Features Include Stereo Workflow, Improved Rendering Engine

Maxon today slated the new Cinema 4D Release 13 and BodyPaint 3D Release 13 to ship in September. The company said the release will feature an improved rendering engine, a new stereoscopic workflow, and a new suite of character tools to simplify the rigging process.
Maxon said that as content creators become more mobile, working in a variety of locations, better support for collaborative workflows was a key benchmark for V13. It now supports embedded XRef commands, better implementation of C.O.F.F.E.E. and Python scripting, more robust support for file formats like OpenEXR, FBX, and COLLADA, and new After Effects integration including stage object support, timeline-market export, and 29.97 fps.

The new rendering engine uses real camera properties – focal length, aperture, shutter speed – to calculate 3D motion blur, depth of field, and lens distortion. The new subsurface scattering shader gives a more realistic look to translucent materials like skin, and the shared image sampler combines sampling across multiple effects to shorten render times. And new anti-aliasing filters use the Mitchell and Gauss algorithms for higher-quality results.

Stereo tools include the ability to convert any camera to a parallel, on-axis, off-axis, or radial stereo camera rig; direct preview of 3D images in anaglyph, interlaced, shutter, or side-by-side modes; options to render right-eye/left-eye or merged stereo images; and stereo support in the picture viewer, including parallax adjustment. The new character tools include a simplifed auto rigger, a Cmotion system for applying parametric walk cycles to characters, a new system for custom-shaped muscles, and a new collision deformer.

Also new is a camera navigation system for rotation and dolly movements that automatically sets a point of interest based on a mouse click as well as a rethought interface for editing spline data, a location indicator for objects not seen within the current view, and other enhancements to the animation system.

The fully loaded Cinema 4D Studio sells for $3695, with upgrades from previous versions starting at $895; however, current customers can buy a Maxon Service Agreeement ($650) before the end of August and receive a free upgrade.

For more information: www.maxon.net.