Daz Studio is a popular 3D design software by Daz 3D, known for its free professional edition released in 2005. It supports 3Delight and Iray rendering engines, Genesis figure technology, and a wide array of 3D objects and animations file formats.
For those exploring options beyond Daz Studio, alternatives encompass Poser, iClone, MakeHuman, MB-Lab, MetaHuman, Blender, Maya, MotionBuilder, 3ds Max, Cinema 4D, ZBrush, KeyShot, and more.
Daz 3D
Established in 2000 in Utah, Daz 3D is an industry-leading 3D-content/software company. It specializes in offering rigged 3D human models and comprehensive software for both hobbyist and professional markets. Evolving from its focus on 3D-content development, Daz 3D has served a significant role in expanding software offerings in the 3D-content industry.
Top Features of Daz 3D
Genesis platform: A versatile tool for building and rendering realistic 3D models. Offers multiple versions of human figures/characters, allowing for diverse 3D creations.
Daz Bridges Tool: Seamlessly transfers content to third-party applications such as 3DS Max, Maya, Mudbox, Blender, and Unreal Engine.
Astonishing Realism: Offers realistic 3D character morphing and dForce physics for simulating natural cloth/hair.
Backward Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with assets created in earlier Genesis versions.
Software
Acquisition Details
Bryce
Acquired in 2004 from Corel, a leading fractal-based landscape modeller and renderer.
Hexagon
Incorporated into Daz 3D in 2006 from Eovia– a 3D mesh modeller.
Carrara
A general 3D modeler/animation package brought into Daz 3D in 2006 from Eovia.
Daz 3D Downside
Moderate learning curve for beginners without prior experience.
With the release of Genesis 8, there are significant changes to joint/muscle bending, flexing and facial expressions, which may cause reduced backward compatibility.
Faces stiff competition from similar software like Adobe Character Animator, MetaHuman Creator, iClone.
Daz 3D Pricing
The fundamental product is free, operating on a freemium model with emphasis on selling additional content. The company also operates via a license-based pricing model in its marketplace.
Daz 3D Use Cases
Use Case 1: Film and TV Production
Daz 3D’s realistic character modeling and excellent render qualities make it an invaluable tool for creating realistic characters and scenes in film and TV production.
Use Case 2: Game Development
The Genesis platform’s compatibility with various game development platforms and its realistic physics simulations make Daz 3D an ideal tool for game developers aiming for high-quality visuals.
Use Case 3: Web design
For web designers seeking to add 3D elements to their designs, Daz 3D’s extensive library and compatibility with third-party applications offer numerous possibilities.
Poser
Forget everything you’ve ever known about 3D computer graphics programs. Enter Poser, a maverick in its field, dishing up the most advanced 3D modeling for human figures. A popular choice among digital artists, Poser defies convention to bring you top notch 3D animations and digital images. Compatible with Windows and Mac OS X, and catering to audiences with English, Japanese, German, French language skills.
Poser Top Features
Rich library of pre-rigged human, animal, robotic, and cartoon figures
Wide array of poses, hairpieces, props, textures, hand gestures, & facial expressions
Powerful lighting and rendering tools
Dynamic props and bullet physics, plus realistic looking skin, caustics, and volumetric effects
Export options in diverse 3D formats
User-friendly interface, full body morphs, and bone rigging for any figure
Poser 12’s new SuperFly render engine, with expanded graphic card support and Python 3 compatibility
Version
Added Features
Poser 12
SuperFly render engine, expanded graphic card support, New post effects palette, Python 3 support
Pro Version
More functionalities than the standard version
Poser Limitations
High entry price point at $249.95
Learning curve for beginners
Poser Pricing
Poser charges a one-time payment of $249.95 to get you started. The Pro version is available for users desiring more functionalities. Poser 12 comes at a whopping 75% discount.
Poser Use Cases
Use case 1
Poser is a dream come true for digital artists and illustrators, offering high-quality artistic effects and photo-real styles. It’s a pioneering tool used globally for creating awesome animations, illustrations, and cartoons.
