ZBrushCentral

Lightwave?

Community
#1

I went to try out the last of the software that I want to demo; Lightwave, but I could not find any link for a demo on their page. Do they offer one? I emailed them and asked, but no response yet.

I also found out they are beta testing a new 9.0. I went through that site and found myself getting very very interested. Most things I have seen done with Lightwave I like. I did not know they dropped the price. More drool.

I am kinda hoping some lightwave users will give me some info on how this program is. I read just about post about Lightwave to Zbrush.

Rarely do I want a program before using the demo. With this one I feel the buy feeling!

#2

I use Lightwave myself and I love it. I haven’t had it for that long so I’m still learning. When version 9 comes out, it’s supposed to support Zbrush’s normal mapping which is a great addition.
I don’t think they have any demos available. I personally didn’t need one because I’ve read so much about it and have had my eye on it for so long that when the special deal of the Lightwave 3D and Vue 5 Infinite package came out, I nabbed it up quick.
As far as price goes, yep, they have dropped the price considerably over the years and you just can’t pass up the special deal they are offering now. You can get Vue 5 Infinite ( great terrain generation software ) and Lightwave 3D for around 7 to 8 hundred bucks. This will also include the version 9 update when the beta testing is over.
It’s about THEE best priced high end 3D modeling package you can get. For all that it does and with a great renderer, you can’t beat it ( No, I don’t work for NewTek ).
-WOODY-

#3

The Beta for Lightwave 9 is out. If you are a registered user of version 8, you can participate. The link is on Newtek’s registration page. Haven’t seen any displacement tests yet but there is a cool SSS test in the forum’s gallery. Looking forward to giving the displacement maps a try. According to early reports, the renderer is several times faster, especially on complex scenes.

#4

Guys, please, if anyones is using the beta 9 please share with us how well it works with Zbrush displacements maps and normals (Zmapper) and also how fast it is also.

That would be formidable help. A thanks in advance!:slight_smile:

#5

I’ve used Lightwave since 5.5 but I’ve just moved over to Modo. My feeling is that Luxology with Modo has created a great foundation on which to build… and solid from the beginning. And from what I understand it plays nicely with ZBrush already. And it’s only going to get better. Lightwave has been feeling it’s age and trying to play catch-up with other packages. No app is going to be free from bugs, but LW just always seemed to be really buggy; they’d fix some in an update but add a bunch more new ones. If you’re going to be doing animation though, it’s probably the best bang for the buck right now… until Modo does animation. Otherwise I think Modo and ZBrush would be a great combo.

#6

Beta testers are not allowed to reveal anything about the latest update, ie. functions, performance, bugs etc.

#7

The only problem i am having is if I should buy lightwave first or Zbrush first. What ever one I buy is good but I would have to wait awhile for the other.

Sadly I just a poor hobbist!

#8

I guess I came off as a bit naive. I am when it comes to ZB - LW pipeline deficiencies. At any rate, my reason for the info was because some people have mentioned about LW 9’s “synergy” with ZB but, I haven’t seen were Newtek has elaborated on this topic. I’m sure we’d like some
insight as to the relationship between the two apps. For instance; how it’s 32 bit maps will accurately mimic the displaced Zbrush model.
Is that and the new adptive sub-Ds “the missing links” for accurately translating and displaying Zbrush models in LW? or are there other issues for seemless integration?

Thanks :slight_smile:

#9

Well it depends, in think, in what you like to do as a hobbist. If what you are into is modeling and texturing particularly organic models, ZBrush for sure.:+1:
Because with Zbrush, you can model directly within the program using Zsphere or, use a “traditional” modeling program (free I might add) like Wings 3D or for $110, buy the increasingly popular Silo. I have a feeling that that program is going gangbusters in the recent future with release of 2.5.

Animation more of interest to you? Then LW of course. Hard modeling (planes, tanks, buildings and the like) I suggest LW, no question.

