http://www.eclecticacademy.com/newclasses.htm#3Dmodeling For $20 you get a fully registered copy of Cinema4D 6CE and a course in how to work with 3D. The app came free with some magazines a while ago, but the price is about the same. Normally the render size of 6CE is limited, but you can render to a viewport at the size you like. I know Randy from over at Talkgraphics forums, and he is a very enthusiastic modeller. Thought I'd share this with you.

I have tried prudent planning long enough. From now I'll be mad. (Rumi)