Best 3d modelling tools

[Dave A]

I'm looking for a 3d modelling application that can create detailed and complex models. I understand there are some fantastic tools out there like 3d Max 8, but over £2000 is a bit steep. I'm interested in any reccomendations for 3d modelling tools that anyone may have, and if possible, where you can get them from.

Thanks in advance.

I've heared good things about some free software such as Blender, which I'm going to download later, but I am looking for something that will be able to modell complex shapes. If Blender is good enough then I'm satisfied with a freeware product, if I have o pay for one, so be it.

 

[Der Alta]

If you've ever visited www.Digitalblasphemy.com you'll know of some amazing backgrounds and images.

He has a list of the software he uses. For what you'll be doing (learning stage, I'm guessing) there are other options. An inexpensive (comparably) that I've used on a very regular occasion, is Sketchup. I know Duke has used that on a regular basis as well.

Hope this helps narrow it down.

 

[Dave A]

Yep I am hoping to do some modelling in my free time, I've used a version of Bryce a long time ago when a copy was given free with a PC format magazine but I am very much a beginner and I don't have that disk anymore. Thanks for thoes links, I'll be sure to try some of thoes out 👍.

That Sketchup one really does sound like a good tool, I'll have to give the trial a go.

 

[dougiemeats]

What kind of 3-D are you talking about? There's Maya Personal Learning Edition available as a free download.

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/index?siteID=123112&id=6902573

or for 3-D modeling there is Alibre Design Xpress also available for free

http://www.alibre.com/products/

I hope these links can help you out a bit

 

[exigeracer]

I own Maya Unlimited 6.0, but haven't had time to learn it.

There are ways to get those expensive programs for not so much, if you know what I mean (if your little conscience can take it).

 

[Dave A]

Mainly 3d modelling, and thanks for the links, that alibre software seems good as well.

EDIT: That Sketchup is fantastic, it's easy enough to use for ME to get to grips with it fast, and it's incredibly versatile. I think it might be well worth the price 👍.

 

[toyomatt84]

Cinema 4D is what I'm using, at the moment, it's quite addictive.

 

[Duke]

Mainly 3d modelling, and thanks for the links, that alibre software seems good as well.

EDIT: That Sketchup is fantastic, it's easy enough to use for ME to get to grips with it fast, and it's incredibly versatile. I think it might be well worth the price 👍.

SketchUp is a great product. It's not the absolute most sophisticated thing out there, but the ease of use can't be beat. SketchUp renders, tuned up in Photoshop, can look very very good if you're not after photorealistic rendering. The great thing about it is the ability to work in layers and to create linked components for your repeated objects, like a CAD program.

For the price it can't be beat.

 

[Tourettes Guy]

I got Cinema 4D that I never use, I'll sell it for under $100 but please review it to see if it will actually do what you need it to do because I'm not sure.

Cinema 4D is what I'm using, at the moment, it's quite addictive.

Really?

 

[Dave A]

SketchUp is a great product. It's not the absolute most sophisticated thing out there, but the ease of use can't be beat. SketchUp renders, tuned up in Photoshop, can look very very good if you're not after photorealistic rendering. The great thing about it is the ability to work in layers and to create linked components for your repeated objects, like a CAD program.

For the price it can't be beat.

As a beginners tool it's perfect for me, I'm already creating things I could only dream of with other programs. I may eventually use it less and delve into more complex tools as I gain experience, but I couldn't reccomend it enough.

 

[toyomatt84]

I got Cinema 4D that I never use, I'll sell it for under $100 but please review it to see if it will actually do what you need it to do because I'm not sure.



Really?

Yeah, I love the abstract art I can create with it. It's quite detailed.

 

[Duke]

As a beginners tool it's perfect for me, I'm already creating things I could only dream of with other programs. I may eventually use it less and delve into more complex tools as I gain experience, but I couldn't reccomend it enough.

I've got a fair amount of practice with the program - if you want some tips, PM me and I'll tell you how I work with it.

[edit] Wups, wrong file hosted. Here we go:

 

[Tourettes Guy]

Are those people templates or do you have to create them?

 

[Dave A]

Theres a few templates, you can create your own, but the templates are easy to modify.

Thanks for the offer Duke, I 've got a feeling I'll take you up on that at some point.

 

[Duke]

Those are all templates. They're actually 2D, for low polycount, but they are set up so they automatically rotate to face the camera. It works pretty well.

 

[Der Alta]

Well, it just got cheaper!

http://sketchup.google.com/index.html

Enjoy!

 

[dougiemeats]

Awesome:tup: ...free, no hassle of registration, and there's a Mac version

Too bad my PC sucks until I do some upgrades or I would download right now. I'm gonna wait til I go home for summer break and I will post my review of it. It's probably not as powerful as some of the software we use for school but I bet its a fun little program.