3d modelling packages

[anonymous_joe]

Hi all,

Just wondering if anyone would know where i could find a table which compares different modelling packages such as 3d max and others by their characteristics, etc.?


Thanks y'all in advnace 4 ur replies.

[neptune3d]

I can't think of any tables per say but what features are you looking for? Are you looking for modelling, dynamics, does a certain render engine matter to you? The two biggies of course are Max and Maya (no offense to others, I've used most packages and like them all! :) )

Of course the last q is your budget, fortunatley these packages have gotten relitavley cheaper in the last few years.

I personally use maya but that is my preference and does not mean that max, xsi, or even lightwave cannot achive very desirable results.

Hope that somewhat helps, perhaps with more info as to what you want I can give a more direct answer. :)

Nep

[anonymous_joe]

im really just looking for anything you have. anything at all. ill sibh through what im given and take certain things accordingly.

[neptune3d]

Hmm, ok, well if you are looking for a highend package for cinematics and in game models then the three biggies (xsi, maya and max) all have tools for game developers and cinematics production, coupled with having mental ray and the ability to use some high end plugins like realflow they are the top of the line (imho).

If dynamics are a concern then maya and xsi are great for them but you need to spend the extra $$ to get the 'cool tools' such as hair, fluids, etc (Max I hear has gotten better in that department but was behind the pack for quite a bit of time, right now I do not know where they are)

If an artistic workflow is something that matters to you then Maya is a great package with its marking menus, hotkeys and hotbar (sorry if I sound a little biased, it's my top choice! =) ).

There are some other packages out there that are much cheaper such as rhino and has, but these are not robust solutions (RHINO for instance was solely NURBS last I looked which is not very helpful for in game models).

If your budget is a couple of big ones then maya complete is a good solution, for $3500 you can get the complete 3ds max suite or for 7k maya unlimited is great if you need the extra features (live, fluids, hair, etc).

The main thing is start with what you know, if you are just wanting to get a feel for 3d modelling/ingame modelling/whatever then download the trial versions, xsi, max and maya all have them then go to 3dbuzz.com and get some free instruction (assuming you are a begginner). They even have a modding unreal section where you make you own characters, guns, levels, etc....

HTH, feel free to ask any Qs.
Nep