I'm a bit lost when it comes to all the 3d programs and animation software. The program I had been using before was Poser. So I was going to look into getting it again. An updated version that is. But I'm not sure if it is even what I'm looking for. I'm wanting to create my own 3d objects and people, then animate them. Like sci fi soldiers and put them into short videos for fan art. So perhaps some legit movie programs would do.

I talked to one of the support people online (posers website) and they downloaded a bunch of lingo that went straight over my head. If there is someone who could dumb it down to english and explain the general application strengths, that would be awesome.

Plus, if you know a good program combo that would be able to make the first paragraph happen, that would be awesome. If I need poser and cinema 4d. Or if I need lightwave daz studio and something of the sort.

In short, what I'm looking for in a program(s):

-ability to create 3d objects

-ability to render

-abilitry to animiate into short film

Free or purchase?  Poser does not lend itself too well for 3D object creation although it is possible.  If freeware is more to your taste, Wings3D and Blender comes to mind.  They are powerful object creation programs which will give you plenty of mileage.  Blender has a steep learning curve because they have many contributors in it's development, but it is a powerhouse at the right price.

Which ever ends up doing a good job, I suppose. I'm looking to make some legit looking items (mainly outfits/armor types). If the program can do more than make a small cellphone and light then I'm totally fine with it. But I have a feeling that I'll be putting some chunk of money in it either way.

But I know a few people who said that they transfer their renders and meshes to several different programs before theyre done with the final image. Which leads me to believe that just getting Poser wouldnt do the entire trick.

I keep touting Wings simply because I use it.  The reason I use it is because it's dead easy to get to grips with, as well as being free.  Armed with Wings and a half decent tutorial on making your models work in Poser (or asking here) you'll be creating content in no time.

Poser in its latest incarnations would most likely be capable of rendering just about anything you want, in any degree of realism you like.  One (possible) exception is caustics, which, AFAIK, Poser doesn't do yet.  Other than that, there are many people here who can show you how to wring every last drop of realism and/or superior rendering techniques from Poser.  It's come a long way since Poser 4 (or 5, 6 and 7 for that matter).

Maybe if you're willing to splash out for 3DSMax with the Mental Ray plugin, Poser would seem small beer, but on a reasonable budget, Poser and Wings should give you all you need.

So 3dSMax would be a replacement for Poser? So in that case, I'd still want to look into Wings? I think I'll check that out. Would you suggest Poser 8 or Pro?

Also, when it comes to the general animation piece. I'm assuming Final Cut Pro would be best, of course. For setting up the overall footage. But what about Cinema 4d in the mix? If I wanted to adjust the shot angles and lighting of the actual animation scenes. 

Not really a replacement for Poser.  3DSMax is a replacement for everything, pretty much.  It's a high end modelling app with superb rendering capabilities and the ability to accept plugins for specialist/extreme realism renderers.  Also very expensive, compared to Poser but yer gets what yer pays for.  You definitely wouldn't need Wings with 3DSMax.

Re: Animation.  I honestly have no clue.  It's not something I have ever done.  Many people here make their animations in Poser and - AFAIK - export the frames to other software for post processing and compositing.

Awesome! You have no idea how much clarity you have given me, haha. I suppose the only question around the rendering programs and such is: what the heck is a plugin? I think of usb wires and such, haha. Are those just program buffs?

Also, on a side note. I was looking to be able to sell the figures and objects online for people to use. Would that be possible? To make character bodies and outfits with 3dmax. Such as one would use in Poser.

Plugins are bits of software designed to do a specific job, such as rendering or whatever.  They use the main program to access their features.

Yes, you'd be able to sell your content here and at other places.  I do.  Don't use Max, though.  Some of my models are in Freestuff.  Only textures on sale so far.

Modo, http://www.luxology.com will make the entire first paragraph happen.  Victoria 4's mesh was created in Modo.  Modo has a very good renderer with multi-layer PSD support, it is fully capable of making movies, rigging, animations etc.  Its not cheap, its about $900. It does sculpting similar and very comprable to zBrush.  It does 2d and 3d displacements.  I really like its UV editing system.  It supports python and pearl scripting and has a very helpful and strong community.  It supports Pixar industry standard cullman-clark subdivision with edge crease weights.  It doesn't require a stupid USB dongle and the license (same one) can be use either on Mac or PC so you are not locked into any platform.

I have it and I like it.  I still use poser though, more because I am familiar with Poser than any fault of Modo.  Frankly, Poser is BARELY able to create anything from scratch.  Poser is simply NOT a modeler.  It can, but, trust me, you don't want to go there.

