Getting sets for Poser is like reading real estate ads: sounds great and the photo looks good, but you need really walk around in them to find out what they’re like. They’re never as good as they sound. Mind you, there’s theoretically nothing wrong with a set made to be used at a distance. However, I like to work into the nooks and crannies of a set. Who the heck spends their time standing out in an empty space surrounded by grand structures? Not me and not my figments, that’s for sure. I also do not do cartoon images. I like my renders realistic.
And why the heck won’t they tell us when a set is not made for closeups? Are closeups only made for interiors? GRRR.
With those requirements in mind, I have a huge beef here: a lot of interesting sets available for Poser and Studio (and even Carrara) are actually NOT made to be used up close or even in the mid distance. What makes this the case?
- low resolution textures for the surface covered: nastily blurry and artifact-y when rendered at medium distance (within about 12 Poser feet)
- edges that are too sharp and too clean on old or worn buildings
- textures that are too regular or have moire patterns
- lack of mesh detail and general boxiness
These lists will be updated periodically. I’m not finished by a long shot with this!
The Roll Call of Crummy Sets
I’m not going to bag on the freebies—you get what you pay for.
| Set Name | Creator | Marketplace | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Village | Faveral | DAZ3d | |
| Temple of the Shadows | vbarreto | Renderosity |
Roll Call of Good Sets
None of them are perfect, but these are pretty darned good.
| Set Name | Creator | Marketplace | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jungle Ruins | Stonemason | DAZ3d | |
| Urban Sprawl | Stonemason | DAZ3d | |
| Urban Sprawl 2 | Stonemason | DAZ3d | Cars not meant for closeups, per the artist. |
| Tin Pan Alley | Stonemason | DAZ3d | Corners of some brick buildings too sharp. |
| Streets of NYC: Townhouse Row | Stonemason | DAZ3d | Don’t get up close to the stairs or concrete bannisters, they’re sharp. |
| A Quiet Street | Stonemason | DAZ3d | Looking good so far; excellent textures |
| Never Was, Never More, Never Clear. | The AntFarm | DAZ3d | My bad, AF’s stuff should not have been on the crummy list. He listened and has been good with making mods. |
| Kelly Lodge, Medieval Tavern | Faveral | DAZ3d | These sets are specifically made for close-ups and include many great props, including some of the best Poser food you’ll see. |