Does Carrara have these features?

[shilts]

Hi, I am wondering if Carrara has the following features as it really isn't clear to me. Also, how good are some of the new features.

- Is it easy to set mesh smoothing on a per object or even per polygon selection?
- Can you perform multiple render passes with full alpha channel support?
- The character tools look ok. Can you perform IK/FK blending?
- What are the UV editing tools like? Are there some easy UV editing tools to aid the workflow like in other packages? Can you relax UVs for example?
- How does the vector renderer (Vector style plugin) compare to something like Swift 3d output? Can it render gradient meshes?
- Are there any set driven key like animation tools? Or maybe a script editor where you can push the animation?
- Can particles enable self collision?

Sorry for the long list of questions, however, I see a very capable application here for a fantastic price and I am just wondering how advanced the feature are as I consider a purchase.

[bwtr]

Why don't you download the trial version of Carrara5Pro -which contains the Manual--and experiment. Think you will find that only the costly apps do better in any way.(And then not as user friendly!)

[ninetwenty]

I've been looking at the demo recently and I am very interested in Carrara and I can answer a few of your questions.

1. You can easily control mesh smoothing on a per-edge basis by simply clicking with the smoothing tool, it is simply on or off, there is no fine control, but it works well.
2. You can output a multi-channel psd file, but I find the implementation limiting for object masking. It outputs a single channel with each object is represented by a value rather than a channel per object. This makes masking in Photoshop a bit awkward.
3. The UV tool is very limited. It is fine for tweaking a UV but it is quite a bit of work to UV a complex object from scratch.
4. I don't know exactly what you mean about set driven animation tools, I'm not an animator so I'm not familiar with the term. The animation system of Carrara is key driven and has one timeline, I don't think it allows for non-linear animation (could be wrong). It does support multiple morph targets which can be blended, which is very nice.

I'd like to know more about VectorStyle - there is no demo for that and my demo of Carrara has run out. I have Swift3D but it is very limited (no bones or vertex animation).

Carrara isn't Max, Cinema, Lightwave, Maya etc., but it does have some features that are impressive for its price.

[shilts]

Actually I have downloaded the demo. But I do not currently have a lot of time to test, so I was hoping that somebody with experience could advise me. It takes a long time to evaluate some of the more advanced aspects of a software application in comparison to asking a few questions for established users to kindly answer. Even after evaluating software you tend to miss the subtle nuances that make up for every day use of the software.

Thanks for the valuable info Ninetwenty. Indeed Carrara has me intrigued as the feature set offered on the surface is enormous for it's price.

If anyone else can offer information on some of the features mentioned above it would be really appreciated

Thanks

[AWBenson]

- Is it easy to set mesh smoothing on a per object or even per polygon selection?

No. But you can render to the After Effects format that has some interesting features for compositing work.


- The character tools look ok. Can you perform IK/FK blending?

In C4P, No. But I've been able to do some of this in Carrara 5 Pro.


- What are the UV editing tools like? Are there some easy UV editing tools to aid the workflow like in other packages? Can you relax UVs for example?

Not the best suited for this task. However, I have a series of tutorials on Carrara's UV Editor on my website. http://www.awbenson.com


- How does the vector renderer (Vector style plugin) compare to something like Swift 3d output? Can it render gradient meshes?

Don't know. :-)


- Are there any set driven key like animation tools? Or maybe a script editor where you can push the animation?

There is a physic mode so some animation with gravity and other forces is possible. There is no script editor.


- Can particles enable self collision?

I think so, but I don't really know. Particles isn't an area of expertise with me.

[shilts]

Thanks for the input Andrew. Your tutorials look good and do explain the capabilities of the UV tools quite well.

This is the main area I think Carrara needs improving on. Otherwise I am definately impressed.

[AWBenson]

I agree. The UV Editor needs to be further developed. It's functional, but not quickiest by far to use. However, many people don't have another Unwrapping program or ability so the need to use the one inside Carrara is quite high.

Eventually Eovia will update that editor and add more power to it. Having some auto unwrapping ability and seams will make it quite a powerful program. Also, having selection tools that work on more than a single mouse click (or shift+click to add to the selection) would definately make things easier.

