Novica, Serene Night, & Invited Guest Contributors Tips & Product Reviews Pt 3

14445464850

Comments

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,891
    edited February 2014

    Sci Fi Passage (Dexsoft-Games)
    CyberMech 4.1 (Dz Fire)

    http://www.daz3d.com/sci-fi-passage
    http://www.daz3d.com/cybermech-4-1

    Okay, nine hours later...and a shading rate of .40! Some other settings:
    Pixel samples 9.0
    Pixel filter width 9.14

    Stunning, even at .40 shading rate. But oooh, the render time! Not a small image, it's 2000 x 2000 and nine hours...

    Edit: Doing CMYK I can only post a 590 x 590 to stay under the 9999KB. This is not good. Even with RGB it is a tiny render. Anyone else render SciFi passage? I think its the set and not the CyberMech.

    sciFiPassageCloseup.jpg
    524 x 646 - 240K
    sciFiPassage2.jpg
    590 x 590 - 322K
    Post edited by Novica on
  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,654
    edited February 2014

    I have to ask.... Always wanted to know, why there are so many sci-fi corridors and sci-fi crate packs?

    I have a whole: props>containers folder filled with sci-fi crates.

    It isn't that they are bad, but would love more rooms. I still don't have a really good sci-fi apartment or living quarters and my crate collection is mighty. =-)

    Post edited by Serene Night on
  • TJohnTJohn Posts: 11,116
    edited December 1969

    I have to ask.... Always wanted to know, why there are so many sci-fi corridors and sci-fi crate packs?

    I have a whole: props>containers folder filled with sci-fi crates.

    It isn't that they are bad, but would love more rooms. I still don't have a really good sci-fi apartment or living quarters and my crate collection is mighty. =-)


    Crates? Short answer: Cubes are easy to model. :)
  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,654
    edited December 1969

    I tested the passage. It took about 10 minutes. Granted, not as large as your fine render.

  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,654
    edited December 1969

    Novica said:
    Sci Fi Passage (Dexsoft-Games)
    CyberMech 4.1 (Dz Fire)

    Edit: Doing CMYK I can only post a 590 x 590 to stay under the 9999KB. This is not good. Even with RGB it is a tiny render. Anyone else render SciFi passage? I think its the set and not the CyberMech.


    Nice renders Novica! Of course I like it. =-)

    Crates? Short answer: Cubes are easy to model. :)

    Makes sense. Sadly, I only have so much cargo to render! =-)

  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,654
    edited March 2014

    Veins HD for Genesis 2 Male(s)
    SimonWM

    http://www.daz3d.com/new-releases/veins-hd-for-genesis-2-male-s

    Deacon M5 (skin)
    http://www.daz3d.com/deacon-for-michael-5
    vyktohria

    Figure shape:
    M3D Men 03 HD for Michael 6
    http://www.daz3d.com/new-releases/m3d-men-03-hd-for-michael-6
    Male-M3dia

    This is an awesome selection of HD veins, which create eye popping and (literally) vein popping effects on M6. You can dial in a lot or a little, and for certain areas a little is all you need. I think my arms on this guy should be dialed down even more. This is a great product, and certainly enhances your M6 figures.

    Images 1-3 Veins!

    image-3.jpg
    857 x 1000 - 563K
    image-2.jpg
    857 x 1000 - 569K
    image-1.jpg
    857 x 1000 - 556K
    Post edited by Serene Night on
  • barbultbarbult Posts: 24,262
    edited December 1969

    Veins HD for Genesis 2 Male(s)
    SimonWM

    http://www.daz3d.com/new-releases/veins-hd-for-genesis-2-male-s

    Deacon M5 (skin)
    http://www.daz3d.com/deacon-for-michael-5
    vyktohria

    Figure shape:
    M3D Men 03 HD for Michael 6
    http://www.daz3d.com/new-releases/m3d-men-03-hd-for-michael-6
    Male-M3dia

    This is an awesome selection of HD veins, which create eye popping and (literally) vein popping effects on M6. You can dial in a lot or a little, and for certain areas a little is all you need. I think my arms on this guy should be dialed down even more. This is a great product, and certainly enhances your M6 figures.

    Images 1-3 Veins!


    Those are really great looking expressions on your man. Did you use a store product to achieve those or did you dial them yourself? Very realistic.
  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,654
    edited December 1969

    barbult said:
    Those are really great looking expressions on your man. Did you use a store product to achieve those or did you dial them yourself? Very realistic.

    I believe I used "Main Man" facial expressions by emma and Jordi here:

    http://www.daz3d.com/main-man-mix-and-match-expressions-for-michael-6

    I did a product review a while back.... Nice set. Great variety.

  • barbultbarbult Posts: 24,262
    edited December 1969

    Oh! I have those. I bought them after your review. Thanks.

