Blender vs Cinema 4D vs 3 ds max vs maya

[GiantSimon]

C4d

I'm a graphic designer, animator, video guy - I've tried Maya (a while ago) and 3DStudio max and Blender...

For me, it was Maxon's C4D that clicked in my brain...it plays nicely with Adobe, specifically cool is exporting 3D work with layered channels, camera and light positions into an Adobe AfterEffects .AEC file - very very cool for post processing, tweaking color, adding motion blur, camera shake or whatever.

3DS and Maya definitely command the broadcast and high-end studio space, but for Freelance-sized corporate gigs and small broadcast needs - I have zero regrets with C4D...I've earned my money back several times with this software.

C4D is very stable on my Mac - and although the base package is affordable, you'll want to pick up the modules or studio bundles that fit your needs.

MoGraph w/ MoDynamics is a must.
Mocca - if you want to do character rigs - keep in mind this is a skill that takes dedication.
Hair and Cloth - is good..
Advanced Renderer (or Vray) if you want GI and AO quality renders.

 

[Tigger11]

3D options

I'm interested in getting to learn 3 D software.

Use: for images in Photoshop and in video.


Blender 2.5 Alpha 0 is free. I wonder if this is the best place to start. I heard it is awkward to use, and documentation to learn is isn't that great. (if it's anywhere near what Gimp is to Photoshop,.... that would be bad).


Cinema 4D has a smaller ($1000) entry level package that can be enhanced by buying more add-ons later. I heard it has the most intuitive interface and its body paint feature for applying detail is very good.


3ds Max is so expensive *$3500), but has the largest online community. I don't know of smaller, less pricey entry level packages.

Maya, also from Autodesk: I guess it's rather for animation, and 3DS max for creating virtual worlds, architecture, etc... but I may be wrong.


What's the best place to start? And with which software?

Blender does some things cool, I keep a copy on my computer always. But I would agree with the other gentlemen who said to take a look at Lightwave (and Modo) and I would point out that Siggraph starts on July 27th, so there may be some show deals, etc coming up in the next couple of weeks because of that to allow you to save some money. As to your question about why does Autodesk have 2 programs, and what are the differences. Actually they have 3, 3DS (which is sort of homegrown), Maya which they bought and Softimage which they bought. In community the question continues to be are they really going to continue to support, update, etc 3 programs (some with varieties) plus of course carry out their Autocad updates (which is where they make most of there money).
-Tig

 

[ArchiMac]

Another vote to Cinema 4D

As indicated, each of the programs has a level of loyalty from different sector of the visualisation/creative community.

I vote for c4D for
* running natively on OSX!
* initial ease of use
* MoGraph module
* elegant interface
* Advanced Render module

If you learn any one of the discussed programs, the skills/terms/principles will often translate to another package, so you won't be wasting your time learning any of them. Get into it and enjoy!

 

[vizfxman]

If your main objective is integration between a 3D package and Photoshop, go with C4D. The two play very nice together.

 

[mBox]

If your main objective is integration between a 3D package and Photoshop, go with C4D. The two play very nice together.

even though I dont use C4D, its always smart to use what integrates well in your workflow.
Ive had to deal with so many in my experiences that I was forced to learn/re-learn certain apps.
Its been awhile since Ive opened up C4D (Maya here), curious to see how it is since I last had to use it.

 

[NStocks]

Has anyone considered Maxwell? It's not a modelling program, mainly a rendering program. I've seen some very good results, fat superior than C4D, but you pay for it. The time is typically 20-30 hours whereas C4D is around 20 minutes!

Maybe someone should post screenshot/example images of what they have achieved through each applications (preferably the same model) for comparison purposes.

I'm currently learning C4D for ArchiCAD on the Mac, but I may change to Maxwell... both can have a vRay plugin.

 

[vizfxman]

Maxwell is a render engine that works with 3D programs, so you would use it with C4D (in your case), not instead of it.

It does produce nice results, from what I've seen.

 

[NStocks]

Maxwell is a render engine that works with 3D programs, so you would use it with C4D (in your case), not instead of it.

It does produce nice results, from what I've seen.

I solely use ArchiCAD for my modelling. I'm currently looking at C4D and intend to look at maxwell...

The results are amazing, I just wondered if C4D compared to them, given that it renders in a fraction of the time.

 

[ArchiMac]

I solely use ArchiCAD for my modelling. I'm currently looking at C4D and intend to look at maxwell...

The results are amazing, I just wondered if C4D compared to them, given that it renders in a fraction of the time.

I use an ArchiCAD > C4D > (occasionally) Maxwell Render workflow.

I'm using Maxwell less and less as my proficiency with the Advance Render module in C4D improves. With the Global and Illumination and HDRI lighting setups the results are convincing enough (from C4D) without adding another layer of software to the process. I also find it easier to texture and light in C4D. ArchiCAD and C4D have a intelligent 'back-and-forth' capability which is useful too.

It is also worth noting that Maxwell has a plugin for ArchiCAD which is great - just point the camera and shoot. This is probably the most efficient option for an architectural practice, but if you want to step up to animations (with moving grass, the works..) ArchiCAD to C4D is the shot.

 

[NStocks]

I use an ArchiCAD > C4D > (occasionally) Maxwell Render workflow.

I'm using Maxwell less and less as my proficiency with the Advance Render module in C4D improves. With the Global and Illumination and HDRI lighting setups the results are convincing enough (from C4D) without adding another layer of software to the process. I also find it easier to texture and light in C4D. ArchiCAD and C4D have a intelligent 'back-and-worth' capability which is useful too.

It is also worth noting that Maxwell has a plugin for ArchiCAD which is great - just point the camera and shoot. This is probably the most efficient option for an architectural practice, but if you want to step up to animations (with moving grass, the works..) ArchiCAD to C4D is the shot.

Yeah, I understand that with Maxwell you pick a camera angle in ArchiCAD and that's it. Maxwell can only render that angle meaning you can't move it around like you can in C4D.

Since I haven't used C4D much, do you know if it automatically calculates Caustic reflections from the glass pane railings etc.? I'm not sure how accurate C4D is in this regard, as I know Maxwell takes not shortcuts, which is why it takes so long. Another thing with maxwell; after you export from ARchiCAD, are the materials altered in maxwell or must they be added in ArchiCAD?

If you have time, would it be possible to post some Maxwell and C4D images to show their capabilities? I've seen some before but these were from professional Architects (not that I'm underestimating you!). It's nice to see what 'forum members' can produce.

Thank You

 

[CGI love]

Maya. 100% Maya. 3year freestudent version license. or you can get serial key patcher. It has great hot keys. You can do anything with many different ways. It would laborious tediousat the beggining because you might not know some fast ways to do stuff. But after yoy get used to it, you get great.