Existing users, 
 Strata 3D CX - 6.0Modeling, rendering, animation app. |
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| Overall Rating: | Not rated (0.0) | Features: | Not rated (0.0) | Support: | Not rated (0.0) |
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Featured Reviews
Photoshop CS4 compatible only - Version: 6.0, 6/18/2009 11:08AM PST
muckeymuck
One thing not mentioned in the update specs is the fact that the 3D plugin for Photoshop Extended that Strata 3D CX 6 comes with ONLY works with Photoshop CS4 Extended. If you have been using the previous version 5.5 of Strata 3D CX with Photoshop Extended CS3 and the 3D-in plugin has been of value to you, then you can look forward to an expensive upgrade as you will have to upgrade to latest version of Photoshop Extended as well.
Good product 
- Version: 5.5.1, 4/6/2009 10:08PM PST
Yann Landot
I downloaded a lot of different trial to test wich software meet my needs : cinema 4D, Maya, Lightwave products and Strata. I also looked at cheetah 3D.
Strata 3D was the best (for me) with it's interaction with photoshop. While some aspects are perfectible, at least this software look like a mac application. I use it to create objects mostly (i render under Vue infinite wich is fantastic at this job).
Cheetah 3D is also a great software but lacked some features (but i'm considering buying it too).
Note that i use version 5.6 wich seems to have corrected some bugs since version 5.5
Strata 3D was the best (for me) with it's interaction with photoshop. While some aspects are perfectible, at least this software look like a mac application. I use it to create objects mostly (i render under Vue infinite wich is fantastic at this job).
Cheetah 3D is also a great software but lacked some features (but i'm considering buying it too).
Note that i use version 5.6 wich seems to have corrected some bugs since version 5.5
Seriously dated interface. For hobbyists only. - Version: 5.0.1, 12/13/2006 11:10AM PST
(1 of 5 users found this comment useful)
Navarro Parker
I used Strata when it was one of the first PowerPC 3D programs for the Mac nearly a decade ago. I recently upgraded my copy to the current version. I was shocked to see how little the program had grown. While it touts new features like photon mapping, caustics, and multiprocessing, it has serious usability issues.
Any 3D program that doesn't support industry standard three-mouse buttons is seriously limited. Likewise, there aren't any W-E-R keyboard shortcuts for scale/ rotate / pan. Navigation requires several trips to the toolbar each time you want to change your view. It also doesn't have keyframe snapping, so aligning the playhead to specific keyframes and making modifications is tedious. There is no motion graph. Its modelling capabilities are likewise forgettable. It also doesn't support multi channel or depth map rendering. If you've used Cinema 4D, Maya or After Effects for 10 minutes, you realize how lacking this application is in a real production environment.
On the upside, it does have some of the easiest to use Metaballs. It has a pretty speedy raytracer (especially using multiple processors). It also has a great library of drag and drop textures.
Outside of its metaball engine, I could never recommend this program to anyone but the Bryce/Poser home hobbyist crowd.
Any 3D program that doesn't support industry standard three-mouse buttons is seriously limited. Likewise, there aren't any W-E-R keyboard shortcuts for scale/ rotate / pan. Navigation requires several trips to the toolbar each time you want to change your view. It also doesn't have keyframe snapping, so aligning the playhead to specific keyframes and making modifications is tedious. There is no motion graph. Its modelling capabilities are likewise forgettable. It also doesn't support multi channel or depth map rendering. If you've used Cinema 4D, Maya or After Effects for 10 minutes, you realize how lacking this application is in a real production environment.
On the upside, it does have some of the easiest to use Metaballs. It has a pretty speedy raytracer (especially using multiple processors). It also has a great library of drag and drop textures.
Outside of its metaball engine, I could never recommend this program to anyone but the Bryce/Poser home hobbyist crowd.
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- Seriously dated interface. For hobbyists only.
unexpectedly quits - Version: 3.9.1, 4/6/2004 05:41AM PST
a-f.ch
Have got Strata3DPro 3.9 on CD, but cannot start it. After entering the Serialnumber, it unexpectedly quits. Tried 3.9.1 updater, no success. Tried on another machine, no success. Working on Panther 10.3.3...
Thanks, Strata! - Version: 3.9.1, 2/5/2004 10:22AM PST
russtms
Finally, a StrataPro update that enables OpenGL accelleration! The installation of this update is a bit difficult. You must have v. 3.8, including the installation CD. Install the 3.9 update (I missed that one in September) first, then launch it with the 3.8 CD in the drive and re-enter the serial number. Then quit, and install the 3.9.1 update. It runs significantly faster, especially with OpenGL objects.
Updater Problems - Version: 3.9.1, 2/3/2004 03:44PM PST
GranadaTV
The updater keeps erroring out on me. First it said I hadn't the right permissions. Fixed that. Since then a "file not found."