  • TJohnTJohn Posts: 11,116
    edited March 2014

    Invited Guest Contributor

    Product Review
    My Man for Michael 6 by Fuseling
    http://www.daz3d.com/new-releases/my-man-for-m6

    Set requires Genesis 2 Male Morphs Bundle
    http://www.daz3d.com/new-releases/genesis-2-male-s-morphs-bundle
    and Michael 6
    http://www.daz3d.com/new-releases/michael-6
    Note:There are no textures included.

    This set is simple to use, but complex for me to describe, so I am asking you to go to the Product Page via the first link above and read the:
    Description and What's Included & Features

    Below are renders of the 15 Base Characters Presets, all using Bjorn textures (from M6 HD), in order to show how different the morphs are.
    Then realize that with one-click icons, you can mix and match the heads and bodies. You can also mix and match elements of the faces (brow, eyes, ears, mouth, nose and lower face, all with one-click icons. You can also set the amount of M6 in the mix with icons in 25% increments from 0-100%. My math is a bit rusty, but I think there are more than 1000 possible combinations of the parts, all without touching a dial or a slider.

    Lars is a character I made using the set; he uses:
    Joe body
    Adan brow
    Ajay ears
    Brehan eyes
    Cal lower face
    Duke mouth
    Evan nose
    M6 at 100%

    Also used for Lars:
    Logan (materials)
    http://www.daz3d.com/logan
    Unshaven Beard for Genesis
    http://www.daz3d.com/unshaven-beard-for-genesis
    Alexios Hair
    http://www.daz3d.com/alexios-hair
    Cargo Shorts and Tee for Genesis 2 Male(s)

    http://www.daz3d.com/cargo-shorts-and-tee-for-genesis-2-male-s

    I like this product. lots of bang for the buck. :)
    John

    My_Man_4.jpg
    1050 x 1500 - 434K
    My_Man_3.jpg
    1050 x 1500 - 425K
    My_Man_2.jpg
    1050 x 1500 - 422K
    My_Man_1.jpg
    1050 x 1500 - 424K
    Post edited by TJohn on
  • luci45luci45 Posts: 2,765
    edited March 2014

    StreetWear T-Shirt For M6
    http://www.daz3d.com/new-releases/streetwear-t-shirt-for-m6


    Invited Guest Contributor

    Great natural fit! I love it, looks like a real t-shirt on a real guy. Has 12 dialing morphs that are easy to see in shaping menu. It tucks in great with Streetwear Jeans for M5! Hang right and left on sides and sleeves makes for mor realistic look in action poses.

    A couple of very minor things I didn't like - AdjustFit doesn't consistantly work to make tighter - renders with holes. I have enough tight clothes so this is no problem. Length - if made longer and leg is forward the shirt doesn't bend, But most shirts don't.

    13 texture options, including 2 sleeveless and zombie blood. Not real exciting textures but easy to make your own.

    (Morphs are My Man which tjohn will be reviewing.)

    dials_streetware_shirt.JPG
    580 x 821 - 88K
    streetwear_b.jpg
    900 x 600 - 205K
    streetwear_a.jpg
    1350 x 600 - 231K
    Post edited by luci45 on
  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,891
    edited December 1969

    Nice job Luci! I bought the shirt but hadn't done anything with it- what appealed to me were the wrinkles/rolls. Added a nice touch of realism and you've certainly shown that here.

  • JaderailJaderail Posts: 0
    edited March 2014

    Invited Guest Contributor
    Was playing with today's new toy and a older set as well so here is a quick peek at them...

    Tied Up! For Genesis 2
    Speed Render Stages
    The lighting and background are default from SRS.

    Tied-Up.png
    1000 x 1300 - 1M
    Post edited by Jaderail on
  • Tramp GraphicsTramp Graphics Posts: 2,412
    edited December 1969

    Barring a miracle rescue, she's lunch.

  • JaderailJaderail Posts: 0
    edited December 1969

    Barring a miracle rescue, she's lunch.
    LOL!! Well as its a test render for my Exile story watch for more at a later date in that thread. It could happen...
  • Tarina KiviTarina Kivi Posts: 488
    edited March 2014

    Invited Guest Contributor

    Felicity HD for Victoria 6 (Raiya)

    http://www.daz3d.com/new-releases/felicity-hd-for-victoria-6

    Other items used:
    Caped Rogue (DAZ 3D, Bobbie25, Sarsa)
    Totally Bazaar Bundle (Marieah, Teresa Tyllo)
    Advanced DAZ Studio Light Bundle (Age of Armour)
    Gemologica (Fisty, Marieah)
    Easy Environments Eternal Sands (Flipmode)
    Reinterject for Genesis 2 Female(s) (DAZ 3D, DimensionTheory)
    Berlin City Spirit Fashion for Genesis 2 Male(s) (outoftouch)
    Toulouse Hair

    I wanted to share with you two of my renders of Felicity I've done to test this new character. I must say I really like her textures. I was very happy to see a new dark skinned character for G2F in the store and she went into my cart almost instantly. Now I would like to see a G2M counterpart for her. : ) The materials are the usual Raiya high quality standard which come with the AoA SSS and EHSS preset (Felicity uses V6 UV's). There are 5 eye colours, 5 make-ups and 1 natural option as well as Hair and No Hair option. IMO at the current price it's a steal.

