The NewTek animation company introduced LightWave 7 in 2007, while AutoDesk Maya introduced 3D Studio MAX in 2008. Both programs have been used in professional film productions around the world. Animators have used 3D Studio MAX, now known as 3ds Max, to create award-winning films like "Avatar." Both programs contain hundreds of cutting-edge tools for animation, modeling and effects. The largest difference between the programs is price.
Modeling
- The 3ds Max application includes an extensive tool set for object modeling. The latest version includes a new modeling menu called Graphite. Tools in this section include CAT character rigging and a particle flow system. LightWave 7 includes many standard modeling tools like polygon modeling, but also includes new tools such as the fur design menu. The fur menu can be used to model hair, eyebrows and furs. Each application contains hundreds of cutting-edge tools for animation, modeling and effects.
Animation
- The 3ds Max application includes animation tools like the inverse kinematics solver, which aids animators in developing realistic character movements. Inside this kinematics menu animators can use modifiers to fine-tune movements like facial expressions. LightWave 7 includes a new fracturing tool that allows animators to create breaks in an object designed for construction. The application also features a new bullet dynamics system for creating physics-based 3D environments.
Effects
- The 3ds Max suite features dozens of effects, including clothing simulation, particle effects for creating moving water and fire and pre-built textures for common objects like grass, dirt and concrete. LightWave 7 includes a new FiberFX menu for animating complex textures like bird feathers. The FiberFX menu pre-buffers object shading and animation to save time when rendering the project.
Pricing
- LightWave 7 far outstrips 3ds Max in affordability. The full commercial version of LightWave 7 retails for $1,495 as of December 2011, whereas the commercial 3ds Max software package costs $3,495. Upgrading to 3ds Max from a previous version costs $1,745.
