Computer 3D animation software basically allows you to create moving pictures digitally which are in essence three-dimensional. These images then transform through and are referred to as “Frames”. When the pictures are made step by step one after the other in a gradual manner, then the image of motion is produced.
How we perceive 3D animation to be in motion.
It’s a bit like the moving books that we used to make as kids. You would draw pictures in a slightly different position on each sequential page and when you flicked the pages together it would like the character was moving.
The same happens in 3D animation. Motion is simulated in such a way that the eyes are made to believe that movement has really taken place, while really the sense of movement is only because the images are passing through at a very speedy rate.
Computer animation comprises of 2D and 3D animation.
2D animation is the traditional and well established form of animation. This is also more commonly known as hand-drawn animation. 3D animation relies more on computers to bring forth characters using a construct environment that in itself is three dimensional by nature. So with 3D animation, all characters are created on the computer and not by hand as you require the right 3d animation software and tools to make modifications.
There is a whole variety of 3D animation software available on the internet. Depending on if you are a beginner, intermediate or if you are more advanced and would like a career in the animation business. You just need to tailor your choice to your own personal needs.
The one thing that you will need to bear in mind is the complexity of some of the 3d animation software, so if you are new to animation, then it would be advisable to get your head around the basic principles of 2D before you actually go out and make a purchase.
There are many 3D animation software packages out there, but the top brands that are used by the professionals e.g. Maya, have very high end 3D computer graphics as well as a very powerful 3D modelling software package. It’s a great choice if you are well into 3D graphics because it is the leading entertainment industries choice.
Maya has two versions though, so make sure you pick the right one for you. Maya complete is not as powerful as Maya unlimited and is a lot less expensive. A much better choice for an intermediate or a much less experienced animator. The real beginner may like to try their hand with some free or more inexpensive software when getting their feet wet.
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