Maya and used Lightwave waaay back at version 3.5 on my Amiga 4000 (which now sits in a box in the basement). I’ve been fairly impressed with what I’ve seen, both here and on the Hash site, of what folks like yourselves are able to do in A:M. I’ve seen from some of the vids on the Hash site how quick and easy it is to create anims from the action and model libraries, but I’m wondering how complicated it is to do these from scratch… Kind of a vague question I guess, but I’d appreciate any nudges to get me off the fence. :slight_smile:

#2

Here’s your nudge … just get it.

But really, have you worked with another program before? It’s different than poly packages. I refer you to this thread from just a few days ago. http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?t=234143

Now just go get it. :slight_smile:

#3

I just put together a character for a client in 3 days from drawings (supplied by client) to delivery including a few actions to start him along in animating him. Fully rigged bipedal character with some innovative special cycling animation he required and a few detailed procedural textures. …And it was FUN!

Am is wierd that way- it can be frustrating to use, but it’s also just sorta fun, unlike a lot of other 3d apps that are just- I dunno, not so fun.

I’ve modelled a lot in A:M so am well-over the initial learning curve which is sorta steep for splines (came from a CSG, bezier patch type modeller before A:M). Once you’re over that initial hump, the elgence of AM is truly fun to play with.

The level of complexity available in constraining a rig in A:M goes well beyond the ability of probably 95% of the users out there to grasp. I’ve seen ridiculously constrained rigs that overlook bone hierarchy, modeling density, and just plain being able to animate decently as simpler solutions… so since we’ve now reached the point of being able to constrain to redundancy over bone hierarchy, modeling, and basic animating skill, I’d say the constraints available in rigging is about where it ought to be. 5+ ways to do any one thing = mature professional software.

Animating in AM is simply the best it gets. The only real limitation at this point with AM is your own skills. And they even have great tools in the box now to cheat you through your own lack of skills- like dynamic constraints, so you don’t need to animate a lot of secondary motion if you want a fast route out.

And I for one have never really had a problem with the renderer in AM. I love the way it handles colors and light. My only complaints are with its AA- which, while I hear is improving, is still not under enough user control to suit me.

For the price they ask, why on earth are still on the edge?

Hm… that was a bit raving… and A:M still has room to grow, but it’s on a par with everything else out there in ways that count to me: modeling, animating, rigging, speed I can work in it, blah blah blah…

#4

I would recommend to anyone starting A;M to take a look at the free models on the CD. Look at the way the mesh is laid out. Maybe actually lay down splines on top of existing ones to get the feel of modeling and the tweaking to get it right. THis is the way I did it, and was modeling fairly decent things in a month or two.

#5

Also, A:M’s got a really good hair system. You can tweak the hair shape, use textures to color it or adjust thickness, etc., and even use images to create leaves and other hair shapes.

Heck, if you want hair in some other apps, you have to buy the most expensive versions.

#6

Thanks for all the helpful replys. :slight_smile: The main reason I was hesitating is that AM seems to be capable of everything the others can do, and the much lower price had me concerned that I must be missing something. I think I’ve been nudged in the right direction and will next be getting out the credit card and ordering very soon. Thanks for getting me off the fence! Besides, those pickets on top were killing me. :wink:

#7

Also, check here for more of what AM can do right out of the box (well you may want a few extra plugins to make life easier, but they’re all sub $100…for example an autorigger.):

http://amfilms.hash.com/

I know it sounds too good to be true and that’s probably why AM isn’t as well known as the other 3D programs. But believe me, it’s all packed in there (though it doesn’t look it at first glance) for that price. It is not a toy so don’t let your kids near it!! :smiley: Actually, they might find it kinda fun.

#8

Thanks KEnH, I think I’ve watched every movie there now. :slight_smile: Very impressive stuff for sure. In looking around for prices, I’ve seen it for $299 on the Hash site, $245 on safeharbor.com, and $229 on Amazon. My last (hopefully) question on this subject is…does anyone know if the one listed on Amazon is the current version? Safeharbor sells AM 2005, but Amazon’s listing doesn’t specify a version number. I may just go with safeharbor and eat the extra $15 so I know I’m getting the newest version, but it doesn’t hurt to ask right? (yeah I know I’m cheap)

#9

I believe all stocks are updated whenever a new cd comes out. But that does sound quite a good deal and you’re probably better to contact Amazon…just to make sure.

#10

Well, I called the reseller for Amazon, J&R Computers, and they didn’t have a version number listed, but said that their latest shipment from Hash, Inc. was in March. I’m assuming it’s the newest version so I went ahead and placed the order! Now I have to wait for UPS…nope not here yet…nope still not here yet… :slight_smile:

#11

Remember to download the latest version from Hash’s website. The CD version has more than likely been updated.

Kevin

#12

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