Question about HD add-on for several 8.1 characters
I have seen some 8.1 characters in the store which all have a HD add-on. But I was confused because I cannot see a difference between the promo pictures of the original "non HD" character and the promo pictures of the HD add-on.
I mainly looked at the close-ups of the faces, and some characters have wrinkles, pimples or scars. Those "imperfections" are visible in the original portraits and add-on portraits. But there are some comparison promo images in the add-on products which show a smooth skin.
These images are a good example:
Original character: https://gcdn.daz3d.com/p/84775/i/daz3d_Leanne_8_Face06_Main.jpg
Add-on: https://gcdn.daz3d.com/p/84776/i/leanne81hdaddon02daz3d.jpg
So what does the HD add-on add to the character?
https://www.daz3d.com/brooke-8-1 > https://www.daz3d.com/brooke-8-1-add-on
https://www.daz3d.com/jacqueline-81 > https://www.daz3d.com/jacqueline-81-hd-add-on
https://www.daz3d.com/jazz-81 > https://www.daz3d.com/jazz-81-hd-add-on
https://www.daz3d.com/jinx-jones-81 > https://www.daz3d.com/jinx-jones-81-hd-add-on
https://www.daz3d.com/rosa-maria-81 > https://www.daz3d.com/rosa-maria-81-hd-add-on
https://www.daz3d.com/leanne-81 > https://www.daz3d.com/leanne-81-hd-add-on
Comments
The details you see in the main character promos are most likely from the character's normal maps.
The HD-add-ons give you HD morphs, which mean they would work when using another character skin for example. They can also be combined with normal maps.
Basically they give you even more details.
The HD add-on also includes shapes you can use with metamixer.
Thanks, normal maps could explain why the images look so similar.
I am quite new to all of these features. Would the Render SubD Level also play into this, or are the HD morphs something which works on lower subdivision?
HD morphs are morphs sculpted from the subdivided mesh (level 4 IIRC), so yes render level subdivision will need to be upped for the results to show in your render.
You might find this thread useful: https://www.daz3d.com/forums/discussion/180391/guide-working-with-hd-addons-and-subdivision-levels
Thank you. I knew there is some information, maybe I read it before. Sadly the search terms I were using did not bring anything up.
Sometimes you have to be closer to see the differences.
This is a very imcomplete render of Scar 8.0 (left) with scar and vein normal map vs Scar HD 8.0 (right). Note ear notch on left ear, scar across left eye to lip, small details to lip. The Hd version has actual pores. Click image to enlarge.