With the displacement ability of C5 being highly highlighted as well as with the replication tools that distribute by shaders, UV unwrapping is becoming more important to the work-flow that Eovia is developing into.


Already stated is that the UVing issue is being closly looked at within Hexagon. So, we may see some better results within the next version of Hexagon.

PS: Like the Gizmos in Hexagon, but it needs a more precise way to way it out on a 2D plane.

[PascalC]

Originally Posted by shilts

- Can particles enable self collision?

Yes. It is doesn't work very well (especially when you try to have lots of particles at the same place : it explode with particles everywhere), but you can still do some kind of basic effects.

Pascal

[crazy wabbit]

May I ask why you are making these questions? Is it so that you want to be asured that you will get the best deal for your money if you purchase C5? Do you have a project in mind that you wish for these things? Many of the softwares out there like Maya and Max require plugins that will take care of these things, I don't think there is one program that does it all.

[Naes3d]

At least I can answer one question for you, If memory serves, Vectorstyle uses Ravixx 3 technology which was vreated by the makers of Swift3D. So output should be comparable.

[bwtr]

Shilts, doing is the best teacher.

[AWBenson]

Vectorstyle 1 used Ravixx 2, I do believe. Vectorstyle 2 uses an Eovia-made solution that has nothing to do with Ravixx anymore.

Originally Posted by Naes3d

At least I can answer one question for you, If memory serves, Vectorstyle uses Ravixx 3 technology which was vreated by the makers of Swift3D. So output should be comparable.

[shilts]

Originally Posted by behzad

May I ask why you are making these questions? Is it so that you want to be asured that you will get the best deal for your money if you purchase C5? Do you have a project in mind that you wish for these things? Many of the softwares out there like Maya and Max require plugins that will take care of these things, I don't think there is one program that does it all.

Sure, and thanks for the help so far guys.

I come from a background of Maya (1 yr - not very much I know) and C4D (2 yrs). I work as a multimedia designer and have had first Maya and now Cinema 4D in work. My job has recently become fairly high level and strategic - so I do more planning and less designing nowadays. I really miss working in 3D and fancy buying some software to do some freelance work with from home (eventually doing this full-time). I really like the way C4D works from an artist perspective - ease of use etc, however, I cannot justify the cost of the XL bundle at the moment (£1400). This is where Carrara fits in, I need an application that I will not outgrow quickly, with a quick and intuitive workflow and excellent rendering capabilities. C4D and Carrara both fit the bill well here.

So, I am trying to find out (whithout spending 6 months to a year analysing), whether Carrara compares well enough to C4D, or I should bite the bullet and save up for the full price for C4Ds XL bunlde.

So far I am really impressed with what Carrara has to show, but am finding the workflow a bit quirky. There are certain features I know I will need for later with work I have planned and these are outlined in my original question above. These features are quite advanced and I know from experience that you cannot know the full extent of these features without a lot of time put into them to work them out. This is why I am asking, I need to make a purchase decision before the end of January to enable me to carry out the ventures into freelance work I have planned.

Thanks for your help so far everybody.

[Naes3d]

Thanks AW, apparently memory didn't serve LOL.

[ninetwenty]

I think Carrara compares well to C4D's basic package. It has radiosity, caustics, global illumination, toon-shading and physics which you pay extra for in C4D. It has a realistic sky building tool - which C4D has only just got in 9.5 and doesn't seem to have the upgrade path that C4D has (i.e pay a couple of hundred quid for a point upgrade after six months).

I have plenty of experience with Cinema and it is exactly why I am looking at Carrara. I've looked at others and this one definitely comes the highest on my list, it was definitely easy to pick up and start working with and is quite well documented.

I also notice you are from the UK (well I assume that from your use of £'s) so hello from another Brit

[Corndog]

Hi as far as vector styles go with swift 3d.. I am a swift 3d user.. You are able to import 3ds files from carrara into swift and then you can render out any vector style you would like.

Do you have swift ??

[ninetwenty]

Swift3D is limited for animation - no physics, no bones, no morphing, no particles.

[Corndog]

Absolutelt correct.... but a great renderer for vector etc