Carrara versus Daz and Hexagon
RiverMissy
Posts: 303
Hello, I am debating getting Carrara Pro 8.5. For me it would be an affordable way to get Victoria 5 and Michael 5 Pro Bundles but I was also wondering if I would use the software and if so what I might use the software for. From reading the description it seems that it might be kind of Blender Light plus a bit more animation but I could be all wrong. That is why I am posting this to get feedback from people that use the software. Thank you in advance.
RiverMissy
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Comments
It has a terrain generator
a tree generator
animated oceans
as well as a vertex modeller
so not a bad piece of kit, also consider Bryce for the same reason
both can be used to render nice 360 environments for your DAZ studio dome too
I bought Carrara for the same reason - to get the V5 and M5 bundles for Daz Studio. But the vast functions of Carrara, and the supportivness of the community here, caused me to change course. I desided to switch to Carrara for almost everything. For me, it was tons easier than Blender, but It still took about 6 months to get really comfortable. No regrets.
A good place to get an idea of the ways Carrara can be used as well as the renders produced is by browsing the threads:-
Learning tips and tricks from prior Carrara Challenge WIP threads - https://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/45254/learning-tips-and-tricks-from-prior-carrara-challenge-wip-threads/p1
Post Your Renders - Introduce the World to Carrara!!! - https://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/137451/post-your-renders-introduce-the-world-to-carrara/p1
Carrara Non Photo Realistic Works - https://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/158646/carrara-non-photo-realistic-works/p1
For a rundown of Carrara there is Darts excellent ►►► Carrara Information Manual ◄◄◄ - https://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/15970/carrara-information-manual/p1
I use Carrara on virtually a daily basis, primarily for short animations. I go way back to the early days of Poser and Bryce, switching to Carrara years ago when I realized it was way more capable than Poser, plus it handles Poser format content seamlessly - loads directly from the Carrara browser, no "import". I still do use Poser for certain purchased models with Poser specific features, e.g. ERC features that don't work in Carrara, and also some great lighting setups that would have to be redone in Carrara. A particular Carrara animation feature is Non-Linear Animation (NLA), involving motion capture "clips" that can be dropped into the sequencer anywhere and in any order, very efficient. I now have a large library of clips for my favorite characters (M4, V4, K4), mostly using imported mocaps (PoserMocap, AniMate Importer For Carrara, etc.) and saving as clips. Other Carrara features: Modelling (I do only mods primarily), fast rendering, Non Photorealistic rendering (e.g. clean line drawings), and many more. I don't use DAZ Studio (problems animating, I've read) or Hexagon (I'm not a modeler plus Carrara's modelling features are more than I need for mods), but for me Carrara is plenty powerful enough. I have had little luck with DS (.duf) format in Carrara, so I avoid it, plenty of Carrara and Poser format products available and coming out regularly (not necessarily here).
Here is a two minute animation done in Carrara (using Poser elements) that some people like:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IBX3znFk_0
Thank you to everyone for all of the great information on Carrara. I bought it and installed it and will start trying it as time allows. I am looking forward to coming back here as a reference.
Rivermissy
If you plan on using any IRAY textures you will want Philimo's plugin for conversion to Carrara shaders.
https://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/240836/new-beta-available-pbr-microfacets-disney-fresnel-and-tutti-quanti/p1
There are a bunchof other plugins that are useful as well tht are available on CarraraCafe,DAZ store, Sparrowhawke site, or in the forums.
I recall long ago asking the question " what is the difference between Daz Studio and Carrara . The answer, Daz Studio is a TOY !!!
Since then DS has evolved tremendously but I'd say Carrara after all these years holds it own very well and still can do things DS cant and once you get to know it is a joy to work with. I particularly like the camera and light controls. The 3 plane grid is something you dont often find elswhere.
It has a couple of features, well 12 actually , not mentioed above - It has Particles, Hair creation, a great Shader function , Terraine modelling,Environment with volumetric clouds, Fire, bullet physics, Forces ,Lights and effects , Surface Replicator and a pretty fast renderer.
It may not be the perfect solution but for the money its awesome! We are glad you bought it. and this forum will help you all the way. AND there is more !!! http://carraracafe.com/downloads/
What is the diffrence between haxagon and daz studio?