3ds Max 8 Bible

I couldn't express it better: a must have 4 everyone seriously involved in 3DS Max 8. If you have a question or a problem, Murdock will show you the way. No one can teach you the use of 3DS Max on paper but this book is a magnificent help anyway. Worth it's money.

this book would have been better served 2 cater 2 either the professional or the beginner instead of trying 2 pass out material 4 both. This book have done with more step by step walk throughs as well.

I used 2 own a version of this Bible 4 3D Studio 4x 4 DOS, & was very satisfied with the multitude of information it shared about the 3D software. The new version even comes with a set of tutorials on DVD-ROM & even a backup copy of the entire Bible. I haven't perused through much of the book, but I doubt I'll be disappointed by what it will teach me about 3D Studio MAX 8.

Looking through this book I saw immediately that it suffered from the same problem as it's predecessor: lack of thought 2 the student's learning path.

It is a problem that is almost universal 2 computer instructional guides do... lack of any educational theory in its writing. It does not guide the newcomer through the art of learning the software, but rather deals with issues as if one is going through the menu commands. The tutorials consistantly use elements & commands that one will not cover 4 another hundred por more pages, & the chapters are not designed 2 "build on the student's knowledge" but rather 2 give all information about a given cocept right from the beginning. Thus, I am taught how 2 personalise the user interface & use XREFs (external references) before I am told how 2 create even the simplest of objects.

I am an experienced 3D analylist, with knowledge of CAD & GIS, so I am not the least experienced of readers on this topic. Even so I found it frequently infuriating 2 attempt 2 learn this software using this book.

As you might expect, this book has an excellent overview of 3DS Max functionality. If you need depth, probably you will need 2 read the on-line forums.
But if you are getting started, or you need a reference book, this book belongs on your shelf.

If 3ds Max 8 can do it, you can do it too...

Spark your creativity with the world's most popular animation software & the detailed instruction in this power-packed book from an industry expert. If you're new 2 3ds Max, jump right in with a Quick Start program that will have you modeling & rendering a complete image your first day. Experienced users, discover exciting new Max 8 features such as a new module 4 hair & fur, a new cloth system, & much more. This comprehensive book covers every feature, & it's loaded with professional techniques & full color examples 2 inspire you.

Inside, you'll find complete coverage of 3ds Max 8

• Model a detailed creature right away with the Quick Start tutorial
• Add realistic & dynamic hair, fur, & cloth 2 your models
• Create complex characters with Max's new biped features
• Use the expanded Edit Poly options 2 work more efficiently with Edge Ring & Edge Loop selections
• Explore Max's new Asset Tracking system including the Autodesk(r) Vault client
• Make texture creation a snap with the new Pelt mapping method & the Render UVW Template feature
• Save, load, & retarget animation files using the supported XML Animation File (XAF) format
• Easily render a series of stills from several angles with the new Batch Render tool

Bonus DVD Included!

Features a wide selection of 3D models & textures just right 4 your own projects, plus the Max files & examples 2 more than 150 tutorials. The DVD also includes a full-color electronic version of the book!