Depends on what you want, Cinema4D is simple but has alot of options and is pretty deep, 3DSMax is a bit harder, but is better for gaming thingies Maya is more for like modelling things
well, im sticking with maya for now, should i go into random abstract or stick to modeling, as that s all i've done to this point(3 renders)
Agree with the consensus that Maya is the most outstanding 3d program on the market but it comes at a heavy $$$ and the learning curve is enormous . I have dabbled with it to try and make some simple effects but it can take hours for even the most simple effect if you dont know how to use it. To be honest... if your just wanting to make some nice abstracts or 3d effects stick with c4d or my personal favourite Bryce. Here is a sample of what i did with bryce sometime ago.
For modeling people i found a program called Poser 6 is quiet good for that...For modeling other things i tend to use C4D but its a matter of opinion really. Or what you have learnt the most and got use to. Arby
well, i've made a few models in maya so far, and its not as hard as it seems, the tuts i found are extremely begginner based, so u kno whats happening btw, models are much more fun to make and look at than abstract. so from here on in, Lp's FO LIFE!
Also, if you intend to create 3d people such as this: Commen from the artist: "If you look closely at the reflection in the glasses there is the car from the eliminator album. I modeled it and the background in Cinema 4D and imported both as textures for poser." Yeh, that pretty much says it i just wanted to proof, that cinema 4d (C4d, can be used for alot of other things that abstract renders, with a little skill)
I'm suprised no one has mentioned that there are a lot of other good 3d programs that haven't been mentioned yet. Shade, Vue and Bryce are all 3D programs from which I have seen amazing work being done (just browse DA and you'll see some fantastic stuff). I would also say that Maya is probably the best but all the 3d programs mentioned are amazing as long as they have a good artist behind them.
that one render made in c4d is really good. Maya isn't all too difficult at all, just installing the lugins and such is when it gets difficult.
well, maya ftw so far, i have c4d, but it freezes like crazy, and i have maya, doesn't freeze at all. Im gonna try out bryce as well soon enough