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http://www.macnn.com/articles/02/04/12/freeware,.edu/

Freeware, edu versions of LightWave available

updated 09:25 am EDT, Fri April 12, 2002

 
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NewTek has announced its new LightWave Free Discovery Edition, a free version of LightWave with limited saving and watermarked rendering and is also offering a full-featured educational version of LightWave 3D available to students for $400: "These new options for students will help create a new generation of visual effects artists, filmmakers, illustrators, and animators,” said Jim Plant, CEO of NewTek. LightWave [7] Upgrades from previous versions for educational users are available for $200. It is available for Classic and OS X.


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  1. 3dAnimation

    Dedicated MacNNer

    Joined: Jun 2000

    0
    04/12, 10:07am | report spam | Reply |

    Yeah But...

    It's still no Electric Image!

    Be sure to check out Universe 4 Modeler/Animator at http://www.electricimage.com

    The fastest renderer on the planet. Built on Macintosh. Used in films like Star Wars Episode I/II/Special Editions, Misison Impossible and Star Trek to name a few.

    Fully function demos for download. No Watermarks! (but also, no saving of projects)

    EI fan,
    GregM.

  1. roehlstation

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Aug 2001

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    04/12, 10:19am | report spam | Reply |

    Ummm.....

    Not to be picky or anything, I love Electric Image, I've got Universe 4, but they used Maya in the Star Wars Films.

  1. MacNN.com Reader

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jul 2001

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    04/12, 10:20am | report spam | Reply |

    Re: Yeah But...

    AFAIK, EI's renderer can't raytrace, or do radiosity or caustics. LW's renderer is regarded as one of the best in the business, even though it isn't the fastest.

    I personally wish they would merge the modeler and animation programs into one so you didn't have to keep switching back and forth.

    Of course, the ultimate would be if 3D Studio Max came to OS X, but I doubt Discreet will let that happen. Years ago they tried to do an Alpha port, but since the Alpha didn't trap div by 0 errors and Intel's chip did, they would have had to seriously rewrite their code to get it off the Intel platform.

  1. 3dAnimation

    Dedicated MacNNer

    Joined: Jun 2000

    0
    04/12, 10:28am | report spam | Reply |

    In addition to...

    Yes, Maya was also used in the Star Wars films. They used the tools that best fit the job. All establishing shots of Mos Eisley (spelling?), Naboo, etc were done in EI. The Queens shiney ship was done in EI.

    Yes, EI does have the ability to Raytrace.

    Use what's best for you. All these demos are a great way to find out which that is! For me, it's Electric Image.

    enjoy!
    -GregM.

  1. MacNN.com Reader

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jul 2001

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    04/12, 10:48am | report spam | Reply |

    EI? You're kidding.

    EI better than LightWave? Surely, you jest. Go to SIGGRAPH this year and visit the booths (was EI even at last year's SIGGRAPH?) If you want a rundown of what movies LightWave has been in go to:
    http://www.lightwave3d.com/product/projects_list.html
    LightWave by far has the better modeler & renderer of the two.

  1. 3dAnimation

    Dedicated MacNNer

    Joined: Jun 2000

    0
    04/12, 11:06am | report spam | Reply |

    Jest? Never.

    I have to disagree with the last statement:
    "LightWave by far has the better modeler & renderer of the two."

    EI is well known to be the fastest renderer on any platform. Additionally, the quality of the render is unsurpassed. Admittedlly, it doesn't have support for shaders like "fur" and "fuzz".

    Animator has a great morphing system as well as inverse kinematics. Master light, Master Materials allow you to make sweeping changes with ease.

    But, you don't have to take my word for it...

    http://www.electricimage.com/products/universe/overview/univoverview.htm

    enjoy!
    -GregM.

  1. \0

    Joined:

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    04/12, 11:13am | report spam | Reply | delete

    CINEMA 4D XL

    my god, you guys are bickering about LW versus EI and you don't even mention Cinema 4D XL 7??

    WOW! Cinema 4D is easily on the same par as Lightwave, is used in the industry (television, etc), has a much cheaper fully functioning (no watermark and save capabilities - unhinderred) student version available and inc. caustics and radiosity. YO CHECK OUT http://www.maxon.com

    (the reason this beauty is less well known as Lightwave is because it's made by Germans and has only recently made it into USA and before version 5 was made for the Amiga) Go Maxon!! (they also use Form•Z in some movies too.

  1. \0

    Joined:

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    04/12, 11:23am | report spam | Reply | delete

    CINEMA 4D XL 7

    I'd also like to add, Cinema 4D is 1000 times easier to use than Lightwave, is a lot of fun to use, has no non linear undos (when you figure out what non linear undos means you'll be amazed - better than just multiple undos, put it that way). It also has its modeller and renderer and animator built into 1. sorry for the caps, but it's to help Maxon out: CINEMA 4D XL RULES!!! http://www.maxon.com [check out the art galleries at http://www.renderosity.com to see renders from many different 3D apps inc. the ones mention in these reviews]

  1. ::snowman::

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Nov 2001

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    04/12, 11:45am | report spam | Reply |

    XSI and Maya

    Those 2 are the best. But seriously EI has come quite a ways, some of these comments remind me of what people say about Macs ("No apps", "No games", "Not compatible with Office") .... all old uneducated guesswork. I used to say a couple of these comments myself (about EI). EI4 is a big step. LW can lick rocks because it sucks c*** and they throw in unfinished features (or 'lite' versions) just to say "We have this!" ... EI's renderer is one of the best in quality ... and renders MUCH MUCH MUCH faster than LW's renderer. And for animation, you're more than likely not to be using caustics and radiosity ... stills maybe, animation, not. These are more 'buzz words' people like to throw around. Yes, radiosity is great and the 1001 grey dome lit models isn't getting old either. Pick the tools best for what you do. If you NEED radiosity or caustics, then probably C4D XL7 is better for you ... if Charater animation on a budget is what you want, EI4 would fit that the absolute best.

  1. Tripp

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Apr 2002

    0
    04/12, 12:01pm | report spam | Reply |

    The main question...

    I have worked with Lightscape and EI and love both. Both are very different, but great. But as far as this post goes I only have one question. When and where can I download the free version?

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