My take on the high-end apps... 3ds - Complete package - lots of features. Difficult to learn. The most complete set of bi-ped modeling tools. For me (playing with V3 models) was buggy as hell. Kept crashing, so I flicked it. Probably very good for lower poly stuff. Maya - For me, was a lot me stable than max. Lots of features, but they seemed easier to use than max (ie. the physics system is awesome). Cimema 4d - Loved it (although didn't get to use it for long). Much easier to learn then the top 2. Material room is great. Not as complete as max or maya (doesn't have cloth or hair).

Creator of PoserPhysics
Creator of OctaneRender for Poser
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