Daz Studio and earlier Genesis figures

nabob21

Hello,

I am considering getting into Daz Studio and have been looking at the various characters offerred in the store. While I understand that Genesis 8 comes with the new Daz Studio, there are a number of figures that I am interested in that were made for Genesis 1, 2, and 3. How do I get these older characters? I have searched by entering their name (e.g. Genesis 2) and characters for those figures show up but not Genesis 2 itself. Any information would be welcome.

Thanks for any replies.

nabob21

 

MelanieL

Genesis "1" (just called Genesis), Genesis 2 (Male and Female) and Genesis 3 (Male and Female) all come free with DAZ Studio - so you get a total of 7 free figures with the software (plus I think quite a lot of other content to get you started).

They are in the store too, but listed under the title "Starter Essentials" - there's not much information there, but when you get DAZ Studio it will come with them all.

akmerlow

Don't forget about base characters and morph packs for each gens which are often a requirement, though.

Hylas

Keep in mind that it can be a hassle to work with various generations of Genesis models.

A lot of clothes and items are compatible, but not all of them. Poses and heeled shoes are generally not compatible across generations. There may be ways to work around that, but as I said: hassle.

If you plan on morphing your characters (adjusting facial features and body shapes) you will have to buy separate morph packs for each generation and gender you're working with. That's potentially a lot of money.

Personally, I'd choose one generation (Genesis 3 or Genesis 8) and stick with that, at least in the beginning.

dracorn

Also, keep in mind that morphs (the shape of the figures) can only be used within that generation.  There is a converter that works between Genesis, Genesis 2 and Genesis 3 (called Gen-X), but the author sadly passed away, and there is no product to bridge the gap to Genesis 8.  There is a free version which has some limitations in the forums, and there is another artist working on a new product, but there is no E.T.A.

The textures, i.e., skins can be exchanged between the characters as such:

Victoria 4 / Michael 4 can be worn by Genesis.

Genesis 2 requires a conversion to wear Genesis/M4/V4.

Genesis 3 also requires a conversion to wear any of the previous skins.

Genesis 8 can wear Genesis 3 skins but the eyes are different.  There are converters available to wear the previous skins.  Also, these older skins need to be converted to Iray as well.  

Keep in mind that investing in a generation takes some cash, especially to keep using older products in your inventory as the generations advance.  The PA's are no longer making products for V4/M4, Genesis, or Genesis 2.  If there is a standalone figure for G1, G2, G3, by all means, go ahead.  Grab up any monster or android - they are really cool.  

You can do well investing in Genesis 3 - there's lots of content for it.  There is nothing wrong with skipping a generation, either.  I invested heavily in Genesis 2, skipped Genesis 3, and am now investing in Genesis 8.  Also keep in mind that when the new generation is out, you can find the previous generation offered at great sale prices.

Investing in the Platinum Club is also smart, as you get a free product per week, plus 2 coupons per month.  There's LOTS of freebies, too.  Just sort by Price Low to High and snatch them up.  Do that frequently, as Daz3D will occasionally offer older mega bundles for free.  You can get great stuff in FastGrab for 70% off.  Also, Daz3D discounts STACK - an item will be on sale because a PA released a new product, and that older product can be in a group of items on sale, and buy two new items for an additional discount, pop a coupon, and you can get a $40 item for 5 bucks or less.  In September is the PA Sale going on right now (note that there is always the last day sale where everything previously offered is back on sale again - if you're gonna buy, that's the time to do it).  There's lots of great sales going on between Thanksgiving and New Year's, and in Spring there's March Madness.  Be sure to save your pennies for these as your wallet may be crying a bit before they are done. (There is a Dazaholics thread, so be warned about this hobby).

Note that when you see Platinum Club offered on sale, get it.  When your membership comes due, it will apply automatically, and you can take advantage of the good price regardless of when your membership is due.

Also, feel free to ask anything in the forums.  We are happy to answer your questions.