Shadowcatcher objects can be rendered to allow the true shadow of an object to be saved in an alpha channel for use in video composition. These shadows appear in realistic fashion on top of background video images. Although the modelling tools remain much as they were in version 3.5, the addition of vertex editing tools allows far more complex organic shapes to be modelled. Vertex editing works well with spline modelling tools in the creation of highly complex objects, such as a face, as individual points can be subtly adjusted. This is important as, unlike computer systems' pixels on video editing systems, the pixels are not square.
Field rendering is also available for outputting to video.
Without field interlacing, where an image is split into two fields each with half the image data, images often show a tearing effect when played back. The addition of an audio track in the sequencer seems a little pointless as most sound is incorporated in the post production stage but does allow users to create finished projects for multimedia or broadcast use without going elsewhere. Infini-D 4 takes the package beyond its roots as a low cost modelling application. The recent upgrade of Strata StudioPro I's, its main rival, has not fulfilled expectations and newcomer Cinema 4D lacks the same ease of use. It will be interesting to see how MetaCreation deal with 3D, as their recent purchase of RayDream has ensured that they now have two modellers on their books.