Value, in my studio, is measured a little differently than in financial circles. I calculate it based upon dollars, multiplied by deadline pressure, divided by software-caused headaches. The less headaches, the greater the value. I also have to ask myself, “How many jobs will it take to make this program earn its keep?” Or the good old stand-by, “If I can consistently do better work with less stress, is it worth it?”
Ask yourself some questions first about your needs. While modo started out as, and continues to be, an outstanding modeler, it’s much more than that now and looks to have a feature-expanding future. modo is not a premium product because it has a high price, but because it is finely crafted, with incredible performance, and an eye for common sense usability. Would you like to grow with modo as your production needs and capabilities grow? Trust me; fluency in a program is significantly better to have than simply having the “best” program. If you’re fluent in another modeling application, the picture becomes a little clouded. (Notice I didn’t say if you “own” another modeling application. If you’re not fluent in one yet, this makes the picture less cloudy)
Overall Comment
If you need to create realistic objects quickly and have them rendered in photorealistic style, without taking aspirin or late nights, get modo. If you model lots of content for your productions, but battle with the modelers in other applications, get modo. If you need simple, but photo realistic animations and can import motion created in a 3D application that exports to .fbx or .mdd formats, modo is worth considering, but the decision is not as clear-cut. If you only want a modeler and are quite comfortable with the rendering requirements of other 3D softwares, getting modo probably isn’t required. If you’ll be creating even one detailed character, get modo. I wish I could be more help on the decision. For the budget-minded studio that might already have a couple of 3D applications, this is a tough call. At the very least, if you have a little extra studio cash and enjoy working with an application that is gutsy, but luxuriously smooth, you won’t be disappointed. Once again, I leave you in the haze of introspection.
Clearly, I can say this with personal experience, this application is superb. Though it is becoming the darling of many 3D circles, it is not for everybody or every studio. If you're not sure if modo 301 is right for you and you'd like to try before you buy, they do have a low-cost trial version you can download. (While it's not a free trial, it only costs $25 for a 30 day trial and you get eight training videos included with the trial download.)
Comprehension
9.7
Depth
of Information
9.9
Interest
Level
8.0
Reusability
9.9
Value
vs. Cost
10.0
Overall
Score
9.9
Mark Bremmer has operated his own commercial studio for 15 years. He’s been fortunate enough to work for clients like Caterpillar, Amana, Hormel Foods, Universal Studios Florida, and The History Channel; producing stills, digital mattes and animations. Mark contracts regularly as an art mercenary with production houses that shall remain nameless by written agreements. His production pipeline is Mac-based, with the FCP Studio2 workflow. He loves Shake and Motion. And his family.
