DAZ 3D has released both DAZ Studio 4 Advanced and Pro -- the latest versions of its character creation, art and animation tool.

DAZ Studio 4 boasts a new 3D figure platform that enables the Genesis series of figures from DAZ 3D. This new 3D figure platform allows artists to create a variety of custom characters with high detail from one common base model. The foundation for the Genesis series of figures is comprised of DAZ 3D's patent pending TriAx weight map system and a new open file format.

Other DAZ Studio 4 Advanced features include:

° Auto-Fit, which provides a way to automatically fit clothing originally made specifically for your favorite fourth generation DAZ 3D figures to the new fifth generation Genesis figures.

° Progressive Rendering, which allows you to see a draft image followed by a series of better images on subsequent passes.

° A Multi-Layered Image Editor that allows you to create image layers that you can then add to underlying surface textures to create things like tattoos and decals on your models.

° 64-Bit Support that provides users access to the full speed and memory handling of 64-bit operating systems for both Mac and Windows. Support is also included in the OptiTex engine and clothing line.

Key DAZ Studio 4 Pro features include:

° Content creator tools such Property Editor, Figure Setup, Joint Editor, Morph Loader Pro that give artists the ability to construct, edit and manipulate 3D assets on their own custom characters.

° GoZ Bridge, which allows artists to take their model from DAZ Studio 4 to ZBrush and back again, so that they can leverage ZBrush's modeling tools for detailed character creation.

° 3D Bridge for Photoshop, designed to save time and money by eliminating the need for costly photo shoots and stock imagery by allowing users to work interactively with 3D objects, while enjoying real-time results in Photoshop.

° FBX Exporter, which lets you create and transfer your content into your other production tools.

° Texture Atlas, which allows you to automatically collect all of the textures associated with a selected 3D character, size and scale those images, and then combine them into a single texture atlas.

DAZ Studio 4 Advanced and Pro are available now in both Mac OS X and Windows formats. DAZ Studio Advanced is priced at US$229.95 and DAZ Studio 4 Pro is priced at $429.95. Upgrade pricing is also available for existing DAZ Studio customers. For purchase details or to view a comparison chart of features, visit http://www.daz3d.com/studio .