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Ray Dream Studio represents a 'brave' attempt to allow 2D Photoshop
and Illustrator artists to feel at home in a 3D environment. Providing a simplistic
interface, and attempting to provide drag 'n' drop functionality wherever possible,
this application is obviously aimed at beginners with no genuine knowledge of
3D principles.
MAIN FEATURES AND BENEFITS
MAIN FEATURES AND BENEFITS
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Reasonable library of built in models and materials
- ready to use |
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Ray traced reflections, shadows, and transparency,
with the ability to render selected workspace regions, and create batch queues |
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3D paint brush tool enables real-time painting
directly on wireframe surfaces |
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Real-time shaded preview modes available |
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Model Wizard features presets enabling the easy
creation of simple objects |
DISADVANTAGES AND DRAWBACKS
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Remarkably, no tools for editing existing geometry
are available |
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Shaded preview modes are slow to the point of being
unusable in most situations |
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Animation tools are 'simplistic' at best |
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Aside from proprietary formats, only the popular DXF and VRML object formats are supported |
REVIEW SUMMARY
While Ray Dream Studio provides a 'simplified' interface which will ideally suit beginners very well, a nice range of primitive objects and a well implemented shader interface, the likelihood that I'm willing to recommend a 3D modeling/animation package which virtually does not include any modeling tools whatsoever is in a word - 'slim'.
Caligari Truespace represents a much better choice for new 3D users in virtually every respect.
Written by Nick Smith