5. Review the existing 3D development software: software, eg 3D Studio Max, Maya, Lightwave, AutoCAD, Cinema 4D, Mudbox, Zbrush. Softimage|XSI. Also explain the file formats associated with each application, eg 3ds, .mb, .lwo, .C4d, .dxf, .obj;

1. Review the existing 3D development software: software, eg 3D Studio Max, Maya, Lightwave, AutoCAD, Cinema 4D, Mudbox, Zbrush.

Softimage|XSI. Also explain the  file formats associated with each application, eg 3ds, .mb, .lwo, .C4d, .dxf, .obj;

3D Studio Max

Max dominates the video game development industry, is a popular 3D programs with hobbyists, and some companies use Max in film and television production as well. Max provides a workable modeling, animation, and rendering solution out of the box, but most of the system's power comes from the huge market for plug-ins and add-ons that are available for it, for example, plug-ins are available to render self-shadowing smoke, or to simulate sophisticated fluid dynamics, and Max was the first program to get plug-ins to render 3D scenes directly into Flash animations. There are even several add-on rendering systems that give Max more powerful raytracing and global illumination capabilities, although the cost of adding high-end rendering capabilities to Max can make it as expensive as a more powerful animation package such as SoftimageXSI.

Maya

Autodesk Maya is a 3D animation and 3D modeling software application that is used for simulation, visual effects, rendering, and compositing. It is used in the TV industry for shows like Lost, major motion films like Avatar, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, and in the gaming industry for games like Medal of Honor and Resistance 2.

Maya is an integrated node-based software application for 3D digital animation and visual effects. Using Maya, you can create and edit 3D models in a variety of modeling formats and animate your models using a whole host of animation tools. Maya also provides the ability for you to render your animated 3D scenes to achieve photo realistic imagery and animated visual effects. 

Lightwave

Lightwave is a popular and easy to use choice that is widely used for video and television production around the world. Lightwave includes a powerful polygonal modeler that also produces polygon-based subdivision surfaces that Newtek calls "MetaNURBS" (despite that name, Lightwave does not support NURBS modeling, MetaNURBS is a trademark Newtek uses for its subdivision surfaces.) Even though the modeling lacks associativity, which consequently makes some types of revisions much slower and does not allow many undo steps, it does perform well, is simple to learn, and experienced users can get high-quality work done with it. The animation still has a lot of catching up to do with Maya or Softimage, but is a workable solution for the average company's animation needs. Lightwave's renderer is a well regarded raytracer, which also includes Image Based Lighting and (if you have time to wait) global illumination support. Lightwave's renderer has been used for many commercials and TV programs. Very few of the leading film studios use Lightwave, but it is often used by smaller companies contributing opening title sequences, monitor screen graphics, and other smaller parts of a film's CGI.

AutoCAD

Autodesk is an industry leader in computer-aided design software, and its AutoCAD design applications are among some of the most widely used in the world. Given the company’s renowned reputation, CAD software reviews would seem incomplete without the inclusion of one of its products. AutoCAD LT is the light CAD design software in the AutoCAD family and offers robust computer 2D drafting and detailing.

At first glance, it’s easy to see why the software has gained such a loyal customer base; it’s sleek and polished, with a toolbar that’s jam-packed with features yet still relatively easy to navigate. The software’s steep price tag and learning curve is likely to intimidate beginners. However, the investment in both money and time the application necessitates is well worth the effort for those willing to learn.

Cinema 4D

Cinema 4D R13 is the latest release of the commercial cross platform, high-end 3D motion graphics, visual effects, painting, and rendering software application from MAXON. It is extremely popular among professional 3D animators and motion graphics artists. It has been used for films such as 2012, Iron Man 2, District 9, and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. It has also been used in the MTV Music Awards as well as in many other areas such as architectural modeling, graphic design, science, and engineering. Cinema 4D R13 can integrate with a wide variety of products including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe After Effects, Final Cut Pro, and more. CINEMA 4D renders passes in any desired format (image sequences, AVIs or QuickTime movies) and creates a compositing project file that automatically brings all sequences together in the correct format. Depending on the compositing application used, additional data such as 3D cameras, 3D lights or reference objects will be exported as well.

Mudbox

In the last half decade Autodesk has developed Mudbox into the premier 3D sculpting and painting application. An integral part of the Autodesk Entertainment Suite Mudbox 2013 ships with a much-improved interface and, this time around, much better usability as well. While there aren't any new sculpting or painting tools in this update, the sculpting and painting workflow itself is enhanced. However, there is still plenty of room for improvement.

From the start one of Mudbox's best features has been its uncluttered interface. But as Mudbox developed its interface has been slow to keep up. In Mudbox 2011 the interface received a general color-scheme update. Mudbox 2012 introduced Maya-like marking menus. Mudbox 2013 introduces much needed customization  Windows in the Mudbox interface, including Layers, Object List, and View port Filters, may now be moved and docked in different places, re-sized or closed. You can also move and re-dock tool windows, and once you've customized the interface layout, you can save it for your subsequent sessions.

ZBrush

ZBrush 4 is offering an abundance of refined tools and improved functionality. The addition of some major new features like GoZ, ShadowBox, Spotlight, PolyPainting Layers, Timeline, and ZSketch, make this organic sculpting 3D modeler a must-have for designers in genres from gaming and animation to manufacturing and toy design.

If you’re new to ZBrush, the interface will seem very foreign and thus will take some getting used to, especially if you're used to other 3D program tools and interface naming conventions. The developer says this is intentional because of the way you work with the modeling and sculpting tools in the software. While it may take awhile to familiarize yourself with the terminology, layout, and workflow, ZBrush 4’s new modeling features and excellent online training, tutorials, and support will help you get up to speed and creating amazing organic 3D models quickly.

File Formats

3ds Max General file (.3ds)

3ds Max Character (.chr)

Material Library (.mat)

Skin Envelopes (.env, .envASCII)

UVW coordinates (.uvw)

Blender (.blend)

Cinema 4D (.c4d)

Lightwave Object (.lwo)

Lightwave Scene (.lws)

Luxology Modo (software) file (.lxo)

Autodesk Maya ASCII File (.ma)

Autodesk Maya Binary File (.mb)

AutoCAD general file (.dxf)

Organized machine code file (.obj)