3D Animation: From Models to Movies (Book with CD-ROM) [With CDROM]

This is the best 3d overview book I've seen yet. The examples reference C4D, Lightwave, and Strata but most of the material would be relevant to almost any 3d application. I really enjoyed the lighting chapter (turns out ideas from stage lighting apply to 3D). There's a lot of good stuff in this book.

3D Animation: From Models To Movies is a complete introduction to the creation of professional quality computer generated animation imaging. Key features included comprehensive coverage of fundamental 3D graphics required for animation; exercises to develop and hone computer animation skills; detailed tutorials for cover modeling, texturing, rendering, lighting, animation, and special effects; a color gallery displaying the work of talented students and artists; and an informative survey of cross-platform issues with explanations of how to apply animation techniques to a variety of software applications. 3D Animation is a complete course under one cover, and it's accompanying CD runs on either Windows or Mac, features a demo version of Maxon's Cinema 4D XLv6, a complete version of Strata 3D; all book images in full color, and tutorial support files.

The good things: -covers C4D (and screen shots of other apps) -offers great tuts in terms of making your own shaders and such. -the animation section is clearly written and a joy to follow -leads the newbie and intermediate 3D'r by the hand so you don't get lost. The not so good: (*none* of which are the fault of Adam Watkins but rather the publisher) -all b/w but for a small 4 color insert -the b/w screen captures are a bit muddyand small making it difficult to make out details However, mention is made that there are full color pics of ALL book illustrations on the enclosed CD. -in the radiosity section (Pp 289) where a wireframe should be is the same grayscale photo just underneath...thereby making it tough to figure out the scene setup. There are excellant examples of things we all have seen and some stuff we haven't from Alec Syme,Chad Griffiths, Ryan Crippen and of course Adam Watkins, to mention a few. Oh, and a couple "3d" pics from Phil McNally's Pump Action...you'll need your own set of red ans green lens 3D glasses for these pics. Though there are many tuts for how to do this and that ... there are things like the metaballs pic by Alec that were not covered for a how to. That's just me though...I see a pic and want to know how'd he do that? All in all the book is a must for your library... you'll go back and revisit it often.