Shadow Test - Updated with Jack 7/24

[Slosh]

Well, I was fortunate enough to get an email from Pixologic with an opportunity to beta test. I must tell all of you that this is a very exciting thing. The few updates that are available in the premiere version are wonderful. I spent the first couple of hours looking at zscripts, which described a couple new features. Then I played with the new interface. I can't say what/how/why, but it is highly personalize-able (not a real word, I know)and it's great. I also fiddled with the z-sphere, but since I have to go to work in 5 hours, I couldn't do a whole lot. So, with that said...the image below is a test of the lighting/shadows that the beta allowed me to use. The first image is rendered as 1.23 would have, the second is the same light settings with global shadows, and the third, I used zmode shadows. The last frame is my signature, which I made with the alpha skinning feature. The red signature is what I painted, the other is the 3d version. Very, very cool. I noticed that Zoid used this as well in his "Moon" image. Yes, the gold/orange looking blobby thing was made with z-sphere, but as I said, I haven't had much time to use it.

http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1027404281tlv.jpg

[Vikki]

Congratulations!! :D

Aaaah, the shadows are awesome. Very nice test and thanks for showing the differences side by side. :D

[Northstarr]

Relly great features, I love the shell, I hope this is a new material available in the 1.5 as well.

:D

[Ron Harris]

now that you made me start drooling again so early in the morning here....could you pass Z hanky to clean myself up :) nice teaser :tu:

[filament9]

The global shadows will be a welcome addition. On a side note, use that eye in something - the texure map is a beaut!

[Mentat7]

I used it for my signature too bud on most of my newer beta images. :D Nobody noticed though and I wasn't supposed to say anything about it then.

[Slosh]

Morning all! I know we were all eager for a side by side, and this was a simple test. Don't know if I used the right terminology on everything, but I had to call it something.

Northstarr, all of the materials and textures used are the same ones we're used to. The shell is from an underwater pic I did about a month ago, with toy plastic and the spiral tool and a default texture.

filament9, I use this eye constantly! I think Namek or someone posted the .psd textures awhile back, and I've used it on the scarecrow in my Oz pic, plus my recent clown picture.

The only thing I did in this pic that I couldn't do before is the abstract blobby thing and the shadows. Oh yeah, and the signature, which btw Mentat, I noticed yours...that was exactly why it was the first thing I did! I'm such a copy-cat. :)

[Slosh]

Another side by side. The left image is rendered in 1.23b, the right image in the Beta with soft shadows, or whatever it's called. Very subtle, but I like it. No setting were changed as far as materials, number of lights, etc, just straight from one version to the other, and using the new feature.

http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1027460852syy.jpg

[Q-qeo]

I love more and more pics Slosh, this is great work.............................. :)

[DMerchen]

Ok, that guy is cute, and those shadows really add a nice soft touch to that render. Awsome! Can't wait! I get to see what all the buzz is about at Siggraph on Thursday! :D :D :D

[Vikki]

Wow! That is a major improvement/change in shadowing. :D This is awesome! A a perfect model to show it with. :D

:tu: :tu: :tu:

[Stonecutter]

I agree with Vikki...Although it is subtle, it is also a noticeable improvement in the shadowed areas...I'll have to play around some with the shadows, as soon as I stop being blown away by ZSpheres! :D

[juandel]

i never really realized the importance of these render-options. a perfect example, Brian! :tu: :tu: :tu:

- juandel

[Slosh]

Another shadow/render test. I used the new lighting features, but I also used depth cue, antialias, and all of the other little buttons that are on the main render palette (1.23b, not premiere)

Jack made with ZSphere.

http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1027559154bqc.jpg

Another test with one blue light and one gold light. Strong shadows.


http://www2.zbrushcentral.com/zbc_uploads/user_image-1027569171ewx.jpg

[Stonecutter]

Nice shadowing Mr. S! :D
Soft and real looking...This whole thing reminds me of airbrush work...A very cool effect, and a nicely done image!

:cool: :tu: :tu: :tu: :cool:

[DLee]

I've always been fond of blue lighting. It seems to give everything a more natural feel. This jack even looks more real with it.

[Stonecutter]

The lighting and shadow changes are very effective, Mr.B! :)

:cool: :tu: :tu: :tu: :cool:
Great update, also instructive and inspirational! :)

[Muvlo]

Nice work Slosh, that looks exceptionally realistic. :tu:

[Slosh]

Thanks for the comments, everyone. I've been playing with the light settings all night. Hopefully, by the time 1.5 comes out full, I will be able to answer almost anything about that palette.