Who's using 3d software?

[Smob]

Dave, thanx. I thought I had heard about an expression way to do this.

[gletiecq]

Since the learning curve is so high with blender, can anyone post a sample project that we might be able to use as a template? Working from an existing project is a lot easier than trying to build something from scratch.

[jenkisg]

What exactly are you wanting? Do you want the text to fly in, or have the camera animated? Let me know what you're looking for. I've got some examples I can upload - or I can put one together.

[jenkisg]

Here is an example file with a simple text fly in animation that I put together in just a few minutes. I believe the "blend", not the "blend1" file, contains the animation. Notice how I've laid the windows out. On the left, you'll see the keyframes and motion curves. Just below that is the timeline. If you drag the green vertical line left and right, you'll see the animation. At the bottom, the window that goes all the way across contains all of your tools for the object you've selected, such as materials, extrude depth, fonts, etc. There is a group of six buttons at the top of this window which you select from these properties.

Some useful keyboard shortcuts are:

Spacebar - brings up a contextual menu of starter objects to build.
X - delete selected object
right click on objects to select them
use numeric keypad to change view, numeric keypad +- to zoom

to edit text, right-click your created text and find the object mode and change to edit mode and start typing. Change back to object mode to change fonts, extrusion depth, bevel, etc.

You can right click on any border of the windows and split them to create new windows, then using the lower left button in the new window, select a new function for that window, such as view mode, timeline, etc. Once you have your windows arranged the way you like them, save the project. When a new project is created, blender always defaults to the same arrangement of windows as when you first started using the program. You can keep your custom arrangements by creating a template file to start from using your customized settings.

When you render current frame the render is always from the camera's view. To see the camera's view use the view selector at the bottom of the window you are viewing your object from.

To type in location and rotation values for an object, select it (right-click it) and hit N.

Hope some of this helps a little. The program's strange ways take some getting used to. What's great about this program (besides it's being free), is that it is constantly being updated and improved. In the last 3 years it has cost me close to $1000 to keep Cinema 4D upgraded, and I'm 0.5 versions behind. Blender stays updated for $0. It is a very powerful program, once you get into it, and you will find learning it well worth your time if you like 3d.

[jenkisg]

Go to the Blender 3D.org site, and you'll find a link to a new "Blender for Dummies" book.

[bladeaudio]

If your looking to do character animation, DAZ 3D is a great program for it. The program is free, and you purchase the models to animate. Very similar to Poser, but free and I think the learning curve is a little easier.

http://www.daz3d.com/

The default smily guy that comes free with the program can be used to make some fun videos in the right context. He could for instance be used as your "announcements guy" and give the morning announcements.

[JHVideoGuy]

I'm on Cinema 10.5 with the XL bundle I think

[RevivalNow]

I just watched their Youtube demo - Bluff Titler reminds me of the old classic, ULEAD COOL 3D, which I used to use a lot before getting into higher-end stuff (it's pretty easy to learn).

[cyburdine]

I'm surprised I have not seen anyone mention Apple's Motion Product. It's an amazing product for those who have not used it. Do yourself a favor and do a youtube search for projects that have used it.

It's always hard to suggest packages to people unless there is a very specific result you are looking for, as everyone is going to have their preferences. It has more to do with how much you are comfortable learning, how much time you have and will the software you are considering fit easily into your production pipeline.

[Paris MkVI]

Still using an old copy of Lightwave - version 5! This was the first version ported to run on a PC. It actually runs in a window with the Amiga interface.

It is old news - but it does everything I need it to do.

[nimble]

I'm using cinema 4d for simpler motion graphics stuff and 3ds max for anything more complex.