    The first image uses 2 distant, 2 specular and 1 AoA AAL. The second uses Easy Environments Eternal Sands default lights. Both figures use the default Felicity AoA SSS materials and her shape presets. There is no postwork on any of the images.

    Edit: I attached a third image which came about because I wanted to see how Felicity's textures would look like on G2M. You can judge the result for yourself. IMO they look good, at least on the face and limbs. The torso looks bad because the texture has "painted" shadows under the breasts. I'm also not happy about the nostrils which have "painted" shadows as well. They yield very unrealistic results under some lights. The default eye material did not work for me either on close-up. The bump was too strong which made the eyes look too rough. In this render I applied a V6-EyePreset (part of Reinterject product) to his eyes which has somewhat improved their look. I also changed the diffuse colour on his skin surfaces to 115.131.148 which resulted in a darker skin (I'm really happy how it turned out). The lights are similar to those in the first image and again there is no postwork.

    Post edited by Tarina Kivi on
  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,654
    edited December 1969

    @Tarina: Nice renders. I'm afraid I can't do HD Def skins on my machine, which is too bad. I've been clamoring for more black characters. Your renders look great! She reminds me somewhat of Grace V4.

    @Luci: I love those shirts. So realistic and lifelike, and I love your renders. =-)

    @ Jaderail: Heh. I put the bundle with the ropes on my wishlist. I hope she has a surprise in store for that dragon.

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,891
    edited December 1969

    Tarina- I'm so glad you showed the underside of the hand- it looks very realistic with the lighter tones.

    SereneNight- like the veins- I can see where you could play with toning down just slightly but they also look fine as is. The discussion was interesting over in the commons about the veins being symmetrical and the desire for them not to be so similar on both sides. Will be interesting to see what happens with future products.

    I like the ropes too- they can be used for so many scenes!

    I wish this sale weren't tied into Daz Originals. I am having a hard time identifying anything that I don't already have, and if this goes on all month, it's going to be very, very boring so far as rewards.

  • Tarina KiviTarina Kivi Posts: 488
    edited March 2014

    @Tarina: Nice renders. I'm afraid I can't do HD Def skins on my machine, which is too bad. I've been clamoring for more black characters. Your renders look great! She reminds me somewhat of Grace V4.
    Only the shapes are HD, the skin texture should work fine for you. : ) I'm glad you liked the renders. I like your HD veins renders as well, used a bit of them in the third image on G2M's head and neck, but I'm afraid that they are barely visible even when you zoom in. I think that in my case I dialed them in too little. ; )

    Tarina- I'm so glad you showed the underside of the hand- it looks very realistic with the lighter tones.


    I like both her hands and feet, you're right, they look very realistic. The only things I'm having problems with are the "painted" shadows under her breasts and in the nostrils. The default eye material looks wrong to me in close-ups as well, but overall I'm very happy with this product.

    I like your sci-fi Passage renders. For now it is in my wishlist.

    Post edited by Tarina Kivi on
  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,891
    edited December 1969

    I'm getting better at spotting things I don't think I'll like BEFORE I buy- and I don't like the light blob on the end of this character's nose. I'm all for uneven lighting, but that nose irks me. It looks like all detail has been removed, and it's not the lighting. It shows from from and from 3/4 view. Anyone buy her?

    http://www.daz3d.com/maja-character-and-hair

  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,654
    edited March 2014

    @Novica. I think the veins look more 'ridgey' on the arms for some reason. These are toned down 55 percent, but they still could go down more. Heh. i think if the figure wears a shirt or article of clothing the symmetrical quality would be less visible. Also probably much more pronounced on lighter skin tones.

    I agree the symmetry is odd. Would like better control of which veins bulge more. For example, would prefer to be able to make certain ones look more pronounced than others, depending on whether character is straining or flexing.

    @Tarina: that's good to know about the skins. That has upped the ante on me picking up this product. Your male figure looks great. He sure is a handsome fella.. Wish more figure skins were cross-compatible like that. He looks good!

    @ Novica: Wishlisted Maja. facial shape reminds me a lot of Cat Character and Hair. I do like her mid tone skin, and the fact she is bundled with hair.

    Wonder if there will be an 'end of the month' blow out sale.

