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From the makers of the popular scene rendering program Bryce comes DAZ Studio, a powerful freeware 3D modeling and CAD program that looks great, but is a resource hog and can be sluggish for the average user.
The publisher recommends at least 256MB of RAM, but we found that to be wishful thinking. The program runs choppily on anything less than 1GB, although some of the more complex rendering was processed more slowly than others. It also requires an OpenGL compatible graphics card with at least 128MB of RAM onboard, so machines built before 2003 will certainly struggle. This isn't unusual for this kind of program, though.
DAZ offers up a wide array of built-in models and tools and for creating, animating, and recording life-like scenes. Users can purchase additional models through the publisher's Web site. Free tutorials on the site take a bit of the edge off the learning curve, although it's still steep. The feature set is nothing short of incredible: You can take a model, manipulate it, add detail and texture, have it interact with other models, and manage your art files. The tool panels on the left and right navigation bars can be hidden, to maximize screen space, and all the tools have mouse-over labels to help newbies learn what's what. There are also components for easy export to other programs like Photoshop.
According to the publisher, the program is compatible with Windows Vista, however, we were unable to install it on our Enterprise edition. Also, all users must register on the publisher's Web site to get the free serial number for the program.
Publisher's Description
From DAZ 3D:
DAZ Studio is a feature rich 3D figure posing and animation tool that enables users of any skill level to easily create stunning digital imagery. Whether youre a 3D newbie or an avid 3D artist, you'll find DAZ Studio is the perfect tool for designing unique digital art and animation with virtual people, animals, props, vehicles, backgrounds and more. Experience total creative freedom with DAZ Studio and express yourself in 3D like never before.
Version 1.8.1.5 adds support for Carrara 6.03
What's new in this version: Version 1.8.1.5 adds support for Carrara 6.0.3.
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All versions:
3.7 starsout of 320 votes
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Current version:
3.8 starsout of 36 votes
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My rating:
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"WOW!!!!"
Version: DAZ Studio 1.8.1.5
Pros
I just downloaded the free bundle of figures from their site. So much for the "There's no objects that come with it, whaa!"
"models are expensive and only DAZ" I mostly use Lightwav and DAZ objects pull up fine. And if you think $45 for a model is expensive, you haven't shopped around much. The closest model in any other program to their Victoria 4 cost $350.
Cons
The bundles are hard to install but once you figure it out, it's no problem.
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"Great!!!"
Version: DAZ Studio 1.8.1.5
Pros
D|S is easy to use once you know how to set it up.
It's free!!!
If you join the community and are willing to learn you will have a nice experience.
Cons
Since Daz starting distributing the software through download.com, many people are confused about how to get the free content promised and how to get it to work. You have to download the free content separately. Then you have to install it and set it up properly. First search here for daz content. Then go to daz3d.com and search the forum for more info and tutorials. Everyone is very friendly and more than willing to help. It's worth the little extra effort for this great free product. Once you're up and running you search the entire web for more free content, tutorials, etc. youtube is a good place to look for video lessons. Hope this helps those who had trouble getting started.
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"awesome stuff"
Version: DAZ Studio 1.8.1.5
Pros
daz studio/daz3d is the most awesome art program to come down the pipe in along time
freebies can be found at any of the websites that offer poser content and the ability to alter colors and sets is beyond compare
Cons
is addictive and that can be costly but the end result is very cool so its not much of a con
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"crap"
Version: DAZ Studio 1.8.1.5
Pros
nothing , wished it worked.
Cons
I downloaded this crapware and it doesnt even give you any models to work with to see if You even like the program. looking through all of the options- I see you can export to anything except crap no one uses. You cant make an Avi or any movie file exports. cant export or save a screen as a Picture file "Like Bmp or Jpg ect". bring back the original Poser and get rid of this crapware.
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"Hooked since my 1st render"
Version: DAZ Studio 1.8.1.5
Pros
I`ve been using Daz Studio since it was first offered by Daz. I have several full version rendering programs, but whenever I feel the urge to create something and NOT get frustrated/disheartened by steep learning curves or slow rendering times I click on my Daz Studio icon, I agree that content organization could be improved, but you CAN organize your content any way you like, simply by dragging and dropping your library folders within the D/S interface.. Want all your Victoria figures easily accessible, drag each one into a Victoria folder and rename it (the folder) w/a dash dash prefix, There you go it`s @ the top of your figures list. Did I mention the fact that you can keep your libraries anywhere you like?? You don`t have to install your content into the program directory, keep it on a separate drive and each time you upgrade D/S just point your existing install to access that directory. (My current content directory is nearly 40GB`s and dates back to Poser 4)
Cons
The ONLY thing I don`t like about this software is that it doesn`t support network rendering, Yet... (crossing my fingers)
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"Brilliant!"
Version: DAZ Studio 1.8.1.5
Pros
I've used DAZ Studio since it's inception and this is the best version yet. It's user interface is much improved and the options for posing figures are so easy to use, particularly if you use a Notebook Touchpad instead of a mouse. Just wonderful.
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"Most Excellent"
Version: DAZ Studio 1.8.1.5
Pros
Great tutorial, easy online help, many many many users willing to help and a fun program to use to create some GREAT 3D creations....
Cons
Adding the plugins can be a little tough at first...and knowing how to save files can be tricky....but overall, very few complaints.
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"excellent"
Version: DAZ Studio 1.8.1.5
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"Great!!!!!"
Version: DAZ Studio 1.8.1.5
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"for starter contents are empty and importig a maze. you are stuck from the go"
Version: DAZ Studio 1.8.1.5
Cons
some of the asumed great features do not work in the trail version, making it difficult to assess its goodness. I think activating all the feature in the trail version for a period of one month only and gradually turn them off in the next month will give us time to appreciate the wonder of this software. whence purchase it.
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