[mcd12345]

Im looking for a 3D Modeling Software that is built for OS X. I know about Maya, but Im not trying to spend that much. Im not too worried about the animation part, just the modeling part. I want to use it for logos, illustrations, and text. Any ideas...? How about Cinema 4D Art by Maxon?

[ 03-29-2002: Message edited by: mcd12345 ]

[tomra]

Hi.

Beeing an Electric Image Universe user myself i am of course slightly biased here, but for illustration and logo work EIU is a very nice alternative. It has a render engine second to none and at a very affordable price ( 999$ ).

Go check it out and DL the demo version!
http://www.electricimage.com

While you`re at it....you must also check out a 3.rd party plugin for Universe called Mrs.Bebel. Excellent for logo type work.
http://www.konkeptoine.com

Now i will go and cash in for my promotional efforts!
(Just kidding )

Tom.

[bluedog]

I've seen great work in stills come out of EI. I haven't had enought experience to know if I'd like it. I *have* used Maxon's Cinema4D and think its great for still renders. For animation, it seems Cinema doens't have as much finesse as EI. If you think you'd stick with still renders Cinema's interface seems just a bit easier to pick up.

If you think you'd like to do animation in the future, I'd go with EI. You can get a great deal on the (not so old version) and lots of tools to maximize its potential from www.dvgarage.com

They know the business of 3d and animation.

Costwise they become fairly comparable, but if you want OSX and dual processor capabilities look at the specs. I know the latest versions of both support them to some degree, but the costing shifts a bit.

Other apps may give you a lot (like Lightwave), but I've heard from many that the interface is not intuitive. I think of all the apps I've tried the Strata products did a great job (but they lack advanced features of the other products). Cinema4D would be next in my book for ease-of-use with the interface. YMMV.

[JoNoiD]

just got into 3d in january. i started with strata but was not os x compatible. currently using cinema 4d. the interface is kinda weird but u get used to it and like it. great for stills. have not gotten into animation yet.

have also used maya. interface is horrible.

[phobos]

Many people here would know what 3d program I'm gonna suggest right know...
Cinema 4d ofcourse.
It's very very good and the latest version of ART or XL (7) is just plainly EXCELLENT!!!!!!
Try the demos and see for yourself.
The quality of the rendering is very good the rendering is speedy and the tools very easy to pick up and model.
I suggest you start with a program that has some future and constant updates.I don't know for how long strata or some other 20-30 3d programs will last.Play with the major ones. Lightwave Cinema4d and Maya.Every single one of them is quite good.All have their advantages and disadvantages.Lightwave has superior rendering quality than cinema but it's rendering speed is awful.Also for many simple things (types of light) you have to do many things that on cinema are available with a press of a button.I vote for cinema but check out their demo versions and decide yourself.

Cinema 4d ia the best one for you I think, with thew newest version (7.3) being quite brilliant AND user friendly, dont listen to those EI users, Its a good programme but for all round use C4d eats it alive

[tomra]

Hi.

Not intending to start any "flames" here, but there really is no such thing as a "best" 3D application. They are all weak in some aspects and strong in others. "PRO" level users usually know this and uses multiple applications on order to always make use of the strong aspects and carefully avoid the weak ones. This ILM previz guy just posted another place on the net about these eight shots he where assigned to do. Supervisor wanted them done in Maya, but eventually they ended up upgrading three EI licenses because EI did a much better job at those specific shots.

Maya, Soft, Max, EI, LW, C4D, FormZ...etc. are all very capable appliactions, but some of them are stronger in specific areas than others.

Happy rendering everyone

Tom.

[realeyz]

Also check out (not sure if they have OSX versions yet):
http://www.pixels.net/home/index.html

and of course Animation Master:
http://www.hash.com/

Good luck!!