I am assisting in a 3D graphics class for the grade below me, and the teacher and I where debating what software to buy, and where laughing at the concept that there might even be a free 3D design program...
We where wrong. Not only did we find a program that was better the Bryce 5 ($60 a copy), but it was free!
Anyone interested in 3D graphics should take a look at: Art of Illusion (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A//www.artofillusion.org/&ei=3zonQ9TWBLqYYL7fxOMM").
IMHO, not hard for something to be better than Bryce 5. Not quite up to par with Maya or 3d Studio Max, or EVEN Maxon Cinema 4d.
Quote from: Quik on September 13, 2005, 05:27:23 PM
IMHO, not hard for something to be better than Bryce 5. Not quite up to par with Maya or 3d Studio Max, or EVEN Maxon Cinema 4d.
Maya seems to be an adventure game and both the others cost WAY more then Bryce.
Quote from: Ryan Marcus on September 13, 2005, 05:54:49 PM
Quote from: Quik on September 13, 2005, 05:27:23 PM
IMHO, not hard for something to be better than Bryce 5. Not quite up to par with Maya or 3d Studio Max, or EVEN Maxon Cinema 4d.
Maya seems to be an adventure game and both the others cost WAY more then Bryce.
Maybe that's because the others are professional grade? Maya has been used to create several heavy-animation movies. It's just a better all-around tool.
On 3ds max 7, I have to use plugins like VRay for realistic rendering. So it gets to be even more expensive.
I thought America Online had made a 3d rendering program when I read the title.. rofl.
Maya costs a shitload because it kicks hard ass.
3d Studio Max is decent.
Maxon Cinema 4d isn't up-to-par with the other 3d-rendering software mentioned above, but it's generally more than enough for the average 3d user. I'm pretty sure that they have a deal on if you buy X amount of CDs you save Y amount of dollars in discounts.
I will have to show my Desktop publishing teacher.
Autodesk Inventor for 3d solid modeling--
not much for effects and such - but great solids.