Product Description

More than 100 step–by–step tutorials give you valuable hands–on experience under the expert guidance of 3D master, Kelly Murdock. Increasingly complex scenes will prove useful to all 3D MAX users, from beginners to advanced. 3ds max 4 Bible will help you learn and master the most popular 3D modeling and animation software.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #846403 in Books
• Published on: 2001-08-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 1296 pages

From the Back Cover
If 3ds max 4 can do it, you can do it, too ... Take 3ds max 4 to the max – and join the ranks of the pros who′ve created animations for some of today′s hottest games, movies, and TV shows. Packed with expert advice, time–saving tips, and more than 150 step–by–step tutorials, this all–in–one guide gets you up to speed quickly on the basics – and provides expanded coverage of advanced techniques. With incisive insights into the next–generation enhancements to 3ds max, 16 pages of full–color examples, and a CD–ROM featuring exclusive plug–ins, it′s just what you need to take your animations to the next level. Inside, you′ll find complete coverage of 3ds max 4
∗ Get a hands–on introduction to 3ds max 4 with a Quick Start animation project
∗ Master the new features in 3ds max, from the enhanced modeling features to improved Inverse Kinematics
∗ Create sophisticated 3D models using NURBS, splines, patches, meshes, and compound objects
∗ Build intricate special effects using particle systems and Space Warps
∗ Master the Expression Controller and other advanced animation tools
∗ Simulate realistic materials and textures using the Material Editor
∗ Decrease total rendering time using a network
∗ Learn to program your own 3ds max plug–ins
Jam–Packed CD–ROM!
∗ Exclusive Furious Research plug–ins, including a Rainbow atmospheric effect and a Sketch render effect
∗ Sample 3D models from Viewpoint Database, Zygote Media, and more!
∗ Cool products including Rhino 3D demo and Poser 4 trial
∗ Complete tutorial files
www.hungryminds.com System Requirements: PC running Windows 98 or later, Windows NT 4 or later. See the CD–ROM appendix for details and complete system requirements.

About the Author
About the Author Kelly Murdock has been involved with more computer books than he cares to count – to the point that he avoids the computer book section of the bookstore, except for the graphics section, which still remains an obsession. His book credits include various Web, graphics, and multimedia titles, including the first edition of this book, the 3ds max 4 Bible. Other major accomplishments include Master HTML and XHTML Visually, JavaScript Blueprints, and co–authoring the Illustrator 9 Bible JavaScript. Kelly also co–authored Laura Lemay′s Web Workshop: 3D Graphics and VRML 2 at a time when we all thought VRML was going somewhere. With a background in engineering and computer graphics, Kelly has been all over the 3D industry. He′s used high–level CAD workstations for product design and analysis, completed several large–scale visualization projects, created 3D models for feature films, worked as a freelance 3D artist, and even done some 3D programming. Kelly′s been using 3D Studio on and off since version 3 for DOS. He is also the creative force behind the children′s Web site, Animabets.com at www.animabets.com.

Customer Reviews

Beginners' guide to 3DS MAX
I purchased this book along with 3DS MAX 4 Fundamentals and 3DS MAX 4 In Depth in order to learn 3DS MAX. Really as a beginner you have no idea where to turn, and what material to buy. Looking back I guess I could have saved quite a few bucks. Not that the other ones are not good books and all, but as a beginner I couldn't have done better than with 3DS MAX 4 Bible, and on top of that, I didn't need the other ones.

MAX 4 Bible does an excellent job of explaining sometimes quite complex technical matters in an easy going and interesting way. Add to that, that it takes you through all the important areas and gives you explanations of all functions.

I am pursuing a career in the games field, and this book has proved instrumental in learning this important tool. I would have minded paying a few bucks half a year ago, to know what I know now.

Good but not brilliant
I brought this last year (from Waterstones.) when I first started my Animation degree - I was hoping it made my 3DS Max lessons easier but I was dissapointed - the book is confusing for beginners - I wouldnt recomend it as a quick guide (its advertised as 'Bible' u would expect it to tell u everything in detail but it doesnt.) - If u r a beginner I would sugest u read Michele Motossian's 'Visual Quickstart Guide to 3DS Max 4' (Even if ur still thinking of getting the bible - read that first as a starter.)- its a much easier read and it cuts to the chase a lot quicker.

Good reference book
This was the first book i bought while trying to learn 3d studio max. its a very informative book, goes well with the tutorials that come with the software, more of a reference book than a teaching you how to use max, e.g. if i'm reading a tutorial and it tells me to do such and such, but doesn't tell my why, i can look the step up in this book an it will clearly tell me what it does. Overall best bought with another more hands on learning book (e.g 3ds max 4 magic) than by itself.