Use case 2
It’s not just for artists! Fields like education and medicine can use Poser to make complex topics easier to understand by creating 3D visualizations.
Use case 3
Game developers will find Poser a valuable piece of the puzzle. The program’s pre-rigged figures and automatic keyframe creation help in building immersive gaming experiences.
Cinema 4D
Enter the vibrant world of 3D modeling with Cinema 4D, the powerhouse software that unites motion graphics creators and 3D artists under one roof.
Top Features of Cinema 4D
Hierarchical Object Management: Neatly control and manipulate geometry objects with ease.
BodyPaint 3D: Create stunning material textures within a sculptural framework.
Animation Basics: Keyframe your objects, materials, and even parameters, manually or parametrically.
ZRemesher Tech: Optimize geometry even from the densest, chaotic meshes.
Redshift 3D: Benefit from the GPU renderer which enables swift iterations and prototyping.
Feature
Utility
Scene Nodes
String together objects and operations, encapsulating them into regular objects.
New Unified Simulation System
Simulate dynamic effects including cloth, soft bodies, and rope.
Cinema 4D Downsides
Complexity of features might appear overwhelming for beginners.
Considering its premium package, it may be considered expensive for hobbyists or small studios.
Cinema 4D Pricing
Cinema 4D comes with a tiered pricing model. It starts at $94/month or $719/year, a perpetual license is available for $3,495 and for educational access $9.99/6 months.
Cinema 4D Use Cases
Use case 1: Motion Graphics
Whether it’s to create dynamic visuals for film, music videos, or broadcasting channels, Cinema 4D is ready to propel your animations into life.
Use Case 2: 3D Artist
Craft extraordinary 3D creatures, characters, or materials. From character conception to final creature, Cinema 4D supports your creative journey.
Use Case 3: Educators and Students
With the availability of educational access, it serves as an experiential playground for those venturing into 3D modeling and animation.
ZBrush
Take a dive into the innovative landscape of ZBrush, a leading digital sculpting software used in gaming, film, and animation industries. With its wide-array of unique features, and powerful tools, it’ll revolutionize your approach towards the arts.
ZBrush Best Features
Sculptris Pro: Explore digital sculpting in a dynamic environment.
Dynamesh: Ideal for creating rough models that you can then add details to.
ZRemesher: Improve the topological flow of your models.
PolyPaint: Allows painting directly on a model’s surface, without assigning a texture map.
PolyGroupIt: This smart grouping system will streamline your process.
Gizmo 3D: Enhances the ability to move, scale and rotate parts of your model.
Benefits
Details
Versatility
Built for both basic shapes and intricate features, an excellent tool for varied artistic creations.
Advanced Learning Resources
Courses covering areas such as Sculpting, Modeling, Texturing, Animation, Rendering and more are available on platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, Cineversity etc.
Active Online Community
Connect with other artists, share your work and gain knowledge in communities like r/ZBrush.
ZBrush Limitations
May require a powerful computer to smoothly handle complex designs and modeling.
The user interface can be confusing and overwhelming at first.
ZBrush Pricing
Pricing details are subject to change and may be found on the official ZBrush website for the most accurate information.
ZBrush Use Cases
Animation Industry
From storyboarding to final detailing, ZBrush plays a crucial role in creating realistic characters and environments in animations films and production.
Game Development
With ZBrush, design extraordinary gaming characters, or intricate, high-realistic dinosaur figures, producing captivating games that leave a lasting impact on its players.
3D Printing and Sculpture
Create complex shapes, helmets, ring designs and more with unprecedented precision. Its efficient sculpting capabilities are great asset for 3D printing and sculpture creation.
KeyShot
Step into the vibrant panorama of 3D rendering with KeyShot – a company that marries precision and stylistic capabilities to deliver high-caliber visualization tools. KeyShot aims to strip away complexities with a user-friendly interface, making it an oasis of design focus rather than overwhelming software challenges.
KeyShot’s Crowning Features
A feature-rich version, KeyShot 2023, elevates the user experience in color management, workflow, and collaborative tasks.
