What Is The Best Commercial 3D Software Available?

[TheCloudOfSmoke]

I've heard about 3DS Max and Maya a lot, but which is the most popular one that you all think is an industry standard? The reason that I ask is because I want to start learning one that is actually going to be used in the industry.

For example, I first started using Ulead PhotoImpact when I starting learning graphics. I was happy with it but I realized that it's not really an industry standard when it comes to design jobs. I first learned that fact when I was job hunting several years ago and most jobs required some years of experience using Adobe Photoshop. So now, I want to expand my horizons and get into the 3D field but those programs are extremely difficult to learn and I don't want to spend a great amount of time learning something that isn't used by most companies in the field (like how Photoshop is in the 2D design field) and then resorting to having to spend another great deal of time to learn another 3D program.

Thanks in advance.

[Phil]

Any Auto Cad/ Cad CAM program. Some like UniGraphics, costs $150,000. So you might as well start saving now.

Maya is pretty good though.

[snickothemule]

3D Software Reviews: Renderman

I hope that this helps.

I have used Maya and have found it to be quite intriguing (also free being a student version). But now all of my 3D work is done in Autocad and Revit (mainly engineering and architectural work).

[hanibal81]

@TCOS : You may start with maya, you can find many video-tutorials or video-training files around that might get you -faster- to the desired skills & results you seek.

PS : Industry standard always asks for AUTOCAD.

[TheCloudOfSmoke]

Oh thanks. That was very informative hanibal. Thanks guys for the suggestions. I think I'll start with Maya since its user interface is a little easier on the eyes.

[Rebel_X]

I would say 3D studio, I never tried maya, but I think Maya is more specific to post processing effects than 3D studio.. I remember first time I used 3D Studio v3 10 years ago, I spent 6 hours just to follow the tutorial to create apple, but after got used to it, just 2 minutes more than enough...

The complexity of 3D Studio is you must do the things in 1 2 3 order to achieve the result you want, and it's kindda hard at first.. but once you grasp the concept it becomes natural, and with plugins and macros you can do everything without much work..

there is plugins, to create fire, water, leaves, forests (with different kind of treas)...etc! with simple clicks..

[snickothemule]

Maya is a very wise choice TCOS. With Autodesk owning the product, and being an established brand it will look quite nice on your resume.

[mudlord]

I second Maya. Plus, Pixar develops the Renderman plugins for it. So there's a established standard.

As well, AutoCAD is a standard for technical design. Excellent app as well.

These two apps do what Matlab does for signal processing: They are definately essential if you want to be hardcore about professional animation.

[TheCloudOfSmoke]

Looks like Maya is the way to go. I'll start off with that to see if I can get the hang of 3D modeling, and if things go good with it, I'll try to dabble with 3DS Max to increase my EXP. points.

[hanibal81]

Ask lynda for training videos, she will answer for sure

[Phil]

Originally Posted by TheCloudOfSmoke

Looks like Maya is the way to go. I'll start off with that to see if I can get the hang of 3D modeling, and if things go good with it, I'll try to dabble with 3DS Max to increase my EXP. points.

Use uni graphics at lvl. 99

[runawayprisoner]

YouTube - Maya Spaceship Tutorial - 3D Modelling

Feel ashamed...






... just kidding. But kinda demonstrates how easy it is to use Maya, doesnit?

[Rebel_X]

3dbuzz.com has all video tutorials for maya (over 100 hours) 3ds max (118 hours) of playback. besides they got that funny and excellent C++ tutorial video ever, with teaching how to build maya plugins too..

anyways, to people say that 3ds isn't good enough compared to maya, because maya owned by autodesk, the same thing, 3ds max autodesk owns it too..

[TheCloudOfSmoke]

Originally Posted by runawayprisoner

YouTube - Maya Spaceship Tutorial - 3D Modelling

Feel ashamed...






... just kidding. But kinda demonstrates how easy it is to use Maya, doesnit?

Lol, yeah. That's the one I used and I actually learned something from him. I'm waiting for his next one. ****, I ain't afraid to admit that I am looking forward to a tutorial made by an 8 year old. Sue me.