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3D Model integration with Vegas Pro
I’ve been using Vegas Pro for many years and I love it. I have reached a point where I need to start working with 3D models/objects. I would love to find a way to work with 3D models like .obj, .mtl, .e3d, etc…inside of Vegas Pro. Can it be done?
I have been looking into Boris BCC 9 for Vegas Pro as it features the 3D objects plug-in. Has anybody used this? And can anyone confirm if it allows importing of 3D objects?
My other option is Adobe After Effects. The Elements 3D plug-in is EXACYLY what I need, I’m just not near as efficient in After Effects as I am in Vegas Pro. If this is my best option, then this is what I’ll have to do.
Does anyone have any other options (software, nle’s, plug-ins, etc…) that will allow me to work with 3D objects like .obj files. I’m not talking Maya or 3D Studio Max either.
Any help from you guys would be great. I’ve searched this here but I found nothing recent.
Thanks again,
Craig
Craig Meeks
http://www.bluefortressmedia.com -
11 Replies
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3d models are generally imported into Vegas as .PNG or EXR utilizing the alpha channel to create a composite with the video. From the 3d app export a PNG sequence, then in Vegas import media as an image sequence, and then composite with your video. Often times you need to render out separate layers of each element to gain control you would like in the final composite in Vegas.
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That sounds doable, and thanks for the replay. Will I be able to manipulate the object in true three dimensions like in After Effects, or will it be pseudo 3D using 3D Source Alpha? I basically need to be able to turn the 3D object in full 360 spins.
Craig Meeks
http://www.bluefortressmedia.com -
I have just discovered Hitfilm, which works along side Vegas, that allows importing and animating of 3D models. Checking it out, will post results.
Craig Meeks
http://www.bluefortressmedia.com -
HitFilm is definitely worth checking out. I use Final Cut Pro X with mObject and it does an excellent job of importing 3D objects and rendering them but for Vegas Pro, the HitFilm plug-in would be the best choice. It is, however, deep like After Effects.
~jr
http://www.johnrofrano.com
http://www.vasst.com -
The new upcoming Boris Continuum Complete 10 will have a 3D objects import and
manipulation feature within Vegas. So looking forward to that is even a
better option!Steve Rhoden (Cow Leader)
Film Maker & VFX Artist.
Owner of Filmex Creative Media.
Samples of my Work and Company can be seen here:
https://www.facebook.com/FilmexCreativeMedia -
I am sure there are a bunch of apps out there that will attempt to integrate things like 3d elements in to Vegas. The industry standard way of working with this type of material is to render out image sequences, then use a compositing application to combine the elements. Some or most 3d apps these days have the compositor integrated, so that Vegas is pretty much only used for editing. It is a different way of thinking that breaks down visuals in a very modular way, completely opposite from the WYSIWYG marketing from Vegas, Hitfilm or AfterEffects.
Blender, 4d, 3dSM = 3d creation environment, some have compositing environment integrated.
Vegas, Nuke, After Effects, Mocha (Hitfilm is Mocha lite) = 2d editor and compositor
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I am currently trying out Hitfilm 4 since they have 3D model support and works with Vegas and Catalyst. Upon initial use, it seems really good. Good lighting effects on the 3D models is so easy, and previewing is super fast. I’m familiar with After Effects and the Element 3D plug-in which is amazing. I’m not sure of the professional reputation of Hitfilm, but it seams to be well regarded and on the rise.
BCC is the other option for 3D model support. I haven’t been able to try it out yet because I cant get the trial to work properly. I am working with Boris support on it.
I’m definitely eager to get something purchased now and into my workflow, I just want to make sure I’m getting the best option for the future.
Craig Meeks
http://www.bluefortressmedia.com -
Talking about 3D models into Sony Vegas Pro. So what would be the difference between rendering a png sequence and rendering a .avi file with alpha channel?
Craig Meeks
http://www.bluefortressmedia.com -
[Craig Meeks] “Talking about 3D models into Sony Vegas Pro. So what would be the difference between rendering a png sequence and rendering a .avi file with alpha channel?”
The PNG sequence would probably take up less disk space because the only way to get an alpha channel in an AVI file is to render Uncompressed which produces very large files. The PNG sequence also allows you to control the frame rate easier because you can tell Vegas Pro to interpret the sequence at whatever frame rate you need. Otherwise, there is no real difference. The QuickTime Animation codec is another good alternative. It is actually designed for animation with an alpha channel.
~jr
http://www.johnrofrano.com
http://www.vasstsoftware.com -
Thanks John. I’ve been so used to .avi that I actually do render uncompressed with alpha. Very large files indeed, so I will give png sequence a try. I currently render 3d models with alpha in ae or hitfilm then bring into Vegas.
Craig Meeks
http://www.bluefortressmedia.com
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