3D programs
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- magenta
I would like to know what you guys consider to be the best 3D program overall, like best rendering, plug-ins etc.?
Share your thoughts
- toastie0
I've been an avid 3dsMAX user for years, so I guess my opinion is heavily biased. I personally just love it. But it all comes down to your preference and what you make yourself good with. All of the top ones (MAX, Maya, Lightwave, Softimage) have their own strengths and weaknesses and it really depends on the kind of work you will be doing.
- magenta0
For exampel, stuff like this.
http://www.whoswestudios.com/fla…
- toastie0
that can be easily done in any of the four programs I mentioned. As I said, it's what you make yourself good with. I think all four of them have trial versions available, so check em out and see what you're comfortable with.
If you're just getting started with 3d, check out the Wings3D modeler, it's free and really small, but is one of the best modellers out there, commercial or not.
- Xentic0
what about Cinema 4D. is it any good?
- ********0
yeah I know the big ones such as Maya, Lightwave, 3DMax, etc, etc, but for the money or the cracking, Bryce from Corel is pretty tight and does some nice stuff in terms of animation. Very easy to use. Tween actions are similar as they are in Flash. Overall easy to know.
- toastie0
Bryce is ok, but for me it's like using Corel Draw instead of Photoshop, nowhatimsayin?
- CyBrainX0
If you're on the Mac, you can't use 3D Studio Max. I learned a little Lightwave, but find Maya easier to use and learn. The modeling options are incredible. Lightwave has a fantastic Radiosity rendering engine, but Mental Ray in Maya is catching up. I'm also going to be using Maya for vector output to swf.
- toastie0
yeah, Mental Ray is awesome. 3DSMAX 6 has it built in now, so i guess im gonna have to say go for 3dsMAX if on PC and Maya if on Mac.
- CyBrainX0
3D Studio Max has the market share and forums for assistance. Also has lots of plugins, but at such a high-end, I'm betting very few people need to augment their software.
Maya is gaining huge popularity recently.
- LefebrB0
check out INSIDECG http://www.insidecg.com they have an article up right now that will help you greatly
- fingercore0
I'm partial to XSI as it has the best and tightest integration with Mental Ray and I love the render tree.
However, for the stuff you are doing, 3D max may be the best as I know it has nice output for Flash and vector-based formats.
- ********0
yeah toastie I know what you mean
- loafheads0
Once you learn one you can easily cross over to any of the other main ones(maya.xsi.3dmax.ltwave). Pick one that one of your friends uses because you really need to ask a lot of stupid questions in the begining. Things that only take a second to answer but if you were going to try to figure it out yourself it could take all day. A good network of peer support is vital.
I think they all cost about the same. maya prices really have come down a lot in the last year. they even offer a free version on their site.
good luck
- magenta0
This is great, thanks for all answers and links. I really appreciate it!
- PuFFi0
I really enjoy using Cinema4D, quiet powerfull and really easy to use. (appart MAYA, lol)
- rizon0
i love cinema too, it's very user friendly and cheap... you can by it in different parts. Basic version which suits me fine is only around 700 euro ( advanced render, is a nice option). it only lacks modelling tools.. i tested lightwave and in my opinion it's has more control.
But cinema is getting better and better.There is also MODO it's still in beta-process but i tested it in Amsterdam, and it's really wicked!! It'll be the premier modeller i think... check it out at luxology.net or do a search at cgtalk.com
- Lop0
keep an eye out for zbrush's update coming late this month
a must have companion along side with your package of choice
- Retro0
XSI and Maya are definately the all-round best 3D apps you can get atm. In terms of what exactly you want to do in the 3D field, well it all depends. eg. MAX for games.
I actually use Cinema4D. I think it rocks. It's the most stable of the 3D apps, has an awesome renderer and is available on Mac on Win. The customer support is meant to be real good too, as is Softimage's.