Single-click transition from CPU to GPU mode, illustrating the company’s commitment to user-efficiency.
A real-time update system for monitoring alterations made in material, lighting, and geometry.
An extensive library of plugins to safeguard your work while updating geometry.
3D Paint functionality in KeyShot 2023 to further customize materials and finishes.
A disruptive physics simulation tool that records physics of objects, transforming them into keyframe animations.
3D Paint
Physics Simulation Tool
Enabling material and finish customization with painting or stamping.
Recording physics for keyframe animation utilization.
KeyShot Limitations
Limited advanced input and output control.
Absence of simulations, intricate animations, and hair/fur generation and grooming functionalities.
Use Cases of KeyShot
Marketing Teams
KeyShot is a potent tool for marketing teams seeking to generate impressive visuals without relying on product photography. It pierces the veil of waiting times and delivers swiftly.
Product Designers
Serving as an integral part of the product design journey, KeyShot facilitates the leap from concept to rapid prototyping, a testament to its efficiency and adaptability.
Engineers
KeyShot aids engineers in making the complex understandable, clearly delineating ideas in comprehensible visuals. It’s a partner in precision, making it a favored choice among global industrial designers.
iClone
Introducing iClone, a multifaceted real-time 3D animation and rendering software. It is beloved amongst professionals for creating animations for various media including film, video games, and previz animation. It offers a user-friendly environment allowing seamless blending of character animation, scene design, and cinematic storytelling. Above all, iClone can animate any character with facial muscle-based control, accurate lip-sync, and iPhone facial capture.
iClone Top Features
Royalty-free usage of all content created.
Facilitates controlling animations like playing a video game.
Enables import and export of popular industry files like FBX, OBJ, BVH.
Offers integration with Maya, Omniverse Audio2Face, Blender, MetaHuman Creator.
Provides real-time particle animation, material effects, media compositing, and post FX.
Additional Features
Details
3DXchange 7 support
Enhances export & import of more characters, PBR content, cameras, character morphs.
Drag-n-Drop interface
The interface allows easy usage and scene organizing.
PhysX
Supports Rigid Body/Kinamtic/Soft Cloth and Morph Creator.
iClone Limitations
Limited to partial 3DXchange Pipeline integration, Curve Editor, and Motion LIVE.
Reliant on purchases from the Reallusion Content Store for additional iClone content.
iClone Pricing
Access to iClone comes at a price of $599, granting you the benefits of partial 3DXchange Pipeline integration, Curve Editor, and Motion LIVE.
iClone Use Cases
Use case 1: Film Production
In film production, iClone plays a critical role by offering a blend of character animation, scene design, and cinematic storytelling in real-time.
Use case 2: Game Development
For game developers, iClone provides an easy-to-use platform for character animation, settings adjustments, and visual enhancements to bring game characters and scenes to life.
Use case 3: Education Industry
iClone is utilized in the education sector as a 3D simulator, enhancing industry and business lessons with interactive props and animations.
MakeHuman
Step into the future of 3D modelling with MakeHuman, an audacious open-source tool that defies convention by enabling rapid creation and manipulation of realistic, unique 3D human characters. Combining the power of Python and OpenGL, with a unique blend of micro and macro manipulation controls, this tool is the rebel’s choice in the digital world.
MakeHuman Best Features
Intuitive graphical user interface designed for rapid character creation.
Wide array of attributes for detailed customization of human characters.
Interoperability with leading 3D modeling software such as Blender, Autodesk Maya, and Cinema4D through various export file formats.
Integration with game engines including Unity.
Advanced character modeling using 3D morphing technology and multiple base characters and topologies.
Models incorporate UV for faster 3D artist work.
Widely Recognized
Recipient of the Suzanne Award 2004, attesting to its quality and capabilities.
Designed for Cross-Platform Use
Compatible with Linux, Mac OS X, Windows, and designed using Python language.
Regular Updates
Last stable release was version 1.2.0 in November 2020, confirming ongoing maintenance and enhancement.
