[Focke Wulf 190]

I am interested in experimenting with some 3D modeling. What applications would you recommend that are not too high priced (over $1k in price), yet aren't too basic. I have just purchased a new 800Mhz iMac with the ram maxed out, so I would like an app that I will be able to run on that system. Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.

[PMG4DP]

A version of maya will be avaible free for OS X in in about a week. I suggest you try that.

[iamnotmad]

this one is free: blender but may not be realy easy to learn if you are not accustomed to 3d apps.

[phobos]

Cinema 4d XL7 is a very good program.The free version of maya is a good choice but if you want to be more involved with 3d you will find that it costs very much.Lightwave is also very good but has slow rendering but excellent quality
I suggest you not to bother with the freebies like strata and pixels3d.They are good programs but try to use the big ones.They will always have frequent updates and also the tools are more flexible and powerful than the frebies.
I suggest lightwave and cinema.I use cinema 4d XL7 but anyone of them is very good.

[3dAnimation]

Without a doubt, You want Electric Image Universe.

EI was built on Macs for the movie Terminator 2, and has become a key tool in 3D effects (for film and otherwise). It was used in Star Wars: Episode I and the Special Editions, Mission: Impossible, Star Trek: Insurrection and ST: First Contact; just to name a few.

Best Features (my opinion):
- Native Mac OS X support
- Free unlimited network render slaves
- Modeler is *resolution independent*
- Absolute fastest renderer on the market
- Only $995.

I just bought another copy because they reduced the price. When this program came out (about 12 years ago) it cost over $17,000!

Before anyone jumps on me: NO, I do not work for Electric Image! I am an independent video producer and a user of EI for many years. I just want to spread the good news

You can check out:
www.electricimage.com
for info on the product as well as samples.

You can also check out my site:
www.sparkinthedark.com
for samples of my work with EI.

Plug:
My current side project is just beginning:
Computer Room: The Animated Short

enjoy!
GregM.

edit: fixed URL

[ 02-02-2002: Message edited by: 3dAnimation ]

[godzookie2k]

Perhaps if you just want to experiment with 3D modeling you should try out the free version of Strata. Its a pretty capable program and it'll get you used to the terminology, the tools, etc. before you go and plunk down on EI or Cinema. For pro level stuff, I *highly* recommend EI. And IIRC it wasn't only used on Star Trek Insurrection but I believe it is used on *every* startrek episode, and movie, well the newer ones.


Nick