ZBrushCentral

Question From a First-time Purchaser

ZBrush Usage Questions
#1

Hello Everyone,

I’ve dabbled in quite a few sculpting software for quite a while, using free products such as blender and sculptris, or the free educational mudbox license. However, after watching a friend use ZBrush I was convinced that none of those other products could hold a candle to it. So basically, I’m ready to make the plunge and spend the money on either the educational license or even a retail license if I can find a good price.

The biggest hurdle for me is obviously the cost. My wife and I have five kids and live off a military income, so $400-$800 is nothing to sneeze at regardless of which license I choose. While I eventually want to upgrade the license and use it for commercial purposes, for the first year or so I’ll be busy learning and using it for hobby purposes.

This is where my question comes in. I’ve followed the forums for a while and know that ZBrush 5 will most likely be announced somewhat soon since 4R7 is supposedly the last iteration of ZBrush 4. Would I be better off just waiting until I hear word on an official release for 5? I really don’t want to spend all that money only to find out that I could have gotten a better version for the same price had I just waited.

Thanks in advance and looking forward to being more active in the forums. I’ve already learned a great deal from reading all posts so far, so thanks for that as well!

#2

You could be waiting a while for ZBrush 5, as 4r7 is only about eight months old.

#3

That’s kinda what I was afraid of, but I may just go ahead and buy 4R7 anyway.

I’ve read in other forums that there was a chance Pixologic would not be charging for the upgrade from 4R7 to 5, buy I find that a little hard to believe. Don’t get me wrong, it would be amazing if that were the case, but I also understand that they have to make money. I guess I’ll just have to roll the dice and hope for the best. :slight_smile:

I’ve looked at a lot of other software packages the past few months and it seems like ZBrush is the closest I’m going to find to a “total package” without going the free route with Blender (I’m really itching to get my hands on the Zmodeler Brush, lol). Again, finances are a concern so I’m doing my best to stick to one “pro” software, while filling in as little gaps as possible with the free stuff.

Anyway, thanks for the reply…it’s much appreciated!

#4

I suggest buying now if you can afford to, and getting stuck in learning. ZBrush is just such a great program that does so much, that starting the learning curve ASAP makes sense.