3d questionaire

hey, im just wondering which 3d program i should get so im posting this to find out which program is best in which field...

by the way im sorry if i leave out some of the key 3d programs, i dont really know enough of them so im just listing the ones i've heard of.

3d figures:

a) 3d studio max 4.0
b) poser 4
c) rhino 3d
d) other (please list program)

3d shapes:

a) 3d studio max 4.0
b) poser 4
c) rhino 3d)
d) other (please list program)

-thanks :D

I own Max 4, but unless you are happily willing to chip out a large chunk of change, you're gonna' have to go out and buy "3-Space Publisher" from TGS. It's only about $90, and it works VERY well for someone who is starting out with 3D. It will give you a strong base to start on before jumping into a large expensive program. I wish I would have held off buying Max, because now that it's summer-time, I don't have time to learn it. Come winter I'll have time, but I like to be outside in the sun, and I HATE winter.

oh alright, anyone else???

if you own a Mac you can get a free copy of Amapi3D with the latest issue of MacAddict. I have it and am still learning how to use it, but so far it's pretty cool. I think you can do figures and objects (i think).

thanks scrypter. that looks pretty sweet. if i was a mac user

DOH!!!

hehe, thats alright man. im going to look in 3ds max, or maybe rhino 3d. they both look good. thanks everyone for your input :D

K, problem here is that you've got programs that do different things all together. 3DS Max is a package that does modeling, animation, special effects, etc. Rhino is just a renderer. Before I can really answer anything I have more questions for you, like are you just looking to model or do you want a complete package, and what do you mean exactly by "3D shapes"?

Chris

alright, im sorry about that. i should have been a little bit more specific. I was wondering about 3d shapes like the ones featured in the wallpaper section of

CubaDust

I am a big fan of that type of art and especially how they incorportate the nice 3d shapes. not necessarily cube, sphere, pyramid. but wild ones like the ones i just refered you to.

now do you understand better?

Yup, definitely helps. BTW, major non-truth in my last post, Rhino is only a modeler, not a renderer *chris smaks himself*

Anyway, a few recommendations, the first is to check out Nendo, a great little modeler for only $99. You can do both some great organic characters and abstract shapes in it, check out spiraloid for some examples. You might also check out Hash Animation Master (great for character modeling and animation) and Inspire 3D by Newtek (great intro 3d package, LightWave's little bro with a GREAT renderer and modeler, awesome for characters and organic shapes). Hope that helps...

Chris