So you want to get into computer generated images. Maybe you've seen a friend do it, or maybe love Pixar movies. Whatever the case you want to start but don't know how. Here is a small resource to get you going with one of the hottest 3D packages around: Cinema 4D
What is Cinema 4D?
Maybe you are just getting into 3D images and animations and you are researching which program to get. Maybe you have been doing it for a hobby or for a living and want to switch to a new application. Whatever the case Maxon's Cinema 4D is a viable choice and you're here to find out about it. You have questions like "is it as powerful as my current application?" or "is it easy to learn and use?" Hopefully find the answers right here.Maxon (a software company based in Germany) started producing Cinema 4D for the Amiga in 1993. It was ported to Mac and Windows in 1996 and brought to North America in 1998. Although it hasn't been around as long as some of the other 3D programs (such as Max and Maya) it progressed into a full-blown professional very quickly. It is currently up to Release 9.5 and 9.6 will be available May 2006.
You ask, "But can it do all the things my current app can do?" You bet. Cinema 4D incorporates a full set of modeling, animation, lighting, particle, and texturing tools even in its core package. It can be expanded with modules that add even better rendering, character animation, texturing, and effects. It also plays well with others by exporting into all major formats such as .3ds and .obj.
And if you are just entering 3D art this is just the program for you. It boasts an intuitive interface and workflow that make it easy to access and understand all the tools. It also is one of the easiest applications to because it is not overly complex. There several good books, websites, and DVDs that will make learning it even more of a snap. And the customer support is second to none.
In the following sections I will take you through the application by these categories: Modeling, Texturing, Lighting, Animation, and Rendering. I will highlight the modules and bundles.
Modeling
Cinema 4D boasts a full complement of modeling tools. Everything for point, polygon, and edge based editing. You can even generate geometry from a spline and smooth low polygon shapes in real-time. You can start with a preexisting shape like a cube or cylinder or start from scratch by placing points and connecting them.A whole range of geometry generators and deformers help you translate your ideas into the third dimension efficiently. And Cinema 4D fully supports N-Gons (polygons with more than four sides). Other helpful tools include a Boolean object that allows you to quickly make wholes in your mesh and a Symmetry object that lets you model only half a symmetrical model while the program fills in the rest.
All these tools come with the core package so you can start making advanced models right away.
(Image Created by Marco Weiss)
Texturing
With Cinema 4D texture system you can create realistic glass, add dirt, give that table varnish, or put decals on your car. You have many shaders like Falloff, Fresnel, Gradient, and Backlight that allow you to create very realistic textures. And you can even layer these effects and use layer blending modes just like Photoshop.You can import a range of graphics files including Photoshop, TIFF, Targa, RAW, and Jpeg2000 and use them as textures or create your own shader from scratch. And if you add the Advanced Render module you can create very intricate displacements on your model as well as use Sub Surface Scatter which accurately simulates translucent materials.
Extend Cinema 4D's texturing abilities even farther by adding BodyPaint 3D. This module allows you to paint your models in real-time giving you extreme control over all aspects of texturing.
(Image Created by Peter Hofmann)
Lighting
Lighting your scene is a snap with Cinema 4D. Choose from nine light types and four different types of shadow. You can choose light and shadow color, shadow density, falloff, noise, and lens effects. Add realism with volumetric lights or cheat reality with negative lighting. As an added bonus the current release of Cinema 4D renders lights up to 300% faster than older versions.By adding the Advanced Render module you can simulate such real world effects as caustics and radiosity giving you the control you need to create photorealistic images.
(Image Created by Nicolas Lefevre)
Animation
Create a simple 30 second short or a feature film. With Cinema 4D's animation tools the possibilities are endless. You can animate almost every function and setting in Cinema 4D, from texture color to shadow type. Create, edit, and delete keyframes quickly and easily. Use Function-Curves to tweak the timing of your animation and make it perfect. If that wasn't enough control, you can have more using XPresso, Cinema 4D's node based programming language.To extend Cinema 4D further, use the MOCCA module to create complex character animations fast and efficiently. You can even animate hair on your characters using the HAIR module.
(Image Created by www.mostyle.tv)
Rendering
Rendering has never been faster or easier. And with the Advanced Render module you can do amazing effects such as depth of field, motion blur, glow, and more. With NET Render you can spread the work over as many computers as you have to make rendering go even faster.Other enhancements include the ability to use up to a terabyte (1024 GB) of RAM (if you have the 64-bit version) and support for multiple processors, HyperThreading, and dual core chips.
