need info on cgi creation,

[nightscape2112]

i was digging around at bsg.com and found a contest i am thinking of intering. however i have no software for cgi creation and need some sites that i can go and get it.

i found one called 3d studio max, but the price i found was over 1000.00. does anyone know of a good program for a lower price?

this is my first venture into cgi, so i need a user friendly program. any help is greatly appericated.

nightscape

[thomas7g]

To be honest, anything good costas ALOT of money.

I am a 3dmax user. I love it. But to be honest, unless you are aiming for the video game industry I would suggest Lightwave over Max. More people use it. Its easier to share models and meshes.

Above that I would suggest Maya which is VERY VERY powerful. And there is a free Maya download. The only thing though is a HORRIBLE watermark on every render you do. But YOu can learn the program

Below them I know Rhino has some powerful tools. Though it is better at organic shapes over ..lets say doing a room interior.

I hope that helps. :)

[nightscape2112]

cool thanks, i will go and check them out. sounds like maya might in my line, just to learn on. then i could explore more options.

nightscape

[Proximo]

If you're looking for a free program you could try Blender blender3d.com (http://www.blender3d.com/). I haven't personally used it, but it comes highly recommended by several people. I'm considering giving it a try myself someday soon.

[nightscape2112]

cool thanks, i will check it out. but right now i think i need a better graphics card, i have what came with the pc and its not too good. thanks for the link.

nightscape

[nightscape2112]

well i got the blender installed, and looks like the card i have is good. now i get to play with it.

thanks again guys,

nightscape

[Proximo]

Neato. :D