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Autodesk Softimage

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Autodesk Softimage Editor's Review

Autodesk has released its lineup of 3D modeling animation tools recently and the spruced up version of Softimage is included in the list. This digital content creation app is used extensively in VFX and high-end animation production mostly. You can buy the suite as a standalone package or as a part of the company’s Suite with siblings like Mudbox and MotionBuilder. The new version of Autodesk Softimage comes with a plethora of usability enhancements and new features. Users belonging to television, film making and game development are likely to benefit more from the new features. The new Camera Sequencer tools deserve a special mention in this context. However, there are no new features related to modeling, which can dishearten some users.

Autodesk Softimage runs on 64 bit architecture and supports Windows 7, 8 and Fedora 14 Linux OSes. While 4 GB RAM is a minimum requirement, you should preferably use more to get smooth performance from the app and 64 bit support is also meant for such RAM heavy setups. Multi core Intel or AMD CPU enabled PCs are required for same reason and the app guzzles a fair amount of disk space. Naturally, it is better to use it on a PC equipped with a separate GPU with plenty of RAM and support for OpenGL. The installation is typical Autodesk Wizard based style and you need to activate the software online post installation.

Like other siblings from Autodesk stable, new version of Softimage comes with enhanced compatibility with other apps and has FBX asset exchange technology. Exchanging animation data with apps like Maya and 3ds Max 2014 is now easier owing to support for blend shapes and constraints. The viewport has got touches of update as well and it is more interactive than ever. However, beginners may find the app a tad tedious to master.

The most promising new feature in Softimage is definitely the Camera Sequencer. It simulates working mechanism of a non linear editor. You can work with separate camera views. This enables you to see the results in viewports and save time eventually. Thereafter, you can generate a preview and it will show all the different camera angles. The Camera Sequencer basically aids streamline the compositing and rendering process. Overall, you can deal with all files in a nondestructive work environment.

For making realistic facial 3D animations, you can use the app’s Face Robot. Using this feature, you can generate expressions in various parts of a character’s face including nose, eyelids, mouth etc. The tool is quite customizable and gives users plenty of flexibility. Face Robot’s automatic lip-syncing feature is especially helpful. It makes animating dialogues a cakewalk and superb translation capability makes it even more desirable.

The app’s revamped animation mixer makes most of the animation process simulate typical video-editing workflow. Owing to Layer support, you can isolate some aspects of a scene. Applying motion capture data in animation mixer environment is also possible. Autodesk team deserves applauds for the enhanced CrowdFX crowd simulation in this edition of Softimage.

Like other Autodesk apps Softimage utilizes mental ray software for light rendering. Generally termed as global illumination, Mental ray is used to generate photorealistic lighting effects. The Interactive Creative Environment, mostly known as ICE is a popular part of Softimage. It lets you use flow-chart based diagram to regulate and tweak aspects of complex 3D effects and their impact on models. ICE also enables you to deform the models, rig them properly for animation and generate different types of particles. All these can be done without scripting, which is why Softimage is preferred by 3D animation and modeling professionals worldwide.

The app’s Generalized Attribute Transfer Operator feature facilitates fast production. It deploys an algorithm that evaluates two models and measures corresponding points between the duos. After it is done, the feature can be used to transfer textures, attributes, and animation settings from one to the other. The multiphysics engine of Softimage named Lagoa is great for working with fluids and elastic materials.

As expected, Autodesk offers plenty of web based tutorials to aid new users master the software. Apart from that, you can rely on Autodesk technical support which is available both through community and email.

Positive Points:
 -  64 bit architecture speeds up workflow.
 -  Face Robot great for realistic facial expression creation.
 -  ICE and Lagoa make creating stunning animations easier.
 -  Enhanced data exchange capability with other sibling apps.

Negative Points:
 -  Steep learning curve.
 -  Very resource hungry app.
 -  No new modeling feature introduced.
 -  No support for older OSes.

Conclusion:
Autodesk Softimage is not meant for beginners in 3D and it will not please those uses who are mostly into character rigging. While its Face Robot and Gator ease up workflow in professional setups tremendously, changes introduced to the new version are focused mostly on improving existing workflows. Like other Autodesk 3D apps, it is quite resource hungry and there is no luck for users stuck with older OSes. Nevertheless, you can use it as a supplement to your existing 3D animation and modeling tools. It will be helpful for saving time and making character animation appear more realistic.

Rating: 3.5/5







Autodesk Softimage Publisher's Description

Autodesk Softimage is a handy and reliable application designed to assist users in creating 3D animations with outstanding visual effects.

Autodesk Softimage bundles two major tools, namely ICE (Interactive Creative Environment) and Autodesk Face Robot that make possible the creation of unique facial animations.

With a streamlined user interface, Autodesk Softimage brings innovation to 3D game development and post-production work.

Free download from Shareware Connection - Autodesk Softimage is a handy and reliable application designed to assist users in creating 3D animations with outstanding visual effects.

Publisher: Autodesk Inc | License: Shareware
Version: 2013 Build 11.0.525.0 | Platform: Windows 7, Windows 8, WinOther
Released Date: | Rating: 5 | Title: Autodesk Softimage

Author Url: http://www.autodesk.com/
Program Info Url: http://www.autodesk.com/products/autodesk-softimage/overview
Download Url: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/download/item?siteID=123112&id=13572885

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Shareware Connection periodically updates pricing and software information of 'Autodesk Softimage' from company source 'Autodesk Inc' , so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it. Software piracy is theft,  Using 'Autodesk Softimage' crack, password, serial numbers, registration codes, key generators is illegal and prevent future development of Autodesk Softimage.

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