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IClone- Animations, Mocap- What's Your Thoughts?

NovicaNovica Posts: 23,887
edited December 1969 in The Commons

I posted the question under the thread asking about 2D and this really is about 3D and using IClone. The Pro Bundle at $350 seems a good deal, but I haven't a clue about this product and the ones included. Do I need the mocap plugin also, in addition to the ProBundle- to use the Kinect? I assume that is not included in the Pro bundle as I didn't see it? Dreamcutter mentioned this in another thread (which I decided not to use as the topic was about 2D) and I am really interested in getting into the mocap features-

http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/19516/#287013

"IClone and 3DExchange is a wonderfully flexible system that now has special export / import templates to allow for full animation capability of DAZ Characters in IClone, and vice versa. Note while facial animation is now possible on Daz Genesis figures in IClone, IClone content exported and imported to DAZ will not have facial animations until the anticipated iClone 5.5 update this summer. IClone brings incredible animation and access to zillions of figure motions, effects and entire scenes so you can create entire multi-scene movies from your desktop. I use IClone’s full MOCAP and 3D EXchange Pipeline app suite to prepare animate licensed character figures for 3d game implementation."

I'm trying to figure out what the best way to approach IClone is, the ProBundle seems a good deal (the 3D Exchange is $200 just by itself)
but want to figure out what I need and then if I want to spend the $. We're studying Lightwave so also want to know your thoughts on the learning curve of IClone.

Comments

  • WendyLuvsCatzWendyLuvsCatz Posts: 38,204
    edited December 1969

    I do not have the mocap plugin but yes, you meed it to use the kinect.
    you cannot at this point export iClone figures to use in Daz studio as the FBX import is questionable
    (and you need 3dx5.4pipeline as well and licenses for marketplace content)
    works well in Carrara 8.5 beta (not 8.1production build)

    it is different to Daz studio in how it does stuff but once you get over that you will find it VERY easy to animate in, if you NEVER had used Daz studio or Poser like me when I first used iClone 4 years ago, no computing experience to speak of, you would find it a walk in the park!!!
    it took me a while to figure out Daz studio but iClone I could use straight away!

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,887
    edited December 1969

    thanks WendyCatz- I decided to go for the 3 in 1 pipeline as my sons want to be game developers and will be headed off to school for 3d animation- it has the mocap and the pro and the 3d Xchange- and with MM pricing, it was a staggering amount off (about $220), haven't figured it precisely based on my other item I had in the cart. So it was around $405, down from 629.30, down from $900. It's $700 on their site, btw, down from suggested price, so yes, this is a good deal I think :) Thanks for the input!

    http://www.reallusion.com/iclone/pipeline/join_purchase.aspx

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,887
    edited December 1969

    The biggie- is it easy to import the DAZ into IClone? I have so much DAZ stuff and characters! And it's not just importing Genesis, you can do the gen 4's too?

  • WendyLuvsCatzWendyLuvsCatz Posts: 38,204
    edited December 1969

    yes, follow their tutorials and go to the Reallusion forum.
    I have done lots of animations if you care to click the "do not click" in my sigline many with Genesis, but also V4 Bruuna in iClone.
    you need to have ALL the facial morphs appear on the timeline for FBX export, their "free" with that character pack .duf automates this and import into 3dx5 for Genesis but for other figures must be done manually, I use all morph slider and puppeter to do it, others use lipsync for just visemes.
    you then manually retarget bones and set expressions.
    not hard, just time consuming.
    you can make stuff without mimic dmc files or cr2's to create them like horse2 speak though which is totally cool!

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,887
    edited December 1969

    Gal, you are speaking inter-galactic to me but I'm sure at some point I'll have a clue, lol! I appreciate you very much!
    Cathie

  • bighbigh Posts: 8,147
    edited December 1969

    Novica said:
    thanks WendyCatz- I decided to go for the 3 in 1 pipeline as my sons want to be game developers and will be headed off to school for 3d animation- it has the mocap and the pro and the 3d Xchange- and with MM pricing, it was a staggering amount off (about $220), haven't figured it precisely based on my other item I had in the cart. So it was around $405, down from 629.30, down from $900. It's $700 on their site, btw, down from suggested price, so yes, this is a good deal I think :) Thanks for the input!

    http://www.reallusion.com/iclone/pipeline/join_purchase.aspx

    if the kids are going to be using Lightwave - then save your money .