Cinema 4D can create a variety of image formats including BMP, TIFF, JPEG, and PSD. It can render AVI and MOV movies and QuickTime VR objects as well.
(Image Created by Daniel Mueri)
Cinema 4D Modules
Maxon makes ten add on modules to extend Cinema 4D's power.
- Advanced Render - The perfect rendering solution. Adds to Cinema 4D's already fast and powerful rendering engine. Includes Radiosity to simulate how light bounces to get incredible photorealism.
- MOCCA - MOCCA stands for Motion Capturing and Animation. It is an all around character animation suite. It can be used to create very realistic motion in your characters.
- Pyrocluster - Create stunning visual effects like fire, smoke, and clouds.
- Thinking Particles - This module allows you to make excellent animations with particles. It uses Cinema 4D's built in node-based programming system.
- Dynamics - Add gravity, wind, and other natural forces to your scene quickly and easily.
- BodyPaint 3D - Texture your models in real-time by painting right on them. It is almost like a 3D version of Photoshop.
- Net Render - Gives you more rendering power by allowing you to spread the processing load across a network of computers.
- HAIR - Easily add hair, beards, and whiskers to your characters as well as creating realistic grass for your scenes.
- MoGraph - The new motion graphics solution. Create flying logos, exploding text, abstract effects and more with the touch of a button.
- Sketch and Toon - Make your rendered images look like they have been hand drawn. Charcoal, pencil, and anime. The possibilities are endless.
XL Bundle
When the core version is not enough step up to the power of the XL Bundle. It gives you more advanced character animation, adds more particle functionality, and adds more rendering power. These are the modules it contains (for a description of each module see the "Cinema 4D Modules" list above.)
- MOCCA
- Advanced Render
- Thinking Particles
- Pyrocluster
- NET Render (3 clients)
Studio Bundle
To get the most power and functionality out of Cinema 4D get the Studio Bundle. It contains all the modules (except HAIR and MoGraph since they were added in the last few months). These are the modules it contains (for a description of each module see the "Cinema 4D Modules" list above.)
- MOCCA
- Advanced Render
- Thinking Particles
- Pyrocluster
- NET Render (unlimited clients)
- Dynamics
- BodyPaint 3D
- Sketch and Toon
Information
- Maxon Homepage
- The company that produces Cinema 4D and its modules.
- Cinema 4D at Wikipedia
- Cinema 4D's Wikipedia. General info and history and lots of links for 3D related theory and concepts.
Places to Get Cinema 4D
- Novedge
- The Largest Online CAD/CAM Store
- Genesis Technologies
- This is an academic store so you must prove you are student before you buy.
3D Forums
- C4D Cafe
- A great site devoted to all things Cinema 4D. Monthly contests, helpful members, and over 100 free video tutorials.
- 3D Attack
- An excellent and helpful Cinema 4D forum. But the main attractions here are the excellent plugins and the monthly magazine full of tutorials, product reviews, interviews, and more.
- CGTalk
- A forum devoted to every type of CG program imaginable. From 3ds Max to Maya, Cinema 4D to Photoshop, they have it all. And with over 220,000 members there is plenty of expertise to go around.
Cinema 4D Training
- 3D Fluff Training
- The best training DVDs for Cinema 4D available. Done by two former Maxon employees. Each DVD is between two and four hours of project based instruction. They also offer personal and group training in the UK.
- Vital | Disclosure
- Good DVDs from one of the top Cinema 4D design houses. They have done commercials and advertisements for the likes of Infinity and Nike.
Books to Get You Going
Exploring 3D Modeling with Cinema 4D R9 (Design Exploration)
A great book that teaches the basic tools and techniques of modeling.
Amazon Price: $39.82 (as of 10/13/2008)
Exploring 3d Animation with Cinema 4d R9 (Design Exploration)
A companion to "Exploring 3D Modeling with Cinema 4D R9". Takes you through animation tools and techniques.
Amazon Price: (as of 10/13/2008)
Cinema 4D 9/9.1 Handbook (Graphics Series)
Takes you through the setup, interface, and basics of Cinema 4D. Also includes a great walkthrough of character modeling/animation.
Amazon Price: $38.96 (as of 10/13/2008)
CINEMA 4D : The Artist's Project Sourcebook (Digital Media Academy Series)
An excellent resource that that explains both the basics and more advanced techniques. The highest rated Cinema 4D book!
Amazon Price: $39.15 (as of 10/13/2008)
Digital Lighting & Rendering
A great book to help you simulate realistic lighting.
Amazon Price: (as of 10/13/2008)
