3D Computer Animation: My POV-Ray Experience

In summary, the speakers discuss their experiences with 3D computer animation, specifically POV-Ray for Windows. Janus is familiar with 3D graphics and the speaker recommends getting a copy of POV-Ray. The speaker has done some animations but mainly focuses on still renderings. They share a link to their work, including some animations and a project based on Escher's "Ascending and Descending." They also mention learning how to write cool include files and making a short animation of a chess game. The speaker mentions the Hall of Fame on the POV-Ray website and how some of the work there looks like photographs. They also mention other programs they have played around with, such as Maya.
  • #1
Pauly Man
129
0
I was wondering if anyone here did much in the way of 3D computer animation. I downloaded POV-Ray for windows a while back and love it! I recommend that anyone interested in animation grabs themselves a copy. =]
 
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  • #2
I know Janus is familiar with 3D graphics. I've fiddled with 3d max and bryce, but never really had the time to study it. However I am truly impressed with what some artists create with the tools.
 
  • #3
I came across Pov-ray some time ago, more or less by accident, and like you, fell in love with it.
While I've done some animations, I've mostly done still renderings, mainly because of the time involved with rendering the multiple frames needed for animation.

Here's a link to a web page that shows some of my work, including a few animations. Please excuse any glitches, I haven't worked on, or updated it in a while. It contains mostly some of my earlier stuff.

http://www.geocities.com/janus58.geo/index.html

Below are some stuff I did for PF's "Europa Mission"; Basically some "artist's interpretations" of the hardware at different phases of the mission.

http://home.teleport.com/~parvey/Ascent.jpg

http://home.teleport.com/~parvey/arrival.jpg

http://home.teleport.com/~parvey/return.jpg

http://home.teleport.com/~parvey/lander.jpg

This last one is one of my latest projects, A 3D rendering of Escher's "Ascending and Descending"

http://home.teleport.com/~parvey/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/ascend.jpg

BTW, my avatar is a animation I did with Pov-ray.
 
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  • #4
Cool Janus. =]

I haven't done anything terribly special with stills yet, I'm still learning. I've been playing mainly with macros, working out how to write some cool include files and so on, then I'll make a short animation of a chess game.
 
  • #5
You can do some real awsome stuff with POV-Ray. I don't know if you saw the Hall of Fame on the pov-ray website when you downloaded it, but anyway here it is.
http://www.povray.org/community/hof/
Some of those look like photographs

I, myself has not really used POV-Ray. I've played around with Maya, and other programs, though.
-HBar
 

1. What is POV-Ray?

POV-Ray stands for Persistence of Vision Raytracer and is a computer graphics software that allows users to create high-quality 3D images and animations. It uses ray tracing, a rendering technique that creates realistic lighting and shadows, to produce photo-realistic images.

2. Is POV-Ray difficult to use?

POV-Ray has a steep learning curve and may seem difficult for beginners. However, with practice and dedication, it can be mastered. There are also many online tutorials and resources available to help users learn how to use the software effectively.

3. What are the advantages of using POV-Ray for 3D animation?

POV-Ray offers a wide range of features and capabilities, making it a popular choice for 3D animation. Some of its advantages include its ability to create highly realistic images and animations, its open-source nature, and its compatibility with various operating systems.

4. Can POV-Ray be used for commercial projects?

Yes, POV-Ray can be used for both personal and commercial projects. It is released under the GNU General Public License, which allows for free usage and distribution. However, it is always best to check the licensing terms and conditions for any specific project to ensure compliance.

5. What are some tips for creating high-quality 3D animations with POV-Ray?

To create high-quality 3D animations with POV-Ray, it is important to have a good understanding of the software's features and capabilities. Additionally, having a well-planned and organized workflow, utilizing lighting and textures effectively, and paying attention to detail can greatly enhance the final result. It is also helpful to constantly experiment and learn new techniques to improve your skills as a 3D animator.

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