MakeHuman Limitations
Despite its invigorating prospects, MakeHuman, like any maverick, has its share of pain points.
Limited to parametric modeling only.
Exporting models may sometimes require the installation of additional plugins.
MakeHuman Pricing
Dare to think differently with MakeHuman, pricing starts at a mere $2 per month.
MakeHuman Use Cases
Use Case 1: Game Development
MakeHuman is a game-changer for developers, offering a seamless pipeline for creating unique characters and exporting them to game engines like Unity.
Use Case 2: Professional pipelines
Professional 3D artists get unrestricted access to a robust tool that makes character development easier and faster, revolutionizing the way they work.
Use Case 3: Scientific Research
From biomechanics to visuo-haptic surgical training system development, researchers can benefit from MakeHuman’s prodigious capabilities in creating realistic human models for a range of scientific applications.
MB-Lab
Enter the world of MB-Lab, a robust, free and open-source software born from the mind of artist/programmer Manuel Bastioni. Designed as a plug-in for Blender, MB-Lab has been transforming the realm of 3D modeling since 2016, by enabling the creation of photorealistic 3D human character models with consummate ease.
MB-Lab’s Top Features
Intuitive GUI: Effectively integrated in Blender, MB-Lab values the user experience by providing an intuitive, user-friendly interface.
Exceptional Customizability: Characters are creatively defined by adjusting sliders for age, body mass and tone, alongside lab tools for body/face details, animation and more.
Advanced Technologies: Leveraging intricate methodologies like 3D morphing and experimental technologies, MB-Lab guarantees sophisticated character generation.
Multifaceted compatibility: The software, scripted in Python, functions on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and is compatible with Blender 2.79 and 2.80.
Software
Compatibility
Windows
Yes
macOS
Yes
Linux
Yes
MB-Lab Downfalls
Principally designed for modelling human characters, MB-Lab might not be ideal for non-human character modeling.
The modeling software lacks the inclusion of genitalia, which might limit its application in certain professional contexts.
MB-Lab Pricing
Acknowledging the immense value of open-source technology, MB-Lab operates under the Free Software Foundation standard licenses, hence ensuring that this powerful tool is available free of charge.
MB-Lab Use Cases
Use case 1: For Animation Enthusiasts
Aspiring and professional animators can leverage MB-Lab’s uniqueness in generating highly detailed, photorealistic characters that will undoubtedly enrich their animation projects.
Use case 2: For Game Developers
Game developers need character models that are versatile and relatable. The vast range of phenotypes and non-human character options offered by MB-Lab could prove indispensable for creating immersive gaming experiences.
Use case 3: For 3D Print Designers
3D print designers searching for reliable human replica models will find an ally in MB-Lab’s accurate anatomy representation and high-resolution models.
MetaHuman
Transform your creative production pipelines with MetaHuman, an innovative tool designed for developing enhanced virtual representations, rooted in the exhilarating world of metahumans.
MetaHuman Top Features
Advanced Piower Spectrum: Whether it’s fire control, electricity manipulation, or teleportation, MetaHuman allows a wide span of superhuman abilities for character customization.
Historical Context: A rich narrative foundation based on the immutable metagene theory, linking metahumans back to Vandal Savage.
Diversification: With a robust cast of over 1.3 million metahumans, there is a broad range of character possibilities.
Gothic Horror-Inspiration: An integral link with D&D’s Ravenloft, bestowing a gothic horror dimension to the tool, perfect for horror campaigns.
Feature
Description
Universal Abilities
Telepathy, telekinesis, flight, energy projection, accelerated healing, and more to infuse into your characters.
Mutation Activation Mechanisms
Choose from physical trauma, chemistry, or magic for character progression paths.
Included Mysterious Monsters
A range of unique monsters from Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft, introducing unexpected dynamics.
MetaHuman Limitations
Threat Spectrum: Some in-game threats, such as mind manipulation and soul consumption, can be challenging to manage for creators.
Controversial and Unstable: The exo-gene pathway can result in unstable heroes, a potential issue for storylines.
