well, if u take maya for example u'll have to pay US$15.000,00. lightwave US$2500,00. they are expensive, but very good!!! oh, i almost forgot! u may want to check this out: ANIMATION: master. www.hash.com great software, great modeler(patches) great render, and great animation system. and US$300,00 maybe this is ur most complete choice. check this Animation master's work. www.navone.org he's a great person and very talented too. he works for pixar right now and his passport was an animation made in animation master.(outstanding work btw) good luck again.