So ya know who ya talking to.
Been around CGI since 1998.
I have C4D, LW ,zBrush ,Poser ,DAZ Studio.

" Computer Generated Images " CGI App's.

Pixologic zBrush or AutoDesk Mudd are high polycount App's.
You need a Wacom Tablet and the talent to use it.

High learning curve.
High talent level.
Not anyone can use these.

For exsample.
you make a mesh a.k.a model in a high end app that's modeled ,riged.
Then you send ya mesh to zBrush ,make it wicked cool.

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2D App's like adobe photoshop are used for texturing.
You need a Wacom Tablet and the talent to use it.

High learning curve.
High talent level.
Not anyone can use these.

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AutoDesk Max
AutoDesk Maya
AutoDesk Softimage
Maxon C4D
Newtek Lightwave
Very High learning curve.
Anyone one can use these.

are high end App's.that pretty much do every thing.
Model,map,rig.to make the meshes a.k.a.models.
Renders ,animations.
Some are better at certain things.
some are faster ,easier.
Max has plugs that will do just about anything if you have the $$$.
A lot make games with Max.
Max is the most used App.
Be fair to say AutoDesk has the biggest peace of CGI Computer Generated Images.
Softimage ,Maya was sold to AutoDesk.
alot of syfy shows use LW.
LOTR used Maya.zBrush.

Houdini's been around for a while but never messed with it.

If it's not Max or C4D or LW.
Don't worry about it for now.

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All models in Poser or DAZ Studio where made in other App's.
Poser or DAZ Studio
Low learning curve
Anyone can use

Poser or DAZ Studio are dependent on the stores.
Poser or DAZ Studio are plugs for highend App's

In the world of CGI very few can model a descent looking human.
takes time to model map texture rig a human.much less humans.
Poser or DAZ Studio humans makes it faster.
store content will save you time also

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e-on Vue is a stand alone app or a plug for some App's for landscapes.

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to render movies you need a render farm and a app that can use a render farm.

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The Artist that will fight for decades to conquer their media.
Even if you never know their name ,your know their Art.
Dark Sphere Mage Vengeance