MetaHuman Use Cases
Use case 1
Ideal for 3D artists and game developers who crave in-depth customization options for character abilities and aesthetics.
Use case 2
Perfect for D&D enthusiasts seeking to bring a taste of horror-filled Ravenloft into their campaigns.
Use case 3
Suitable for explorers interested in opportunities to incorporate a broad variety of powers, threats and unique, mysterious monsters into their creative outcomes.
Blender
Our remarkable journey into the universe of 3D graphics & modeling alternatives brings us to Blender. An exceptional 3D computer graphics software toolset, Blender is free, open-source, and offers a plethora of opportunities for creative expression – from animated films to virtual reality.
Blender Top Features
3D modeling: intricate detailing, from small gadgets to vast environments.
UV mapping & texturing: fine-tune the surface details of your 3D models.
Digital drawing & raster graphics editing: perfect for concept art, texture, and matte painting.
Rigging & skinning: mimic real-life skeletal systems for character animation.
Particle simulation & soft body simulation: recreate real-world physics in your animated projects.
Video editing & compositing: merge your 3D animated graphics with other video sources.
Feature
Description
Match moving
Integrate 3D elements into 2D footage or cinematic scenes.
Rendering with Eevee renderer
Fast and stunning results, especially with real-time viewport rendering.
Animation & sculpting
Brings concepts to life, perfect for creating dynamic models.
Blender Limitations
Blender Game Engine was deprecated in 2.8 release – limiting game development applications.
Users need to adapt to the switch from Blender Internal to Eevee renderer.
Being fully-featured, Blender could be overwhelming for beginners.
Blender Pricing
One of the indisputable advantages Blender brings to the table is its free and open-source nature. This means, there are no hidden costs or future pricing hurdles.
Blender Use cases
Use case 1 – Animated Films
Blender’s robust suite of tools, including fluid and smoke simulation along with advanced animation capabilities, makes it ideal for creating mesmerising animated films.
Use case 2 – Visual Effects
With raster graphics editing and compositing capabilities, Blender is equipped to produce industry-standard visual effects for films and commercials.
Use case 3 – Interactive 3D Applications
Despite the deprecation of its game engine, Blender’s rich set of features still allows developers to create stunning interactive 3D experiences, apps, and VR solutions.
Maya
Experience the behemoth in 3D computer graphics applications, Maya, also known as Autodesk Maya. Developed by Alias and now under Autodesk’s banner, it’s an all-in-one solution for interactive 3D applications, creating assets for animated films, TV series, and visual effects. Some of the blockbuster films like The Lord of the Rings, Spider-Man, Ice Age, and Star Wars series were crafted using Maya.
Maya Top Features
Powerful NURBS modeling system for crafting complex shapes.
Highly customizable user interface driven by Disney’s unique request.
Maya Embedded Language (MEL) for advanced scripting.
Game asset compatibility with engines like Unreal Engine and Unity.
Integrated renderer ‘mental ray’ enables advanced features such as global illumination and subsurface scattering.
Feature
Benefit
3D Modeling
Create complex 3D forms and structures
Data Import/Export
Seamless data transfer with other applications
Maya Downsides
Requires significant CPU resources for rendering.
Complex user interface may be overwhelming for beginners.
High cost could deter smaller businesses or individual users.
Maya Pricing
Maya offers monthly and yearly subscriptions, additionally featuring a free trial and an educational license. Businesses earning less than $100,000 can avail a lower fee access.
Maya Use Cases
Film Industry
For creating intricate 3D characters and worlds for blockbuster films and TV series.
Multimedia Studios
Delivers stunning visuals for music videos, commercials, and other short forms of media.
Game Developers
For creating realistic and interactive 3D animation and models to import directly into game engines.
MotionBuilder
An Autodesk product, MotionBuilder, is a powerful tool for creating high-quality 3D character animations, widely used by both enterprises and individual developers. Known for its superior handling of motion capture data and robust features for virtual cinematography and traditional keyframe animation, it has garnered a place among top 3D animation software like Autodesk Maya, Blender, and Cinema 4D.
