Poser Basics
What is Poser?
Poser is a 3D rendering program that can be used for different purposes including illustraion and animation. Poser is not a 3D modeling program although morphing and deformation of meshes can be done to pre-existing content.
To use Poser, you either buy or create content (usually in object format) and bring it in to Poser to rig, pose, texture, and in other ways manipulate the figures to get the desired posing.
There are many types of objects available for use in Poser including: human figures, animal figures, hair objects, clothing and props along with textures for all of these objects. There are also poses and expressions available.
Animation is capable in Poser out of the box, but is not commonly used for such purposes.
History
Poser was created in 1997 by Larry Weinberg. It's original purpose was to be a 3D program version of an artist mannequin. It has changed distributors many times and grown over the years to become an illustration tool of it's own with many products available for it.
Currently, there are two versions of Poser currently available Poser 7 and Poser Pro. 7 is the basic Poser package that was released in 2006. Poser Pro adds more professional features like 64-bit capability, COLLADA support and plug in support for Cinema C4d and Maya.
If you would like to see informaton about the different versions of Poser and it's releases pleae visit here.
How is it Used Now?
Currently, Poser is used by digital artists for a variety of things. Creating 3D illustrations and using the figures for drawing/painting reference are still among it's highest uses.
To find out more about Poser in it's current release you can visit it's official site at Smith Mirco.
To read more about Poser in general this page is a good place for information.
