3D Rendering?
Out of context: Reply #24
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- nthkl0
1. For Architectural Schematics 3DS Max would be the most popular and mainstream suite to purchase. When it comes to buying stock models, materials and aftermarket render engines like vray you'll appreciate the ease of compatibility. It is also great for after market pyrocluster FX like Sitni Sati's fumefx or afterburn... But doesn't sound like you'll get into that anytime soon.
2. C4D is becoming the standard for on air motion graphics now days (Unless you're talkin Mill or Digital Domain god level stuff). The user interface is incredibly easy to use and I'd say within a few years of hard work, you'll be on your way. It has some powerful modules add on's for advanced dynamics, global illumination (Vray is compatible but the Maxon Advanced Renderer GI is just as good if you know how to use it), mograph (light weight array cloner), physic dynamics etc. Actually, the mograph module might be of great use when it comes to cloning fixture elements for retail.
The animation and material texturing tools set C4D apart from the others. The animation HUD is ultimately complex but surprisingly easy to use once you get the flow down. I'd say C4D is a close second for what you want to do, especially considering you already have it on your work machine. I use it every day when had to make the same choice you are making now.
3. Unless you have an unusually high aptitude for code or will be in a group team based environment, veer away from Maya. As soon as you hit particle arrays and VFX, you'll need to start coding. If you wanted to move into Visual FX I'd say Maya/Mental Ray which would then lead you into proprietary 3D and compositing software like Nuke/Katana/Houdini.
4. I've be hearing some really great things about Modo lately, but I have also heard about it's unstable work environment and multiple crashes. Even in their latest build. That's not something you want to be dealing with at all, let alone when it comes to 3D. Shits hard enough as is.