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Issue link: https://digital.macdirectory.com/i/7575
MacDirectory 137
Autodesk MatchMover
MatchMover gives artists the power to
seamlessly integrate 3D animation with live
video. It provides automated tools for 3D
camera and motion tracking for video and
film. Manual tracking can also be applied
to improve accuracy. Match-moving can be
as simple as importing the sequence into
MatchMover, selecting the appropriate
interlace, frame rate and other camera
data, and then choosing Automatic
Tracking from the 2D Tracking menu.
Alternatively, users can add and adjust
manual tracks to create a 3D camera
track. Manual tracks may be used to
create a common coordinate system
between the video and CG elements.
Manual tracks can also track in 3D the
motion of non-rigid objects, like the
human face or piece of cloth, allowing
users to synchronize video sequences, and
match the motion between CG characters,
or props with real objects, or actors.
Autodesk Mudbox 2010 >
Sculpting With Digital Clay
Put a piece of clay in your hands. Can you
resist shaping the clay? With Autodesk's
Mudbox 2010, this application lets 3D artists
regain the feel of working clay and paint,
without the messy clean-up. Mudbox 2010
allows beginners to experts the freedom to
digitally mold and paint pre-sculpted or
geometric objects into 3D characters and
props. Your imagination is the only factor
limiting creativity and design.
By watching the four mini-tutorial videos
(40-60 seconds long), within minutes users
can start sculpting with Mudbox 2010. It's
that easy to begin learning, but don't think
this application doesn't have the scope and
prowess expert animators require.
New for Mudbox 2010
These highlights list a few new features
within Autodesk Mudbox 2010:
• Adobe Photoshop interoperability –
Mudbox 2010 can export paint layers
as PSD files for touch up or modification
in Photoshop and then import the
edited PSD files.
• Autodesk FBX support – artists can
import and export significant data
containing more information than the
standard OBJ file format.
• New sculpting and painting tools –
new paintbrushes, stencils, 3D paint
performance, display textures without
filtering, and new viewpoint filters
• Images rendered direct from viewport –
allows faster access to high-quality
images for design previews.
• Software development kit (SDK).
Interoperability –
Key to Efficient Workflow
Mudbox 2010 allows users to integrate their
work with Adobe Photoshop, plus Autodesk
Maya, Autodesk 3ds Max, and Autodesk
Softimage programs. With the Software
Development Kit (SDK), Mudbox 2010 can
be integrated into additional workflow
pipelines using different applications.
Adobe Photoshop
In Photoshop, artists apply their skills in
two dimensions (2D), whereas animators
design multidimensional objects (3D).
Mudbox 2010 versatility allows paint layers
to be exported as a Photoshop file (PSD),
modified within Photoshop, and then re-
imported back into Mudbox. A 2D artist
can fine tune the paint layers with all the
tools available in Adobe Photoshop, saving
3D artists time to create other characters
or props. Exporting an image of the
character, or prop provides artists the
paint layer context when fine-tuning the
paint layer within Adobe Photoshop. This
interoperability between Adobe
Photoshop, a leading image editing tool,
and Autodesk Mudbox 2010 enables users
to access Photoshop's broad and powerful
tool set when creating realistic or
fantastical characters and props.
Autodesk Applications
With Autodesk FBX support, 3D objects
and props created in Mudbox 2010 can be
easily exported into 3Ds Max and Maya.
These 3D characters and props can then
be carved, molded, painted and fine
tuned using the software's broad selection
of intuitive, painting and sculpting tools.
The finished character or prop can then be
exported as a FBX file for animation. This
file includes the painted look of the 3D
object.
Alternatively, 3D characters designed in
Maya or 3ds Max can be exported as an
FBX file, and then imported Mudbox 2010
for further shaping, painting or sculpting.
For example, design a magnificent,
pristine Greek column in Maya, export as
an FBX file, then open in Mudbox 2010, to
quickly gouge and paint as a dragon-
clawed column.
New Tools – More Fun
Imagine sitting in front of a 3D creation,
with multiple brushes at your fingertips.
Digitally scale a creature's forearm, or
clone existing paint on both flanks creating
futuristic 3D creatures. Autodesk's
Mudbox 2010 provides a delightful array of
brushes, stencils, stamps and other tools to
visually enhance 3D objects. Add soft
shadows using ambient occlusion maps,
without extra work or cost.
Free Trials and Tutorials
For Maya 2010 and Mudbox 2010,
Autodesk offers a 30-day free trial,
outstanding online tutorials and support.
For Mudbox 2010, advanced tutorial
videos and documents require Internet
access. No need to scrub off clay under
the fingernails, or paint stains on your
hands. Autodesk Mudbox 2010 enables
artists clean, digital sculpting fun for
budding beginners to artistic experts.
And Maya 2010 provides a full-throttled
animation and simulation environment to
choreograph eye-popping advertisements
and box office winners.
Product Mudbox 2010
Made by Autodesk