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,887
    edited December 1969

    OMGosh, I laughed SO hard at your dream date that can't sing! (But who CARES?)

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,887
    edited March 2013

    bigh said:
    Novica said:
    thanks WendyCatz- I decided to go for the 3 in 1 pipeline as my sons want to be game developers and will be headed off to school for 3d animation- it has the mocap and the pro and the 3d Xchange- and with MM pricing, it was a staggering amount off (about $220), haven't figured it precisely based on my other item I had in the cart. So it was around $405, down from 629.30, down from $900. It's $700 on their site, btw, down from suggested price, so yes, this is a good deal I think :) Thanks for the input!

    http://www.reallusion.com/iclone/pipeline/join_purchase.aspx

    if the kids are going to be using Lightwave - then save your money .

    When they head off to school, I'll keep the IClone :) The Lightwave is on their laptop.

    I would assume the IClone would have less of a learning curve? (which would be stellar for ME, who is NOT heading off to school to be a pro)

    EDIT- Lightwave doesn't have a mocap feature does it?

    Post edited by Novica on
  • bighbigh Posts: 8,147
    edited December 1969

    Novica said:
    bigh said:
    Novica said:
    thanks WendyCatz- I decided to go for the 3 in 1 pipeline as my sons want to be game developers and will be headed off to school for 3d animation- it has the mocap and the pro and the 3d Xchange- and with MM pricing, it was a staggering amount off (about $220), haven't figured it precisely based on my other item I had in the cart. So it was around $405, down from 629.30, down from $900. It's $700 on their site, btw, down from suggested price, so yes, this is a good deal I think :) Thanks for the input!

    http://www.reallusion.com/iclone/pipeline/join_purchase.aspx

    if the kids are going to be using Lightwave - then save your money .

    When they head off to school, I'll keep the IClone :) The Lightwave is on their laptop.

    I would assume the IClone would have less of a learning curve? (which would be stellar for ME, who is NOT heading off to school to be a pro)

    EDIT- Lightwave doesn't have a mocap feature does it?

    don't know about mocap - they just came out with a new version .
    yes iClone is easer to learn then Lightwave ( few weeks compare to months ).

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,887
    edited December 1969

    Is the mocap in the 3 in 1 hopefully the newer version? How would I tell? (Sorry to be a pest)

  • bighbigh Posts: 8,147
    edited December 1969

    Novica said:
    Is the mocap in the 3 in 1 hopefully the newer version? How would I tell? (Sorry to be a pest)

    I don't think it is - if you mean iClone .
    Like I said - lots of money to do it all .

    Is there any reason why the kids are learning Lightwave ?
    I would have thought Maya would be a better choice .

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,887
    edited December 1969

    It's one of the programs used by the school. :) Although it's not required to know it prior to attending, we're going to get a firm grasp of using it as some of the other students may have experience. They may also use Maya but the syllabus doesn't have it listed. That would be a plus if they learned more than one program.

  • backgroundbackground Posts: 410
    edited March 2013

    Iclone likes lower polygon figures ( I think Exchange pops up a waring for anything over 30000 polygons ). Texture maps also can be reduced in size for Iclone,since a 4000 x 4000 map is really wasting resources for Iclone, and.. The Studio Texture Atlas is good for this.

    For Genesis I switch to Base resolution before exporting as an FBX from DAZ Studio, and that works fine.
    It is worth considering using the Decimate plugin for Studio if you are using Gen 4 figures, or adding high polygon clothing layers onto Genesis. It is also worth hiding bodyparts which are covered by clothing, so that completely hidden polygons are not exported in the FBX file.

    I think Iclone has much to offer for people thinking of getting into 3D as a profession. It encourages thinking about economical use of polygons and textures, and of course provides a platform to try out annimation, motion capture, storyboarding etc.

