Affordable Human 3D Animation with Poser Pro
What do you like best?
Poser allows the user to create complex, realistically rendered 3-D images and animations at an entry level price point far below that of most 3D modelling and animation systems. This is possible because Poser's open ended architecture supports a broad after market of figures, models, textures, and presets in a wide variety of subjects. While the marketplace can tend to be weighted toward the sci-fi/fantasy/superhero genres, there's a good mix of "real world" clothing, furniture, props, and scenery. Additionally, "morph targets" are available to modify the standard figures, and the application provides options for generating your own (with a bit of practice). There's also support for dynamic hair and clothing (that responds to "physics), a robust, multi-layer shader system, and export to widely supported formats like OBJ, STL, and FBX. There are several rendering engines, and output plug-ins to support export to higher end systems like Max, Maya, or Lightwave.
What do you dislike?
Poser's greatest detriment is that it's something of an orphan software. It's bounced around from one major software vendor to another without always having the best support or needed R&D funding. The most current owner is Renderosity, the largest of the aftermarket model vendor communities, but it's current development has slowed significantly. In fairness, though, this is likely to be the best place for it, since it's connected to the largest number of end users. There are few competitors, but it's a niche product. Adding more features to bring it in line with higher end systems will likely price it out of the hobbyist range it was developed for, and excels at.
What problems are you solving with the product? What benefits have you realized?
I have been using the software since version one. Originally it was designed as a digital system to replace the artist's mannequin or live models. Along about version three the ability to create content broke open the third party market and it became a powerful tool for actual art and later, rendered animation. I personally have used it to create corporate training films for Fortune 500 companies, illustrated advertising content, graphic novel and comic book work, and extensively for the original purpose of providing and artists reference. While I have not personally used it for the purpose, I know of several people who are creating 3D printed figures using it. I have also combined it with Newtek Lightwave 3D, and E-on Vue to produce short films for competition.
