DAZ 3D has released Bryce 7, the latest version of its 3D solution for achieving realistic imagery. The company has also released Bryce 7 Pro and the Bryce 7 Personal Learning Edition (LE).

Artists utilizing Bryce 7 will gain the ability to easily incorporate 3D models made in Google SketchUp or Electronic Arts' Spore Creature Creator into their pipeline, says Dan Farr, founder and CEO of DAZ 3D. This direct import option, created specifically for Bryce 7 workflows, streamlines integration and eliminates cumbersome tweaking, utilizing new import and export options for both the COLLADA and FBX file formats, he adds. Bryce users can now also export their environments for use in a variety of other tools and 3D applications.

Additionally, the DAZ Studio Bridge within the Bryce pipeline has been re-designed to transfer models from DAZ Studio 3, into Bryce 7 with less overhead and greater ease. Even complex layered 3D figures and accessories now seamlessly import into Bryce 7, says Farr.

Incorporating all feature capabilities of the standard version of Bryce 7, the PLE is offered at no cost for non-commercial project usage.

In addition to the new data exchange available in Bryce 7, professional artists utilizing the Bryce 7 Pro toolset will also experience the software's new Instancing Lab. Allowing users to copy individual objects or user-defined object sets, the Instancing Lab makes it possible to create larger, more realistic scenes than ever before. Controls for distribution, orientation, density and divergence allow for realistic results and instancing is now handled through a brush that includes controls for scale, rotation, random seed and proportion. Farr says Bryce 7 Pro also offers:

° New Light Types for special effect, or perfectly lit scenes, including: Distant, Parallel, Cluster, Dome and a series of 3D fill lights. Additional controls for True Ambience and shadows have also been added.

° Data Exchange has been updated with the addition of both import and export of the COLLADA and FBX file formats.

° Sky Lab now offers more tools, including improved Image-based Lighting (IBL), and cloud setting controls. It additionally features new capabilities for controlling and creating HDRI images, soft shadows for IBL, specular map settings and powerful sun options.

° Material Lab provides new displacement settings for added detail and realism.

° Particle Animation Tool allows users to create particle animated objects using spheres. This tool can only be accessed via a special "Easter Egg" within the software itself.

The full version of Bryce 7 Pro is available in both Mac and Windows formats via the DAZ 3D web site (http://www.DAZ3D.com/bryce), and is regularly priced at US$$99.95. Licenses for the standard version of Bryce 7 are available for $29.95. Special discount pricing will be offered for a limited time in the DAZ 3D online store.