Tidbits: MAXON, DAZ 3D and other Mac 3D news

DAZ 3D – New Version of Animation Program

Earlier this month DAZ 3D announced new versions of its 3D software packages. The free Daz Studio 3 and the Daz Studio 3 Advanced, which retails for 150.USD.

The free version offers improved OpenGL preview display support, new camera and light pointer tools and support for Pixar’s RenderMan-compliant 3Delight render engine.

Daz 3D Studio 3 Advanced is for more serious 3D animators, designers and illustrators and features Collada import/export for broad pro app interoperability, advanced render effects and shaders, animation keyframe editing, figure mixing and support for 64-bit computer systems. 

01 - DAZ 3D introduces new version of its popular 3D animation package.

The Advanced version comes loaded with 3D content by DAZ 3D that is ready to be rendered at the push of a button. Additionally, there is also the new Daz Studio Advanced Bundle, 500.USD, which comes with a suite of advanced content plugins. To learn more visit them here: http://www.daz3d.com/i/software/daz_studio3?_m=d

MAXON News

MAXON continues to swoop up awards for its CINEMA 4D software (aka: C4D). At the Macworld awards held in London on June 18, 2009, MAXON’s flagship application won the “Macworld Best Animation and 3D Product 2009” award beating out Autodesk Maya 2009, Autodesk ImageModeler 2009, Carrara 7 Pro and Boris Continuum Complete 6. 

Citing the app’s great strengths Macworld said: “CINEMA 4D is now a fully cocoa-native app and of the few apps available that can take full advantage of Apple’s 6-bit operating system. This allows you to render hugely completed scenes in a single pass and we must say that it works well without a hint of drama.” You read more here on Business Wire.

e-on software Opens Competition

e-on software has announced the Vue 3D Environment Competition. This is the 4th edition of this competition sponsored by e-on software, makers of the award-winning Vue line of 3D environmental design and visualization software suites. 

There is over 11,000.USD in prizes to win from e-on software, MAXON, Pixologic, 3D Connexion, 3D Total, 3D World Magazine, and Cornucopia 3D. 

Judging this year’s competition will be representatives from ILM, Rhythm & Hues, LucasFilm Animation, MattePainting UK, Electronic Arts, Whiskytree, 3D World Magazine and 3D Total. The competition ends July 20, 2009. To learn more about participation please read this web page.