Digital Effects Animation Using Maya (Graphics Series)

by Bee Ng Kian and Kian Bee Ng

Creating realistic digital effects is a difficult task even for the professionals. But with the features and accessibility of powerful graphics software like Maya, creating fascinating,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1886801371
• ISBN13: 9781886801370
• Release Date: September 1999
• Publisher: Charles River Media
• Length: 550 Pages
• Weight: 2.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.3" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

A serious review

I've read almost every graphics books (3D and games). So, let me give my analysis of this book.My opinion is this book is a very GOOD book. I've seen other books that give all kind of false advertising - duplicate half of the manuals, copy articles from all over the places etc. (You will be surprise how many of these are lying around) Those deserve a one star rating. But this book is one of a kind that serve as a good reference for Maya. It doesnt take the manual and repeat them here, which is what I love about.But, I believe because this is the first book on Maya, many people would probably rush to buy it without reading from the author that it is not a beginner book but one specifically written for effects wannabe. That probably explain why some of the readers are pulling out their hair while doing the tutorials. The other reason I believe is likely due to the printing errors. But hack, programs have bugs, system has flaws. There are more books that have more errors than this one! Besides, those errors are really minor.So, my recommendation is very simple:a. If you're first time Maya user, buy the learning maya book from alias wavefront. This one is not for you.b. If you're experience user, but know nothing more than those from the manuals, buy this book. It has some really good theory and practice of effects.c. If you like books that tell you and explain very thing step by step, this one is not for you.d. If you dont mind people throwing the codes and answers to you and expect you to think, this is the book you should get.

Good!

I'm a student taking some graphics and animation courses. I bought this book for study of Maya since my school teach maya. Before I read the book I dont have any idea of production. But now, I got a much better idea of what happens in production. I agree that Maya is just a tool. And there are many things needed for a real work in a production environemnt. One thing about the book, I think the publisher did not do a good job by editing it. Also, whoever proofed read the book must be half asleep. This cause the book with several errors. But lucky the book is still contain good stuff. In conclusion, I recommend it to people who like to learn effects animation, especially using Maya to do effects and especially if you are student like me.

Wonderful!

This is a good overview of the fundamentals in technical animation. A good link in both basics and practical production. If the images are in color, that will be even more wonderful!

A complete maya book!

Finally got my hands on this first Maya book! What can I say?! Excellent! Coming from 3DMax background, I find the book's tutorials and tips and introductions VERY useful. Now I know why MAYA is THE TOOL to go! Buy it! You cant get a MAYA INSTRUCTOR for to teach you even half of these stuff!

good overall coverage!

The theory in the book is well covered and interesting. I find the tutorials simple to follow. Pretty much like what the title says "digital effects animation". There are some MEL printing errors, like "`" is printed as "'" which caused me some hair loss initially. But, if you'd gone through the Maya manauls, this book complements the manuals rather well. I contacted the author on two occasions, I got my replies immediately the next day. A book that comes with service support!