Hi Dan,
I don't know what version from Zbrush you are using but Zbrush 4R6 brought a lot of improvements and new features. This software is just amazing with all the possibilities and above all, the time consuming regarding 3dsMax. In fact, I had a lot of problems with 3dsMax due to a stupid and noob error. My 3d model was made with too many polys although the first thing you have to do is to build a low poly model first. Edge loop function is not efficient under 3dsMax if you want to make a 30,000 polygon model ... starting with more than 250,000 polys.
So, I started to learn Zbrush these last weeks, looking at great tutos from badking.com. With Zbrush, I used the brush to remodel the car first in a short time (after severals trials ). New nose cone, new sidepods in 5 minutes. Then, I tried several tutos with Decimation master and Zremesher but the result was not like I wanted. So, I used a technique with the reconstruct subdivision level tool to eliminate highers levels and to keep a good mesh.But using subdivision tools doesn't keep the uv mapping. And finally, working with several modifiers into 3dsmax.
For the mapping, I started with max to get a planar and custom uv coordinates but when you have got several modifiers one above each over, it deletes some lower ones, even when you merge the layers little by little.
So, I used Zmodeler to remap manually all the parts, not the quickest method but the easier one for me to get exactly what I want.
So, I discovered Zbrush and I must admidt that it is maybe the best, easy and handy software for modeling. It is so fast!! Nothing compared to Max. In a few minutes, you can do whatever you want that it would take few hours to make with Max when you control the software. And GOZ function is very useful to interact with others softwares. Also useful for Ambient occlusion layer.
There is not only one way for modeling or modifying. You can create your own technics. This is what I like too.
Concerning normal and displacement map, it is possible into Zbrush (depending of the version you are using but 4R6 do it)
For Texturing, I am using Photoshop CS3 and Zmodeler to see the result. CS5 extended only to make renders. But you are right, this is a great tool to modify the layers and to see the result quickly on the 3d model. But you know, with time, you keep your old uses!
Cheers.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/27/2014 02:41PM by Excalibur.