The Poser 3 Handbook [Paperback]

Shamms Mortier (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1999

A comprehensive reference guide to using Poser 3. Poser is a leader in the figure creation software market and with the high-end functionality of release 3.0, it should compete well against products such as the character studio component of 3DStudio and Humanoid from LightWave. Poser 3 includes an extensively redesigned user interface and many new features. The earlier versions were uncomplicated and easy-to-use, but version 3 offers much greater functionality, therefore users will need more information on how to use it effectively. The author is part of the beta testing team for MetaCreations. The book and CD are filled with illustrations, tutorials, and ready-to-use animations. Included is a detailed overview of the Poser 3 program and new interface. It teaches users how to create and pose both human and animal figures, creating articulated human hands, and expressive faces. The CD (Mac Win) includes animations, Poser image maps, backgrounds, 3D prop objects, and complete Poser characters and poses.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Shamms Mortier has written or collaborated on a number of technical books and he writes for a variety of industry magazines.

Product Details

• Paperback: 446 pages
• Publisher: Delmar Thomson Learning (January 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1886801908
• ISBN-13: 978-1886801905
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 7.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,697,408 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A much-needed resource for 3D artists, but a *long* read., April 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Poser 3 Handbook (Paperback)

I purchased this book about two months ago. I was not impressed with the volume and span of information covered, but nonetheless, this is a fine resources for all artists who are considering using Poser as a mainstay in their program skill sets. Particularly noteable: keyframe animation and lip-synching to WAV files. Also, (and in my opinion, this was worth the price of the book alone) there is a section on handshaking protocols with other 3D programs (RayDream Studio, 3DS Max, LightWave, Infini-D, etc.). Poser's interaction with MetaCreation's other very powerful mid-price-range vehicle, Ray Dream Studio 5, makes for unbeliveable effects for practically pocket change.

If you're going to use Poser for serious reasons, you need this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Look before you buy, May 22, 1999

By 

Alan Schrock (goshen in. usa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Poser 3 Handbook (Paperback)

This is an odd book at best. In reading this you can garner the information you most wanted to know and that's the strength of this book. However be prepared for 2 things. No. 1 the writer has an odd style of writing and the examples border on the grotesque side. In fact that is my biggest complaint he spends much time in the book creating many examples of mutant figures (male heads with horns). This may not bother you, I just didn't see a need for it. My personal use for Poser has always been for realistic modeling. Now the good news. this is the Second part. No.2 To his credit he does tackle the tougher issues invovled in creating additional figures and props. I waited along time for a resource to describe whats involved. One thing to note Poser 3 is an incredible program. In the 3d arena few programs match the style and ease of using Poser3. Perhaps the best thing I found out was the incredible resources from other poser users.

Bottom line is be prepared. If you find the book look through it and see if it answers your questions. In my opinion it does answer the toughest questions there bye making it worth while. Also of note is the information on human studies in motion as well as Animals in motion. These are included on the cd and should be interesting reading in itself for anyone interested in more realistic animating. I'm not a profressional animator bye any means so I love being able to learn from others. You can spend Hr's learning what takes minutes to read. This the best reason to buy any book and there is alot to learn.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A major disappointment., January 20, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Poser 3 Handbook (Paperback)

I have not yet bought the Poser 4 handbook, and it is THIS book that assured I never will! When I was still working with Poser 3, I was looking for a good resource to teach me how to use it's advanced (at the time) features. Heh, the cover art should have showed me that this book was NOT it. After reading the book (a waste of time), I realized that if THIS was the best he could do, then I was already far more advanced in Poser 3 than he was. Since, thanks to online tuts, I am an advanced Poser 4 user, I think I'll be once burned twice shy and avoid it. My advice to you about the Poser 3 handbook? Well, if you are a rank beginner that wants to make weird figures, this is your book. If you want to learn to use Poser 3's features to make lovely, realistic characters and scenes, use the online resources as this book's price tag is not nearly justified by the mediocre and sometimes bizarre infomation in it.