For hobbyist and prosumer 3D human modeling, Daz 3D excels with customizability, diversity in assets, and high-quality renders. However, developers and researchers seeking an open-source solution for rapid photorealistic human model prototyping should opt for MakeHuman‘s versatile and accessible toolset.
Key Differences Between MakeHuman and Daz 3D
MakeHuman, an open-source 3D modeling tool, predominates in creating diverse virtual humans rapidly, whereas Daz 3D, a rigged 3D model provider, offers elaborate customization and quality.
MakeHuman provides a vast array of control over human attributes, enabling the blending of macro and detail characteristics for unique models. Conversely, Daz 3D uses the Genesis platform to create diverse figures derived from a base mesh.
MakeHuman exports to various software like Blender, Maya, and Unity, while Daz 3D fosters compatibility with numerous third-party applications via Daz Bridges.
Daz 3D operates on a freemium model with a focus on selling content, while MakeHuman offers its services for free or at a starting price of $2 per month.
MakeHuman’s toolset targets professional pipelines and academic research. Daz 3D focuses on the prosumer market appealing to professional and amateur graphic artists.
MakeHuman uses Python, OpenGL, and Qt for development, while Daz 3D leverages a range of platforms including Dual Quaternion, dForce Physics, and Genesis for development and rendering.
MakeHuman is heavily utilized in industrial design, virtual reality research, biomechanics, and more. Daz 3D finds extensive use in TV, film, animation, video games, and web design.
Comparison
MakeHuman
Daz 3D
Specification
Open-Source 3D Modelling Software
3D Content and Software Company
Purpose
Creation and manipulation of human characters for virtual reality
Developing 3D rigged human models and accessories, as well as, software for hobbyist and prosumer market
Software Development
Python, OpenGL, and Qt
Daz Studio as an alternative to Poser
Industry Application
Professional pipelines, academic research, virtual reality research
Film, TV, animation, video games, web design, and print illustrations
Character Creation
Parametric modeling and 3D morphing technology
Genesis platform with various versions of human figures and characters
Key Features
Pose/Animate features, integration with Unity, exporting for Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, Cinema4D
Realistic 3D character morphing, dForce physics for simulating natural cloth/hair
MakeHuman is an open-source tool dedicated to creating realistic 3D human characters tailored for an extensive lineup of tech professionals, from game developers, animators, film producers, to researchers. Through a user-friendly graphical interface and a comprehensive library of attributes segmented into macro and detailed groups, users can craft unique 3D human figures with ease. MakeHuman thrives on diversity, offering characters of various genders, ages, heights, weights, and ethnicities. It can export characters for use in other modern software, making it an indispensable tool across different CG and gaming industry pipelines. Its prowess also extends to academia, fortifying research areas like industrial design, virtual reality research, biomechanics, biomedical engineering, and facial expressions research.
Pros of MakeHuman
Open-source and affordable starting at $2 per month.
Wide range of human attributes for extensive customization.
Exports characters for use in other software like Blender, Autodesk Maya, 3Ds Max, and Cinema 4D.
Integrated with Unity and other game engines, beneficial for game developers.
Models have their own UV for faster 3D Artist work.
Cons of MakeHuman
Requires knowledge of 3D modeling techniques and software.
Enhanced realism could sometimes demand extensive system resources.
What Is Daz 3D and Who’s It For?
Founded in Utah 2000, Daz 3D is a force to reckon with in the 3D content and software industry. Offering a library of over 5 million assets for its Daz Studio, Daz 3D is an ideal go-to platform for hobbyists and prosumers in creating life-like, superior quality models for video games, web designs, TV, animation, and films. The legendary Genesis platform empowers users to create diverse shapes with a common base, satisfying the need for variety. Daz 3D showcases its ingenuity further by facilitating transfers to third-party applications, including 3DS Max, Maya, Blender, Unity, and Unreal Engine.
Pros of Daz 3D
Free for use, with a license-based pricing model in the marketplace.
Enjoys a vast library of 3D assets with backward compatibility.
Daz Bridges feature allows for seamless transfer to third-party applications, boosting efficiency.
Facilitates realistic character morphing and simulating natural cloth/hair dynamics.
Cons of Daz 3D
Faces stiff competition from Adobe Character Animator, MetaHuman Creator, iClone.
Its high quotient of quality and realism might require deep learning curves for beginners.
MakeHuman vs Daz 3D: Pricing
MakeHuman operates on a starting subscription rate of $2/month, while Daz 3D follows a license-based pricing model on its marketplace with a free primary tool.
MakeHuman
MakeHuman, an open-source tool specializing in creating virtual humans, charges users starting at $2 per month. Free to use with donation-based costs contributing to infrastructure upkeep, it facilitates 3D modeling and character creation suited for both professional and academic contexts.
Daz 3D
Daz 3D, known for its extensive library of rigged 3D human models, follows a license-based pricing model in its marketplace. The core product, Daz Studio, is available for free. Premium, customizable models and additional software offerings are for purchase, catering to both amateur and professional graphic artists.
The Final Showdown: MakeHuman vs Daz 3D. Which one takes the throne?
MakeHuman and Daz 3D, two heavyweight contenders in 3D modeling software. But which of the two reigns supreme? The verdict is a matter of precision-crafted audience segmentation.
Open-source Aficionados
If you swear by open-source and yearn for optimized 3D modeling with versatility thrown into the mix, MakeHuman is the weapon of choice. Its range of virtual humans, the detail on characteristic macros, ease of manipulation and compatibility with a gamut of other software make it a reliable pick.
Professional 3D Artists
For those making a living out of 3D modeling, dabbling with Daz 3D may very well turn out to be a lucrative affair. With an ever-growing library of assets for Daz Studio, its mastery of realistic character morphing, and high-quality models for specific project requirements is a professional’s delight.
Game Developers
The ultimate decider for our game developers segment boils down to workflow convenience. MakeHuman, with its Unity integration and straightforward bone structure simplification, emerges as an undoubted victor. However, Daz 3D’s Genesis platform, compatible with various game development platforms, gives it a fighting chance.
Research and Academia
For an academic or researcher, MakeHuman presents a goldmine of opportunities with its usage in myriad scientific fields. If exploring new frontiers in facial expressions research, developing visuo-haptic surgical training systems, or venturing into biomedical engineering floats your boat, MakeHuman is the way to go.
In the epic clash of MakeHuman vs Daz 3D, the former shines for open-source enthusiasts and academia, while the latter caters to professionals with its vast asset library. However, for game developers, it’s a toss-up based on specific workflow preferences.
Logan Bellbrook
Content writer @ Aircada with a knack for nature & AR/VR/XR. Blogging the intersection of tech & terrain.
