the GIMP

before & after manipulation on

separate layer in GIMP

Few paint/photo editing programs can boast a low price and versatility to the public. Industry standards like Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro work great and offer extreme functionality but price is a huge consideration, even with student discounts or special offers from the companies. Some paint programs give you a low (or free) price but lack the versatility of the larger named programs. The exception to this rule is the GIMP.

GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a freeware program for Windows,MAC or Unix systems that gives the user most all the same functions as the heftier standards. Image support for all major image file formats, layers, brushes, selection tools, effects, filtering...the list goes on and on. You can adjust the layout of the interface with customizing options and the online manual is a great bonus (so often programs can leave you out there on your own to figure out how to use it). There seems to be a fairly good sized support for this program and the amount of plugins and tutorials for GIMP continue to grow. For those on a tight budget, how can you not love the price-free! Some sites even carry a portable version of this great little program.

Poser 8 vs. Iclone 4

interface from Poser 8 (top)

and IClone 4 (bottom)

I decided to do a comparative analysis of these two programs as they have very similar output functions. I have been a follower of Poser through it's progressive advancement stages of bringing an easy to use application for people who want to create 3d models for static images, animations and modeling. The Poser software package has passed through a variety of owners since it's conception (published by Fractal Design, MetaCreations, Curious Labs, e Frontier and Smith Micro) providing easy to use models for posing, animating and support to other software programs. Their presence as a partner to such programs as Daz 3D Studio, Bryce, even venturing into usage with Cararra, Maya and Zbrush , makes Poser a reliable standard.

There is a new kid on the block however that makes a big push into the 3d puppeteers's programing arena: Reallusion IClone. IClone has gone through some early versions when they showed ease of usage as a major factor in their program. Template animation sequences for characters gave people the ability to make quick flicks. The downside was the versatility they showed in customizing character's appearance or modifying animations sequences were easier seen than done. The latest version (ver. 4) shows vast improvement in easy to use/tweak functions, and much more. Faster, smarter manipulation, great import video support, recognition of alpha channels....all of these functions available in Poser as well, however, mesh creation and manipulation in IClone excels with nice visual interface for facial puppeteering and UV mapping.

If I were starting to venture into 3d puppet/model software programs today for the first time, I would certainly have a great versatility with either program. Those familiar with the Poser package would probably feel comfortable sticking with it's reliability and vast network of addon plugins and models. There are more Poser (and Daz) websites on the web than you can imagine. IClone is newer to the game and will have a lot of catching up to do to match Posers online community. IClone has to keep in mind that the abundance of functionality in a program weighs up against it's program learning curve. If I am a game designer and have the option to make a finished sequence with nice background effects and posed figures, do I spend the time and money on this all-in-one package or rely on cross-program construction from two or more programs?