3D Studio MAX R3 f/x and design: Filled with Professional Level Effects From Experts in Film and Video [Paperback]

Ken Allen Robertson (Author), Johnny Ow (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 22, 1999 | Series: Exam Cram

Discusses the latest changes to the software from R2/2.5 to R3. Shows in a step-by-step format how to create advanced special effects, such as building a human face, modeling creatures, and more. Addresses MAX's compatibility with other products, such as NewTek LightWave 3D, Adobe Photoshop, and others.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

3D Studio Max R3: f/x & Design does not try to cover everything you need to know about Kinetix's complex and flexible 3-D graphics and animation system. Instead, it focuses on two specific features: materials and modeling. By narrowing the focus of the book, the authors have the breathing room needed to concentrate on these two important facets.

The 140-page section on materials goes into precise detail on creating and using diffuse maps, bump and displacement maps, animated maps, animated maps for effects, and raytraced and anisotropic effects. Realistic materials like glass and metals and effects materials like glowing edges and dissolving surfaces are explored. All of the projects and files used in all chapters are available on the enclosed CD-ROM.

Following "Materials" is 130 pages on modeling. The use of MeshSmooth and other Max modeling and model distortion tools is demonstrated, as is using the Morpher modifier. The section on SurfaceTools is the lion's share of the modeling section, and rightly so. Any Max user should have control of this advanced modeling tool.

3D Studio Max R3: f/x & Design also looks beyond materials and modeling. The book features a well-written section discussing Max's new rendering features, lighting, and material fundamentals, as well as a section covering MaxScript and some plug-ins.

If your Max skills have reached a plateau and you're ready for the next level, f/x & Design might be the book that'll jumpstart those skills into the next realm of 3-D animation and design. --Mike Caputo

About the Author

Jon A. Bell (Sonoma, CA) is a 3D computer graphic artist and a well known animator for films, television, multimedia and print. He is the author of the bestselling titles 3D Studio MAX f/x and 3D Studio MAX R2.5 f/x and design.

Product Details

• Paperback: 430 pages
• Publisher: Coriolis Group Books; Rev Upd edition (October 22, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576104230
• ISBN-13: 978-1576104231
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,455,440 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent choice, December 17, 1999

By 

Kong Hon Leong "remora" (Petaling Jaya, Selangor Malaysia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 3D Studio MAX R3 f/x and design: Filled with Professional Level Effects From Experts in Film and Video (Paperback)

This book explore the various aspect of a good 3d design like lighting, composition and textures. Unlike the other book I bought, Inside 3d studio max 3 vol 2, the tutorial in this book is easy to understand and well worth your time. Definitely a must have for all 3d studio max newbies. The plug-in itself(Grebble,Blur,terrain) is worth the money.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant insight into 3D Graphics and Animation, June 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: 3D Studio MAX R3 f/x and design: Filled with Professional Level Effects From Experts in Film and Video (Paperback)

Reading this book gives one an awareness of the many aspects of 3D. It awakens the senses of observation such as lighting, textures and motion. The effects are very intuitive and well chosen. The book does require prior knowledge of Studio Max and is aimed at the 3D artist wanting to take the software a little further. As a lecturer in Multimedia it is a must-buy for my students when it comes to 3D effects.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For Best Results, Get Both MAX F/X Books!, May 2, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: 3D Studio MAX R3 f/x and design: Filled with Professional Level Effects From Experts in Film and Video (Paperback)

Both the previous 3D Studio MAX R2.5 and R3 f/x books present similar information -- cool tutorials that teach you how to do a wide variety of MAX special effects. And, as author Bell says, about one-third of the information from the R2.5 book is included in this new one, but updated. However, some of the nicest material from the R2.5 book, such as the planetoid landscape, mountain range, "Frankenstein" lightning effect, and even some models and textures are available only in the R2.5 book. Likewise, the R3 book has about 350+ pages of cool stuff in it that the R2.5 book doesn't have, either.

My advice is, if you're a MAX artist, grab both books. Get the R2.5 book before it's unavailable, 'cause the tutorials are still good for R3 -- and grab this R3 book as well!

Hoping there's a MAX R4 f/x book coming from these guys...