DAZ releases 3D suite for free until February 29

[AndyStaples]

DAZ 3D has released its topline posing/rendering software, DAZ Studio Pro, for free until February 29. It usually retails for more than $400.

It's also putting its 3D modelling software, Hexagon, and its landscape renderer, Bryce, for free at the same time. All told, you're probably looking at $800-$900 of software being given away, and it amounts to a fairly complete 3D suite: characters, landscapes and interiors and a modeller.

If anyone fancies doing the kind of images Markdoc, myself and a few others post occasionally, I'd highly recommend ordering, even if you don't have the time to install and learn it right now - once you've ordered it, you can download it when you like.

www.daz3d.com to create an account and order the goodies.

[megaplayboy]

Awesome. I've been wanting to try their software and compare it with Poser, but either have lacked the time or the funds to do so.

[Scott Baker]

They've extended the offer through the end of March.

[Mickael]

I've downloaded everything that's free on their website, now... Where to begin? DAZ, Hexagon or Bryce?
Do you have some example files or some tutorials in order to get started?

[AndyStaples]

I haven't used Studio since the pre-1.0 beta.

I'd download the (free) Victoria 4 and Michael 4 figures, or use the Genesis figure if that comes with it, and start learning how to pose the figures, light them and render them. Because I'm not familiar with this software (I use Poser and Vue), I can't give you specifics on how to do it.

In general, though, when posing figures, pay attention to making the pose look natural, possible (watch the centre of gravity) and, unless you want the figure flying, make sure it's touching the ground.

Lighting can make or break an image. Favour infinite lights for simulating outdoor settings, point lights for interiors, and spotlights for dramatic purposes (it isn't as simple as that, but it's a start). Google photographers' studio set-ups for ideas. Diffuse lights don't cast shadows - think of them like photographers' softboxes - and specular lights only add shine to surfaces. For portraits, make sure there's a specular highlight in a character's eyes.

Rendering usually doesn't take long to learn. If your lighting and materials are right, you can do wonderful things with low render settings.

Materials I'd leave until you understand the software better.

Bryce is easier to start with, but probably harder to master. Learning how to use the material editor is crucial.

Hexagon is there for when you need a model and can't fake it out of primitives.

I think there are some tutorials for all three programs on the Daz site. Renderosity is another good place to check for tutorials, and I know Geeks at Play has some video tutorials for Hexagon as well.

[Scott Baker]

And they've extended this offer into April, if anyone is still interested.