    Post edited by background on
  • bighbigh Posts: 8,147
    edited December 1969

    Novica said:
    It's one of the programs used by the school. :) Although it's not required to know it prior to attending, we're going to get a firm grasp of using it as some of the other students may have experience. They may also use Maya but the syllabus doesn't have it listed. That would be a plus if they learned more than one program.

    when do they start ?
    they only want to learn one to start - really learn it .
    are you using 11.5 ?

  • drinkingbuddydrinkingbuddy Posts: 350
    edited December 1969

    I'm a little intrigued by iClone, since the demo videos make it seem a lot easier than aniMate (of course, aren't all demo videos like that?).

    Still, I'm on a Mac, which is too bad. But then again, it's still on sale today so ... *ponder*

  • bighbigh Posts: 8,147
    edited December 1969

    spiderland said:
    I'm a little intrigued by iClone, since the demo videos make it seem a lot easier than aniMate (of course, aren't all demo videos like that?).

    Still, I'm on a Mac, which is too bad. But then again, it's still on sale today so ... *ponder*

    be sure to get on their email list - they offer some good deals
    save some money !!

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,887
    edited March 2013

    bigh said:
    Novica said:
    It's one of the programs used by the school. :) Although it's not required to know it prior to attending, we're going to get a firm grasp of using it as some of the other students may have experience. They may also use Maya but the syllabus doesn't have it listed. That would be a plus if they learned more than one program.

    when do they start ?
    they only want to learn one to start - really learn it .
    are you using 11.5 ?

    There's no set date- depends on when they've really got it mastered. Want them to enjoy it. They've got the latest edition. FYI for folks: The book by Dan Ablan (Inside LightWave v9 has the best text, the 10 and 11 just really tack on to that one. Publisher is New Riders. Get it at Amazon) and the book by Steve Werner are really, really good. Dan's has a good CD with it.

    Post edited by Novica on
  • cyborgty_074ff6c243cyborgty_074ff6c243 Posts: 132
    edited August 2013

    Novica said:
    bigh said:
    Novica said:
    thanks WendyCatz- I decided to go for the 3 in 1 pipeline as my sons want to be game developers and will be headed off to school for 3d animation- it has the mocap and the pro and the 3d Xchange- and with MM pricing, it was a staggering amount off (about $220), haven't figured it precisely based on my other item I had in the cart. So it was around $405, down from 629.30, down from $900. It's $700 on their site, btw, down from suggested price, so yes, this is a good deal I think :) Thanks for the input!

    http://www.reallusion.com/iclone/pipeline/join_purchase.aspx

    if the kids are going to be using Lightwave - then save your money .

    When they head off to school, I'll keep the IClone :) The Lightwave is on their laptop.

    I would assume the IClone would have less of a learning curve? (which would be stellar for ME, who is NOT heading off to school to be a pro)

    EDIT- Lightwave doesn't have a mocap feature does it?

    Newtek has a new Lightwave plugin called NevronMotion, which brings real-time mocap into Lightwave using a kinect camera. I am a Carrara Pro user (and a hobbyist), but I purchased Lightwave and have been taking a close look at it. I will use it with a future project and share the results when completed.

    You probably know this, but programs like Lightwave, Carrara, and Maya allow you to do things that cannot be done in iClone. The most obvious is modeling (allowing the creation of anything) and rendering using raytrace rendering engines that support render passes (iClone uses a realtime rendering engine; has a different lighting model). I use iClone at times for its fast rendering. So I create (within programs with a modeler; usually Carrara) or find objects and assemble the scenes within iClone to animate and to render. You can look at my last three YouTube posts to see what I did with iClone ('A Princess Movie', 'Lego Jedi vs Pirates', and 'A Pirates quest' (the last half of this one)). If I want / need the look I can get from raytrace rendering, I wont use iClone for that project.

    Post edited by cyborgty_074ff6c243 on
  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,887
    edited December 1969

    Don't assume I know anything, lol!
    I have Carrara 8 pro, so I'll be okay when I get the "modeling" stuff. I am also going to get Z brush and doodle with that down the road. If the boys get good at LightWave and can zip me through the learning curve, I may end up doing that too in the future. Thanks for all information :) I haven't touched any of this yet.

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