Look at the tutorials, the videos, and the user created art from Modo, Lightwave, C4D, and Max.  Look at the community and the help they give new users (this can be an important part of the experience).  If they have demos (modo does btw), give them an honest try.  Every app has a learning curve and you have to get past that curve to begin enjoying the app, run the demo hard and long so you really get to know it.  Don't switch back and forth, complete one demo end to end.  Do the next and then compare what you like/dislike between the apps.  They all have pros and cons and are at different price points.  All of them can export objects compatible to load into poser and rig if that is your desire.  I think most of them have better renderers than Poser but that is my opinion.  In the end, YOU must be the final judge as to what app you want to use.

I risk being called a spammer again but...

Messiah 3D ($1200 normal) has a deal right now where you can get the pro version for $40.  If animation and movies are your goal. really, take a hard look at it.  If you choose Modo, Messiah will directly open the LXO scene files right from Modo.  It also opens many other file formats including those from Lightwave, Maya, and Max.  Sure, it may be out of your league right now.  But will it in 6months?  Are you willing to wait and pay $1200 6months down the road or take a chance at $40 now?  I bought in.  My choice, you have to make your own.

http://www.projectmessiah.com/x6/shop.html

I didnt think modo did character animation yet ?

the cheapest that does everything is Blender. free and very powerful.

I would start with one of the free or very cheap modellers and Daz studio. Then in a month or so you will have a much better idea of what you are looking for in features and interfaces. 

Sorry, I meant to say, "I don't use Max, though".

Quote - I didnt think modo did character animation yet ?

the cheapest that does everything is Blender. free and very powerful.

I would start with one of the free or very cheap modellers and Daz studio. Then in a month or so you will have a much better idea of what you are looking for in features and interfaces. 

Seriously?  Here are a few examples.

http://content2.luxology.com/modo/videoVault/bird_animation_test.mp4

http://content5.luxology.com/modo/LuxTV/Gallery/DynamoTurnable.mov

http://content5.luxology.com/modo/301/clips/BK_MDDTest_Vs001.mov

http://content3.luxology.com/modo/LuxTV/Forrest_tranquility_HD.mov

http://content.luxology.com/store/training/18_modo401_spotlight_video/modo401_spotlight_video.mov

if you have never done any modeling at all

start with wings its free easy to use and anything you learn will pass on to other bigger/better/more expensive proggys also keep one eye on the 3d mags they often have good proggys for free or demos (often with a deal if you upgrade to the full proggy). Read as many tuts as you can and spend a lot of time practising.If you want to make stuff for poser/daz then at some point you will need one or the other program ( Daz an the plugins you'd need is about the same price range as poser) to do the rigging testing etc .

Blender?

http://www.blender.org/    How can you not know Blender ?  Had a very strange interface that I instantly hated but if you could get past that it was great.

Other options - on the lower end, there's Daz Carrara, which has support for Poser figures - on the high end,Cinema 4D with the InterPoser plugin.. You may still be able to find an older version of Carrara in the back issue of one of the 3D magazines from some months back IIRC.

So if I got Messiah, I'd still want to get Modo? So I'd create all the 3d objects in Modo then export them to Messiah to animate them into the short films?

That is a truely great deal btw. I totally jumped on that. I'm just worried about the goal thing. I hope, if they don't reach it, that I won't be billed for 1200. Because I don't have that kind of money, haha.

Quote - So if I got Messiah, I'd still want to get Modo? So I'd create all the 3d objects in Modo then export them to Messiah to animate them into the short films?

 

That is a truely great deal btw. I totally jumped on that. I'm just worried about the goal thing. I hope, if they don't reach it, that I won't be billed for 1200. Because I don't have that kind of money, haha.

States on the page if goal is not met then refunds of the $40 will be sent.  Not sure if you get the full price back or minus paypal costs.  Either way, very worth the risk.  If you don't get it, then you don't get it.  You didn't have it before so worst case is you are out a buck or so for paypal fees (if its even that much).  Best case is you end up with $1200 software for $40.  Dunno, the way I see it is its safer than betting at the horses or pissing away your money on lottery tickets.

Yes, Messiah is primarily an animation package and can take the meshes you create in any of the modelers mentioned in this thread, including the free ones.

Listen to Heddheld, try some of the free options first.  Everyone thinks this 3D stuff is easy because they see it everywhere, it isn't.  You may not even like doing it so why spend a ton of money on software you may never use.

Quote - Listen to Heddheld, try some of the free options first.  Everyone thinks this 3D stuff is easy because they see it everywhere, it isn't.  You may not even like doing it so why spend a ton of money on software you may never use.

This.

Quote - Listen to Heddheld, try some of the free options first.  Everyone thinks this 3D stuff is easy because they see it everywhere, it isn't.  You may not even like doing it so why spend a ton of money on software you may never use.

Word - modelling takes an awful lot of practice.