Hello all. I have decided to try to break into content creation for Poser (and DAZ Stufio) in the coming year. I know 3d, modeling in particular, and know both DAZ Studio and Poser from an end user's perspective.

My question is this: What modelling software is the most widely used for this purpose? Which is the best suited to the work? I know how to model in Maya, but let's face it; nobody has that kind of money, as an individual. So I am looking at Hexagon and Silo, primarily, since I am led to believe the rest of the pipeline can be accomplished in DAZ Studio itself. Well, except for texturing, but I own Photoshop CS6 for that. Are there better choices than either Hexagon or Silo? Price is a consideration (not for Hexagon, obviously), but if I need to, I'll plunk down as much as $200 to get the right tool.

TL;DR: What tool should I use for the modeling part of Poser/DS content creation?

Also, are there any particular tutorials or learning resources I should buy or get to learn this stuff? I hear Fugazi1968's stuff is good, but I don't know which of his things to buy.