    So far I've only picked up 1 qualifying item. The stick fighter pose set.

    Post edited by Serene Night on
  • TJohnTJohn Posts: 11,116
    edited December 1969

    Sorry this review took so long, but there was a lot of rendering. :)
    http://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/34269/P1419

  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,654
    edited December 1969

    Nice job on that TJohn. I like the set too. The thinner builds are going to be useful for me to add some variety, and I like what you did with your multiple renders.

    I like your background as well. What did you use?

  • TJohnTJohn Posts: 11,116
    edited December 1969

    Nice job on that TJohn. I like the set too. The thinner builds are going to be useful for me to add some variety, and I like what you did with your multiple renders.

    I like your background as well. What did you use?


    Thanks!
    When I want a quick backdrop I use:
    http://www.daz3d.com/boudoir-photo-studio-and-lights

    There are more textures for it in this set:
    http://www.daz3d.com/boudoir-photo-studio-add-on

    Great for renders that are showcasing characters.
    Sometimes I add my own color to the diffuse instead of the image like in "Monkeying Around",

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,891
    edited December 1969

    Yep, I've used that product for background several times- it comes in handy! :)
    I like so many of the figures- Joe, Luis, Cal- you did a wonderful job tjohn- thanks for putting in all the effort, very much appreciated. The number of combinations is almost staggering, a really good deal.

  • Serene NightSerene Night Posts: 17,654
    edited December 1969

    @Novica I've been messing around with your sci-fi passage trying different lights in combo with existing lights. The challenge I have is the lights are a bit dark and harsh on human skin. I think I'm nearly got something that looks ok though. I wish I could hide the ceiling. =)

    @tjohn. Hmmm... going to have to look at that boudoir set. I like that backdrop /cyclorama.

  • luci45luci45 Posts: 2,765
    edited March 2014

    Thanks, SereneNight and Novica.

    Tarina Kivi, super-nice review for Felicity. Almost made me buy her. (I am really trying to control my DAZ spending.) Raiya's skin texures are really great.

    tjohn, thanks for that review of My Man. I bought it too and love it! So many possibilities. I was very surprised that they are dialed morphs, rather than sculpted originals, like most. (I hope I am using the right terms.) Being able to change noses, eyes, etc, with a click is great.

    Post edited by luci45 on
  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,891
    edited December 1969

    Does anyone have Lex for V4 that can test and see if the body material option gets rid of the stupid purple swimsuit from V4? I have the figure selected and when applying the Lex Body MOR.pz2 nothing happened to the shape or the materials. What is MOR? I would assume that would be morph but it pictures the natural body. Can't lose the swimsuit, even when selecting 1 V4 Body Zero, whatever that does.

    If you own it, you will get the same files by just using Content Library>Products as when you go to:
    Pose: “ThorneWorks:Lex V4”

    I checked and the ReadMe is no help. No known issues. But if you look at the promo, there's no way she can keep the V4 purple swimsuit and wear that swimsuit she has on!

  • NovicaNovica Posts: 23,891
    edited March 2014

    Lex For V4 (DAZ3D / Thorne / Sarsa)
    Estal Hair (DAZ3D / Swam)
    Lantios Lights (Lantios)
    BWC Fashion Poses For V6, V5, and V4 (Sedor)

    Estal Hair Is On Sale 51% Off

    http://www.daz3d.com/lex-for-v4
    http://www.daz3d.com/estal-hair
    http://www.daz3d.com/lantios-lights
    http://www.daz3d.com/bwc-fashion-poses-for-v6-v5-and-v4

    If you didn't notice it, the Estal Hair is for Genesis 2 and Victoria 4, and is a DAZ3D item so you can use it for your March Madness rewards or your monthly PC Club coupon. Love this hair- nice and tousled, goes on without any adjustments being needed. Right now it's showing 51% off and a deal at $7.33

    Also remember Lantios Lights gives you the option to load lights separately so you can make fun combinations!

    Take a look at the fashion poses, they aren't stiff like you might assume. The hands to the head make great starting poses from which you can adjust to other poses.

    So far as Lex goes, still can not get the V4 purple swimsuit off of her! This is shown out of the box, for folks who don't like the big botox lips, you can easily adjust those. Her eyebrows don't show very well here, but you'll love them- VERY natural looking.

    LexV4EstalHairLantiosLitesSIG.jpg
    868 x 909 - 565K
    Post edited by Novica on
  • TJohnTJohn Posts: 11,116
    edited March 2014

    Does Lex show up in your Product Library in Daz Studio? Judging from the Product Page, she should have "All" materials somewhere.
    Edit: here is the Documentation for Lex.
    http://docs.daz3d.com/doku.php/artzone/azproduct/5168
    It should tell you where all the files are located.

    Post edited by TJohn on
This discussion has been closed.