3d rendering software recommendations

[JourneyDeep]

I'm looking for easy to use software for create 3d backgrounds and images. More specifically, I want to move beyond the typical photoshop images and create something like the black and white background at BlowkickDOTcom. Any suggestions?

thanks,

jp

[JourneyDeep]

an alternative to 3ds max?

[Thrice]

I personally enjoy using 3DS Max 8. I love the user interface and have become accustomed to it. of course maya 7 is unbelievable as well, but also unbelievably expensive. XSI Softimage is also a great package for 3d rendering but once again - very expensive.

[davioharveo]

Hey i need to learn maya fast... i know a bit about studio max and need to learn maya.. and anyone help ?

[sbho]

if you know 3ds max well you can easily learn maya, the only problem is that the user interface is changed in maya than max, they have different interfaces, bu all in all if you know for example modeling in max you will be easily modeling in maya too, but just you want to learn where each tool is located.

[scorgan]

I agree that Softimage|XSI is amazing - and sadly expensive. However, there is a free learning version, but I think it leaves a watermark over your renders. There are open source 3D modeling programs as well, namely Blender (blender3dDOTorg). Sketchup has a free version as well (sketchupDOTcom) and it's from Google. But, it looks more like CAD-style software to me. From the pictures I've seen of Sketchup at Macworld, it should be able to do the style for which you are looking.

[davioharveo]

Iam just looking for a place for online resources and tutorials to get myself use to the interface and software

[Thrice]

yeah, the free version of softimage does leave a water mark sadly

the best site for tuts is DEFINITELY (and believe me, i've searched hard) 3d buzz http://www.3dbuzz.com

u need to sign up first (its free, dont worry) and then u can download many video tutorials (I hope that u have a fast internet connection otherwise it may take awhile)

they have tuts for all the major 3d packages: max, maya, softimage, lightwave, houdini, etc.

the videos start with the basics, and then get more technical later on. i havent checked out the maya videos yet, but the max ones were very good and it was how i started learning the software.

I hope they can help you out.

[NextWarrenBuffett]

what is a good one to learn with

[wazzeh]

3DS Max is the way to go in my opinion. Always did the job right.