MotionBuilder Top Features
Real-time 3D character engine that aids in shaping believable movements.
Provides prebuilt moves to facilitate quick and efficient animation creation.
Contains a software development kit and FBX data exchange technology for seamless interoperability with other 3D applications.
Highly optimized for interactive environments, enhancing the workflow efficiency without hampering creativity.
Feature
Description
Management of Motion Capture Data
Employs production-proven tools for easy handling of motion capture data.
Data Interoperability
Includes FBX data exchange for smooth data transfer with other 3D content tools.
Workflow Efficiency
Enables the creation of high-quality animations swiftly and efficiently.
MotionBuilder Limitations
Requires an annual subscription which can be costly, with no option for perpetual licenses.
Access is limited to three devices per subscription.
MotionBuilder Pricing
MotionBuilder operates on an annual subscription model, costing approximately $1,950 per year. It doesn’t provide a perpetual license and limits installation to up to three devices per subscription.
MotionBuilder Use Cases
Use Case 1: Animation Production
MotionBuilder is a powerful asset for animation studios and individual artists, providing high-quality 3D character animations swiftly. With its robust features and smooth interoperability with other 3D tools, it’s often preferred for creating compelling animation sequences in video games, movies, and TV shows.
Use Case 2: Advertisements
Industry giants like Ford Motors and Coca-Cola have utilized MotionBuilder to create impactful advertisements. Its ability to animate characters realistically contributes to creating shots that capture audience attention and brings their animations to an advanced level.
Use Case 3: Skill Development
Aspiring animators can immensely benefit from learning MotionBuilder. Given its extensive utilization in professional 3D character animation, mastery of this tool can be advantageous in career progression within the animation domain.
3ds Max
Boasting a rich pedigree in the realm of computer graphics design, 3ds Max is an esteemed 3D modeling and animation software crafted by Autodesk Media & Entertainment. Initially coined as 3D Studio and 3D Studio Max, this potent tool has evolved into an indispensable asset for high-profile motion pictures, video game development, architectural presentations, and engineering design.
3ds Max Top Features
A flexible plugin architecture that enhances the software’s adaptability.
MAXScript, a user-friendly built-in scripting language for customizing functionality.
Character Studio, an integral part of 3ds Max, simplifies character animation.
Scene Explorer that provides a hierarchical view of scene data, promoting organized workflow.
An impressive range of animation tools including expressions, scripts, list controllers, wiring etc.
Seamlessly interacts with Autodesk Vault, gathering all 3ds Max assets in a consolidated location.
Specialized plugins available separately, for added software customization.
Feature
Description
Max Creation Graph (MCG)
A specific toolset built into 3ds Max for advanced effects creation
Polygon Modeling
Preferred for game design, enabling complex geometric designs
Cloth Simulation
An integrated solver that brings realistic textile movements to life
3ds Max Limitations
The product currently supports primarily the Windows platform, limiting its reach to other operating systems.
Advanced options and plugins often come at an additional cost.
Interface might pose a learning curve for beginners.
3ds Max Pricing
3ds Max uses a token-based pricing approach allowing users to pay as they go. Specialized plugins can be bought separately to enhance the utility of the software. Terms and costs may apply.
3ds Max Use Cases
Use case 1: Video Game Development
Blessed with an arsenal of advanced modeling capabilities, 3ds Max is a trusty comrade for video game developers worldwide. Its versatility in model creation, animation, and special effects makes it a cornerstone in cutting-edge video game production.
Use case 2: Film Production
In the vibrant world of film production, 3ds Max is no stranger. Rendering striking 3D animations and images, its prowess is showcased in blockbusters, making it a go-to tool for special effects and animation artists.
Use case 3: Architectural Presentations
Architects and design firms across globe welcome 3ds Max in their toolkit. With its ability to create lifelike renderings and walk-through simulations, it visually communicates design intent and aesthetics in a convincing manner.
Grant Sullivan
Content writer @ Aircada and self proclaimed board game strategist by day, AI developer by night.
