This review is very specific to the full, Studio version of C4D. If you’d like to read about the Core version, please click here. In this review, we cover the modules included in the Studio version plus BodyPaint. (For the improvements in just the Core software, be sure to check out that review link, as it covers more on the modeling, animation and the new feature sets associated with just the Core software.)
The “leading, bleeding-edge” is a place that some companies try to be in by immediately putting untested technology in new releases of software. This is a very dangerous place to be especially in Computer Graphics software, where glitches and crashes can spell serious costs in time and money. Maxon’s CINEMA 4D (C4D) Studio Edition has probably never been in this no-man's land, and with its newest release, version 11 (R11), it’s easy to understand the method to their madness.
Simply put, the new C4D R11 feature sets have been around for a little while in other cinematic quality CG (computer graphic) software. But with this release, both these new and existing feature sets are so polished, work so smoothly, so quickly, and with such elegance, that new and experienced C4D users can embrace this version without hesitation. Although easy enough for a “newbie” to use it, there is plenty of cinematic power making it perfect for the addition of CG elements to your work or to generate complete CG scenes and action.
A re-tooled Global Illumination render engine brings reality to the screen very fast.
One of the big improvements in the Studio Version of Release 11 is a faster global illumination render engine is a huge improvement. Starting with ground-up new code, the render engine now uses the “bucket” system of sampling and rendering netting a large speed increase for folks that need Global Illumination and HDRI (High Dynamic Range Images) illumination in their scenes.
With that said, we'll explore the new improvements and power as we go more in-depth below.
Ease of Use
Each module in C4D Studio behaves like an advanced plugin to the program, enhancing the power of the Core program tremendously. Because of their power and complexity, each module require familiarization. Fortunately, the documentation is good and, if you couple it with a subscription to the learning service Maxon has called Cineversity, you’ll have an excellent jump-start into these modules if you don’t have any experience with them.
Almost everything in C4D Studio has drag-and-drop functionality. The modules are no exception. The most impressive thing about each of the modules is how streamlined Maxon has made the user experience. Hunting and pecking around is a thing of the past. There are delightful nuances in the modal dialog window that logically present options to the user and prevent the opening of multiple windows.
For power-users, or even ordinary human users, C4D’s capability to make custom floating or docked palettes revealing the tools of your choice saves major time. In both the Core portion and the expanded modules found in the Studio system, C4D R11’s updated workflow and User Interface (UI) is a treat.
