In Maya 2011 now, we can create better skinned characters with extra sensible deformations within a lesser amount of time. Innovative skinning tools and workflows include a double quaternion option for smooth skinning, interactive volume binding, multiple enhancements to the Paint Skin Weights tool, deformer weight mirroring, and a surface falloff mode for the Wrap deformer.
The reason everyone uses Maya is, because it does everything that a whole bunch of small programs exept all in one, much easier to use and has a great UI. And i have taken the time to other programs (Lightwave, Mudbox, Z-brush, 3ds max, 3d coating) and there are all good in their own small way, but i have none of them as simple as Maya.
In this video tutorial we will take a bird eye view on some new improvement of Skinning Feature of Maya 2011. First new tool is Interactive Skin Bind. Now with this new tool you can adjust you bind skin with Manipulators. you can rotate, scale and transform you effect area very easily in your view port.
This tool has another very good feature that it is mirror you adjustment on other side of your model. There are a lot of new features added into Skin weight tool option pallet. For more information watch the video below for detailed information about new skinning features in Maya 2011.