#10

Ditto. :slight_smile:

#11

Unfortunately there is no Lightwave Demo. As a Lightwave user and v9 tester I can only say (without breaking NDA :wink: ): it’s well worth buying. Especially, that the new ver. has dream tools for animators like Stress Maps, new Subdivision models and ultimately cool Node Editor for texturing and shading. Check NewTek’s videos describing some of Lightwave’s new features. Besides, I found Lightwave one of the most intuitive 3D packages, really easy to work with (especially in v9) and now that it’s rendering speed is improved, subsurface scattering is one of the package’s native shaders, you will need only full version of Worley Sasquatch to produce really professional content for a VERY low price. And you will get Vue 5 Infinite for FREE!!! :eek:

#12

NewTek is sending me a dvd for free. They say there is some sort of demo on it. Someone directed me to the 7.5 update that functions as their demo on the lightwave forums.

I am torn between Zbrush, Lightwave and CINEMA 4D. My tax return has come in and when it clears I will be buying. I kinda wish zbrush 2.5 & lightwave 9 was out already. That would make the desision easier.

I have been wanting Zbrush for so long more then likely it will be the winner. Originally I was going to buy the box with the backup cd and the user guide, but with 2.5 comming out I am not sure if i should wait until they put out an update guide and a 2.5 backup cd.

#13

I can’t say anything 'bout ZBrush 2.5, but I would say Lightwave 9 ought to be released in a month, two months time max. At least it was how long it took from Open Beta to final release with the previous version- 8.5. Regarding your dillema: I’d still buy Lightwave. After 2 years of using it, I can’t even start thinking about buying another package. It’s easy to use, it’s fun, it gives awesome results and last but not least it’s relatively cheap. Especially with current offer. Besides: after you purchase 8.5 + Vue 5 Infinite with upgrade option, the moment you will receive package, you can sign up 4 Lightwave 9 Open Beta. And Vue 5? Man! It’s worth buying on its own!!!

#14

You still haven’t mentioned what you’d like to do with either… you’re trying to decide on two different animals. If you’d like to create highly detailed organic models, then ZBrush. If you’re planning on modelling, animating and rendering ANY type of model, then Lightwave.

Any 3D package like Lightwave, Maya, C4D, XSI… they all handle things pretty much the same way and let you do pretty much the same things.

ZBrush is unique and more specialized… to a modeler/animator it’s something you add to your tools later, not first… unless, again, all you want to do is create highly detailed organic models.

#15

What do I want to do? LOL

I do not know what direction to take.

All I know is I want something with a lot more muscle then the free stuff and the stuff I have purchased to date.

Right now I model with Amorphium 3, export and either uv map my obj file with Wings3d or UVlayout (once my 30 days are up if I do not have another program that can map UVs as well as UVlayout I will more then likely buy it) I use Wings3D as my model doctor. Then I use Deep Paint 3D to texture. Amorphium 3 cannot handle complicated uvmaps so I found my rendering solution with Daz.

I would like to animate, but also do some highly detailed displacement maps. If Newtek adds that to Lightwave like Silo is, Lightwave is the winner.

I know Zbrush adds detail like no other, but since I am just a beginner at this it would more than likely take some time before I can do that or maybe not.

I do not think it matters what I get first. I am addicted to this art now. The other will come in time.

Just what should I get first, that is the question?

Here is the most complete render I have done so far. I have only really been at this art with dedicated furry since December. The year I spent messing with programs just to see what the buttons do rather then making anything.


Acme Exterminator.JPG

#16

I think I’d get Lightwave.

…and I like your render :smiley:

#17

Not to confuse you more, but I’d also look into Modo.
If you’re unfamiliar with it, the company, Luxology, are the guys who created Lightwave. The package is currently just the modeler; painting, texturing and rendering coming first quarter (as are LW and ZB updates). From the looks of it, it has the beginnings of ZBrush in it. Animating will come later. From what I’ve been reading of others comments, many people love the modelling tools compared to Lightwave and Maya. And the program is much more customizable than LW.

http://www.luxology.com/

Just a thought. :wink:

#18

If money is an issue, then just get Zbrush and then use Blender which is freeware for your box modeling and rendering.

#19

I AM BUYING LIGHTWAVE!:+1: