×

Management

LightWave 3D 7.5b

31 Jul, 2003 By: Ron LaFon Cadalyst

---

NewTek, $1,595

Dmitry Savinoff modeled and rendered this cityscape in LightWave 3D from NewTek.

There is no way I can do justice to the remarkable feature set found in NewTek’sLightWave 3D, even if I had the room to write a full article on just this product. LightWave 3D is a true real-time subdivision surface modeler that allows interactive modeling in perspective views. It offers one of the best built-in rendering engines in the industry.

It’s hard to imagine a more versatile product right out of the box. LightWave 3D offers radiosity, caustics, animation capabilities, soft-body dynamics, hair and fur, unlimited render nodes—a whole slew of tools that other packages require add-ons to produce, if they’re available at all. Add broad extensibility via an interface for plug-ins, and you’re covered for almost any modeling and rendering need.

Little wonder that LightWave 3D is used in such a wide variety of disciplines, from television to film to games. LightWave 3D is also used to create graphics for print media, the Web, industrial design, architecture, and medical imaging. It’s easy to find tips, models, materials, plug-ins, and information about LightWave on the Internet.

There’s a lot to like about LightWave 3D. I’ve been impressed with its capabilities for years. Perhaps what I like best is that when I look closely at how a feature is implemented, I find great attention to detail. LightWave 3D’s remarkable and innovative feature set makes it a great product.