The old version still launches, so it didn't screw anything up at least. But it would seem that it's probably worth waiting a few days until they sort this one out.
The old version still launches, so it didn't screw anything up at least. But it would seem that it's probably worth waiting a few days until they sort this one out.
Thank-you, Strata! - Version: 3.9, 9/25/2003 03:21AM PST
Mr Tea
I'm always interested to see a new version of this programme, and 3.9 doesn't disappoint.
I was, however, disappointed that the ravings of MCorum were presented here as a 'review' when, by his/her own admission, this person has been unable to use the update because they don't have the commercial version 3.8 CD. The proper thing to do, MCorum, would have been to present your comments as a 'Commentary' or 'Usage Tip', rather than contaminating the review ratings with your non-review.
And may I join Phillth in asking you what happened to your CD? It's simple common sense to keep hold of the installers for your current, legally-owned software. If you lost, broke or discarded it, you can't expect a free replacement; if you sold it or gave it away, the software is no longer yours to update. Where's the beef, MCorum?
I was, however, disappointed that the ravings of MCorum were presented here as a 'review' when, by his/her own admission, this person has been unable to use the update because they don't have the commercial version 3.8 CD. The proper thing to do, MCorum, would have been to present your comments as a 'Commentary' or 'Usage Tip', rather than contaminating the review ratings with your non-review.
And may I join Phillth in asking you what happened to your CD? It's simple common sense to keep hold of the installers for your current, legally-owned software. If you lost, broke or discarded it, you can't expect a free replacement; if you sold it or gave it away, the software is no longer yours to update. Where's the beef, MCorum?
User Be Intelligent! - Version: 3.9, 9/24/2003 11:58PM PST
(1 of 1 users found this comment useful)
Studio G
The Read-Me that comes up before installation explains this to you. You have only yourself to blame for not backing up before going ahead with the installation. From the Read-Me:
"Strata 3Dpro 3.9 will require you to re-enter your serial number and to verify against your Strata 3Dpro 3.8 CD. This will become apparent when you launch the software after completing the update process."
How much clearer about it do they have to be? Where IS your CD anyway?
I have been using this product since it was called StudioPro 1.0, and 3.9 is the best version ever. It is rock-solid under OS X, has countless under-the-hood enhancements and improvements, and even brings back a couple of features from the "good old days" including alpha rendering that excludes the background color, and the render-complete sound.
Rendering is faster, with significantly more efficient raydiosity and caustics, "shadow optimizations" that you can toggle on and off, better handling of low-intensity lights, and improved anti-aliasing to name a few. There is now a way to kill the dreaded Nested Nodes. Better VRML import. Subtle but much-needed interface improvements. The list goes on...
It should keep most of us happy until they finally get version 4.0 going. We need better modeling (SDS, NURBS, better metaballs etc.), spline deformations, improved animation tools, and some kind of a hybrid renderer.
I don't work for Strata, I'm just a satisfied customer.
"Strata 3Dpro 3.9 will require you to re-enter your serial number and to verify against your Strata 3Dpro 3.8 CD. This will become apparent when you launch the software after completing the update process."
How much clearer about it do they have to be? Where IS your CD anyway?
I have been using this product since it was called StudioPro 1.0, and 3.9 is the best version ever. It is rock-solid under OS X, has countless under-the-hood enhancements and improvements, and even brings back a couple of features from the "good old days" including alpha rendering that excludes the background color, and the render-complete sound.
Rendering is faster, with significantly more efficient raydiosity and caustics, "shadow optimizations" that you can toggle on and off, better handling of low-intensity lights, and improved anti-aliasing to name a few. There is now a way to kill the dreaded Nested Nodes. Better VRML import. Subtle but much-needed interface improvements. The list goes on...
It should keep most of us happy until they finally get version 4.0 going. We need better modeling (SDS, NURBS, better metaballs etc.), spline deformations, improved animation tools, and some kind of a hybrid renderer.
I don't work for Strata, I'm just a satisfied customer.
USER BEWARE! - Version: 3.9, 9/24/2003 08:56PM PST
(0 of 5 users found this comment useful)
MCorum
If by any chance you don't have the CD you installed the previous 3.8 version from - DON'T INSTALL THIS UPDATE! Not only can't you serialize the "free" upgrade without the CD - the updater destroys your previous 3.8 installation. I've been using Strata 3D for years and have always recommended it strongly - but I think they've gone around the bend with copy protection and the technical support group says the only way to get back to where I was before the ill-fated "upgrade" is to spent $40 to buy a replacement CD
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As far as I know............ - Version: 3.9, 9/24/2003 12:21PM PST
SC-OPTI
This software is in perfect balance =PRICE = PERFORMANCE=. Even, I have to put few pluses on top of my comment. Simple to use, nice interface and great tech. support. Highly recommended!
