The target audience for 3ds max 4 Fundamentals is users new to computer graphics and animation for whom 3ds max 4 is the tool of choice. Artists experienced with Max and wanting the scoop on the new features might be disappointed, but someone who doesn't know a storyboard from an x-axis will probably get quite a bit from this book.

Computer graphics is an involved topic, and animation is a specialty by itself. Trying to learn the fundamentals of either of these fields while learning to use a program like 3ds Max 4 is difficult at best, since each is worthy of its own devoted study. This book, however, opens with two chapters (making up part I) covering a crash course in graphics from an animation perspective, including storyboarding, composing a shot, the importance of color and lighting, and movement. Chapter 2 nails down the basics of how 3ds max 4 works from a conceptual standpoint, a sort of bird's eye view of the application. This covers Max terminology and the basic feature categories without getting into the specifics of exactly how to do things--that starts in the next part.

Part II, the bulk of the book, dives into the actual use of Max. Workflow, getting around the interface, modeling, texturing, lighting, the basics of animation, and rendering are discussed over the course of 300-plus pages. Many of the examples follow the making of a single scene throughout the book: The interior of a diner. This is a fairly involved scene, and learning how to create it from scratch all the way through final rendering provides a nice sense of continuity.

Part III, "New and Updated Max Features," focuses on what's new in version 4. Since this book is oriented toward new users, this section is more of an overview than a how-to on the new features.

Overall, the writing is clear and concise, and each chapter is well illustrated. One drawback is the complete lack of color illustrations, although the CD-ROM includes color versions of all the images used in the book, along with all the project files and some free and demo version third-party plug-ins.

The 3ds max 4 application is a major upgrade from version 3.1, and although much of the interface hasn't changed, there are enough new features and enhancements to give pause to experienced users and probably stop new users in their tracks. The new features or improved functionality make Max an even deeper and richer program than it was, but the learning curve has grown longer and steeper. This book offers a slightly different take on the tools and features than is provided in the manuals; it is a concise and approachable handbook for mastering this powerful animation system. --Mike Caputo


From Book News, Inc.
This tutorial textbook introduces the basics of using the three- dimensional graphics program, in which three-dimensional models are usually rendered in two-dimensional format. After discussing some basic topics of computer graphics, the chapters move into the program's tools, discussing shape modeling, surface colors and patterns, lighting, animation, and rendering. Final chapters offer examinations of new and updated software features. The CD-ROM contains files used in the text's example project, figures reproduced from the text, and some related third-party software.Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR


Book Description
3ds max 4 Fundamentals is a tutorial- reference in which the basic concepts of 3D representation and 3ds max are explored, with special attention given to new and upgraded features of the new release. The book focuses on key features so that the reader can use this basic knowledge to progress to a higher level of understanding and efficiency both in skill and in book choice.


Book Info
Guidebook for computer graphic artists using 3ds max 4 software. Presents essential lessons in the context of the latest version of the software, providing readers ways to save time while gaining knowledge and improving their work habits. The CD-ROM contains the project files for the text, as well as all of the text's figures. Softcover.


From the Publisher
A classic piece of technical publishing with a completely new look and direction, matching discreet’s all-new 3ds max 4. Ted Boardman is to many people the best discreet-approved max instructor in the world. His job is to alpha- and beta-test each new rev of max, to know it like the back of his hand, and to help others ramp up on and get the most out of each new rev of this powerful (and ever-changing) product. Ted’s got this stuff down to a science and now he applies that science—in his eminently easy-to-access style—in book form to learning 3ds max 4. Educators need to review this book: it may be the best tool you’ll find for ramping students up to max. Ironically, many experienced users will want to check this book out because of its coverage of what’s new, what’s not, best practices that carry-over, new best practices, and in general, an early-to-market briefing on your tool of choice. It works for the self-starter and it works in the classroom.


From the Back Cover
3ds max 4 Fundamentals is a tutorial- reference in which the basic concepts of 3D representation and 3ds max are explored, with special attention given to new and upgraded features of the new release. The book focuses on key features so that the reader can use this basic knowledge to progress to a higher level of understanding and efficiency both in skill and in book choice.


About the Author
Ted Boardman (Plymouth, NH) specializes in 3D Studio Max training worldwide and is recognized as a Discreet Training Specialist. Ted's client list includes many heavy hitters in the entertainment and gaming industry. Ted has co-authored Inside 3D Studio Max 3: Modeling, Materials, and Rendering; Inside 3D Studio Max 2: Modeling and Materials; and several other books and manuals. Other New Riders' books published by this author: Inside 3D Studio VIZ 3 (0735710023) Inside 3D Studio Max 3: Modeling, Materials and Rendering (0735711850) Inside 3D Studio Max 2, volume II: Modeling and Materials (1562058649)

FROM THE PUBLISHER

3ds max 4 Fundamentals is a tutorial- reference in which the basic concepts of 3D representation and 3ds max are explored, with special attention given to new and upgraded features of the new release. The book focuses on key features so that the reader can use this basic knowledge to progress to a higher level of understanding and efficiency both in skill and in book choice.

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