I am looking into buying 3-D software but I dont know much about anything....

I need a 3-D program that will allow me to build, shape, warp, push and pull images to an exact science.
I dont have enough money for a major system or work station.... I just need to be able really make alot of detail in 3-D.

I see alot stuff on this website like faces and characters so my question is.... does 3DS max allow me to take a face or head or object like a body and let me warp it like say a warp tool in adobe?

If not does anybody know of a program that will allow me take some pre-made anything and completely warp it up in 3D?

Thank you

Well, first of all, how much are you prepared to spend? these types of applications range from freeware to several thousand dollars, depending on exactly what you want to do and which features you want.

Message edited on: 04/07/2005 22:14

Around one thousand is the most I can spend right now..... Im not really looking for wire frame modeling. I know there is one program called like amorphium or something that skips the wire frame part and lets you model with 2-d type tools, but that is all I know of.

Then that rules out Max or Maya... Unless you're a student and can get the academic edition. There's a lot in the under-1000 dollar range though. Rhino is a good one. This question might be better off in the modeling foeum where there are people who use a variety of tools and applications and can give better advice.

Sorry, even with the student discount Rhino is more than a hundred dollars.

But it's within his under a thousand range. Something like 800, or with the student diswcount around 200.

For someone on a budget, I'd recommend looking into ZBrush. I believe it's under a 1000 and does modelling like painting and sculpting. Unfortunately I don't have the cash to spare to buy it my self (too many obligations), but you might wanna check up on it. Good luck Ken

In the $200 range? I'm sorry, I thought he'd said $100. In that case; goto: www.rhino3d.com and download a trail version. It's free.

After 25 saves, the programs save features become inactive, but the remained of the program, including render engine, will continue to work.

Rhino 4 is expected in the future. As is stands now, McNeel intends to release it with another render engine called Brazil.

Check it out and meet us in the Rhino forum this weekend. Post any questions you have and try to keep the saves low so you can stretch it out until you get a good understanding of it before you buy.

Personally I think its the best NURBS Modeler out there and it's intuitively based, meaning the learning curve is low. If you have any AutoCAD experience, Rhino takes all 500+ AutoCAD commands as well, and you can import and export several other formats.

"I see alot stuff on this website like faces and characters so my question is.... does 3DS max allow me to take a face or head or object like a body and let me warp it like say a warp tool in adobe?" You've just described Z-Brush LOL! I would say that it's perfect for what you want to do. www.pixologic.com I believe it's around 500 Yes Max will do what you want but it's a LOT more than $1000 and may be a bit too complex for a beginner at 3d. As you want to work on existing meshes (Daz/Poser models?)these are most likely going to be polygon based in which case Rhino ain't gonna work as far as I know. It's a NURBS modeller. If you want a more conventional modeller than ZB try Wings 3d (www.wings3d.com) it's excellent and free but doesn't work well with high poly counts. Or you might try Silo ($109 www.nevercenter.com) another excellent poly modeller and will handle higher poly counts than Wings. Cinema4d R9 core is also excellent and gives you high quality rendering, animation, particles etc about $500 I believe. You might get Lightwave for $1000 or a bit less, another excellent general purpose 3d app with rendering animation and all the rest. Modo is reputedly excellent but horrifyingly expensive for what it does, I believe it's still on "special offer" for around $700 It's another poly modeller. Hope that helps! - Baz

For your price, I'd recommend Lighteave or Cinema 4D. But you might want to take a look at sourceforge.net They have a lot of free software there and some excellent 3D programs that might fill your needs.