So what's the best for less than $500...I want to do clothing and props for Poser 5. I wish I could find something for under $300 but... solo

Oh but you can. Both Anim8or and Wings are free. And a lot of programs have previous versions for free on magazines or downloadable from their websites. Try the Modeling forum here, they have a lot of great links :o)

MilkShape's only $25.

gmax is free, but converting the models to .obj format is a bit convoluted.

Caligari trueSpace 5.2 is currently on sale for $249, but the sale ends in a few days.

And don't forget the primitives in Poser itself...very good for some simple prop building. Talking Poser 4 here, I know nothing about P5. Check out Dr. Geep's tutorials on making props using Poser.

Hmm...I guess that Caligari might be a good choice. I am assuming that I would be able to make clothing, boots and such with it and would not need any other software? solo

Attached Link: http://www.wings3d.com

There's older versions of Truespace out there, used to be for free..the interface is..uh..different, but I've seen amazing things done with it. The 'pros' use Lightwave, Rhino, Autocad (autocad?..yeah..;), and I think, Maya. I've never got beyond shoes and hats in Wings 3d, but it's fairly easy to learn, and free..if you're just starting out, you can develop some good skills that way.

Yes, you can model just about anything in trueSpace. PhilC uses it; just look at his catalog of merchandise. He even sells a tutorial CD describing how to make stuff Poser-compatible.

I'd recommend a good UV-mapping utility in addition to a modeler. UVMapper Pro or Ultimate Unwrap3D, perhaps, if you're on a budget.

Start with Wings. Best to find out if you enjoy modelling and if you're any good with it before blowing five hundred bucks. Also drop in to the list Cinema4D (version 6 was running around for $99), and Carrara Studio (around $300 from Eovia) as well as, for the adventurous, Amapi (free up to 5.1 around). Despite all the talk you might hear, Poser 3/4, the freeware UVmapper, and Wings will do the job. Oh, and a text editor -- I'm liking BBedit these days. There are some lovely utilities around that will simplify the job, and some people swear by the ProPack set-up room, but don't think you got to buy a lot of stuff to make Poser clothing.

Hmm...now I'm really confused! I'll download Wings solo

Different people approach problems in different ways. That is why you find a different toolbar and different interface or order of proceeding in these products. If you were modeling in the real world, would you choose marble and carve down, or clay and build out? Both will reveal a form! Some people like CSG (constructive solid geometry) for its precision, some people like squishier interfaces where they can push and pull at the points. Do you prefer working with solids or with surfaces? We don't know what interface will appeal to you. You may not know it yet. So try out a handful of demos, perhaps making the same sort of object in each of them, and see how close you can get to the one in your mind. I'd suggest something like a child's red wagon or a chair or a fishing dingy... something with repetition, straight and curved lines, different surfaces. If you find a program you love, bingo! If you find something close, just come back and ask what else is similar to x? Carrara has different modeling methods within it, so you can tryout both nurbs and polys, but I'm not sure if there is a demo. I only have version 1, but would love to upgrade to the latest with the intergration of Poser figures and the Bryce-like terrain tool. As mentioned above, PhilC uses Truspace, but his CD isn't tied to that application. It will walk you through the process no matter what you are using to model in. Carolly

thanks everybody...I am playing with Wings now. Carolly is right, I don't even know what method I prefer as I don't really know what goes into producing objects (clothes, props, whatever). I'll be back when I figure out how this process works. I've got a huge .pdf manual to read for Wings... solo

Hehe. Welcome to modelling! There's not much activity on the Modeller's forum but you'll find the folks there quite helpful.