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Im going to buy Zbrush this week, are there any must haves I should get with it?

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Hiya,

I was torn for my next software pruchase… to upgrade poser 7 to poser 8, or get Zbrush. I think im making a wise choice. Im waiting for VUE 8 to launch. But on to Zbrush…

So are there any must haves out there for it? Plugins? boxed or non boxed edition? :ex: Is there a boxed edition for 3.x? Or is there a 3.1 printed manual out there i should get? how about some good starter books or DVD’s? I am considdering some periferals as well… I am unsure of getting a 3d space navigator mouse. I am going to get a WAcom tablet, but not until I purchase Vue 8. ( Software before hardare is my motto) so this means not until after christmas.
I have seen Elements mentioned on the forum, is it very needed? Or can i get by with GIMP?

One last thing, is there any kind of maintance plan for Zbrush i should be aware of? something garrentees support and free upgrades?

Thank you for any Advice!

#2

One of the great things about Zbrush , is that all the “must have” plug ins for it are available for free for the Pixologic community.

What you will most want to have with Zbrush is a traditional polygonal modelling application to partner with it for some situations (there are some free/open sources options for this).

An image editor is always helpful, but Gimp is fine for that, and Zbrush itself can make textures quite nicely.

Depending on what you want to do with your models, you may eventually want a full fledged 3d rendering/animation application for your work as well, but that is not a small decision, and not completely necessary, depending on what you want to do.

You’ll get the most out of ZB with a tablet.

Zbrush upgrades have always been free to registered users.

#3

Im planning on using Zbrush to create more detailed models. I love the sculpting aspect in real time. I gave the demo a try a few months back and quickly added Zbrush to my list of design packages i must have. My plan is to create models for use in my Vue scenes and animations, I currently own vue esp 6, plan to upgrade to Vue 8 INF this fall.

Im stumbling through Truespace for a modeler. I gave blender a try, but its such a beast UI wise, I gave up after buying 3 books. I may give C4D a try. It all comes down to budget. I full modeling / animation package is the last thing on my list atm. I figure i can get enough animation out of Vue, Poser and Truespace.

Is there a boxed set for Zbrush 3.1 ? Also, Do Zbrush owners get free full version upgrades? for example, version 3 to version 4? or do you need to buy an upgrade?

Also, i have seen many Training DVD’s out there for Zbrush. Are there any good ones for beginers you might recomend?

#4

I would not wait for a tablet - personally.

#5

if you don’t own one already… get your zbrush bundled with a wacom!

chem!

#6

Lol, was about to suggest it myself but I guess EVERYONE agrees - get a wacom tablet if you don’t own one already!

#7

I am on a budget, so if i can find a quality Wacom with Zbrush bundle that is price effective, i will buy it. but, quality and cheap price is a rare thing. I am planning on getting the mid end tablet, i dont think i can get enough function out of the Bamboo. Was planning on the intuo.

#8

Well, we certainly sympathize…buying a quality Wacom is not a cheap proposition. Luckily, it is not one you’ll ever regret.

I think most people were just remarking that it is much more crucial to have a tablet with ZB , than it would be to have with Vue, if that is what you’re waiting for. And even a Bamboo would be superior to using it with a mouse. ZB doesnt really come alive without a tablet. This is your number one “must have” priority with the program, since you asked.

As far as a modeler, its not strictly necessary. Many purists would point out thats theres not much you really can’t do in ZB. But technically you can eat Steak with a spoon as well, but that doesnt mean there might not be some utensil slightly better suited for that specific situation when it arises, and its nice to have some options so you can appreciate Z for the many things it does wonderfully, and not begrudge it when you find those situations it’s not as well suited for.

If Blender is too unwieldy for you, I used to use Wings 3d back in the day, a highly accessible and capable open source box modeler app. I don’t know what state it’s in these days. On the commercial side, theres also, Silo, a relatively inexpensive, very friendly, yet highly capable and customizable modeler that compliments ZB nicely.

#9

Ok, you all have convinced my to get a Wacom tablet before getting Vue. the reaction seems quite overwhelming. lol

It looks as if Vue 8 isn’t due out till the end of the year anyway. so plenty of time to get a tablet. I am going to get a Intous 4 medium in a month. have to let my art supplies fund recharge after Zbrush purchase. I took a look at Silo, kinda on the fence about it. Though it dose have the clay form modeling process as Zbrush. I wish more modeling packages would adopt this.

I have seen talk about felt tips for wacom brushes, is this still necessary with the onset of the 4th generation of intuos? If so, are these tips a 3rd party provider? I did not seem to see them listed on the wacom site as an option. :qu:

#10

I think you’ll be happy with the decision.

The Intuos tablets come with a selection of Nibs. One of these will be the felt nibs. I prefer them because of the superior tactile sensation of their use, as well as the fact that they dont scratch the overlay, as the hard plastic ones can do when they start to get worn down and friction sharpened.

However, Im also given to understand that the I4 has a new overlay with a rougher feel for that same “friction” sensation (I have an intuos 3), so your mileage may vary.

They do wear out faster than standard nibs. They can be ordered in replacement 5 packs from Wacom.

#11

thanks Bingo! :cool:

#12

Just a quick post regarding Vue… BEWARE!! It crashes… A LOT! And E-on themselves are horrendous to deal with.
An experienced and patient user can do nice things with Vue… but it comes at quite a price.

#13

I am aware of Vues Issues. lol. I have been using it for about a year. own a copy of Vue 6 Esprit. I am upgrading to 8 Infinite. Vue is rather sensitive your OS settings, Ram, Video card, CPU and available memory. Half the problem with VUe is the fact that they have so many version of it. It modular line is actually less stable than thier professional version. I have it down, own a 64bit system, with 4gigs of ram, a decent video card, dual core CPU and run Vista 64bit. I also own a copy of poser 7, I have found this is actually more buggy than Vue. I have never had Vue crash on me, but Poser on the other hand… But i think i have poser tightened down now as well. Plan to get poser 8 next spring.

Little did i realize when i started this hobby, just how expensive it is. Hopefully as I master these packages I will be able to turn them into some income. I suppose i am doing all ass backwards. should have gone to school first. I’m just not the academic type. I hate the whole school structure, having to take classes that truly aren’t related to your interest… what am i 12 need to be told to take PE? IMHO the educational system is a giant Con. :eek:

ahem. TMI i suppose. sorry. :o

#14

Update on my plans. I have just purchased Zbrush!! been playing with it all week. I have down loaded all of the matcaps on the main sight, and the alphas. Also the models. I still need to dive into the Textures.

I plan to Purchase an Intuos 4 Medium Wacom here in a few weeks (have to wait for my funds to recharge).

I was wondering, where do i install or place the alphas Downloaded? Also where do i place the models?