Thank for your helpful reply! Johnny Roy

I use lightwave since 1996, it works great and fast for logo animation (and live sfx). the modeler is not easy for a beginner, but the animation section (in layout) is Very very close to a studio set, and all the shortcut are "written" (not silly logo that mean nothing) , the render engine give a realistic picture (no need extra renderer like maya...) and the community is very helpfull
You can export on any format, codec, still images...
It can render EVERY size (from DV, HD, Print...)
and most of all, if you got many CPU (with no limit), you can make a render farm with only one license.
And, like Avid, your license dongle works on mac AND PC
www.newtek.com


Keep an eye on Modo (from the creator of lightwave), the team will announce something very big on 2th august. (www.luxology.net)

This level of 3D apps come with a hefty learning curve. Not primarily because of the software UI, but because you have to understand the "language" of 3D, ie. how common things are done.

The different apps have different strengths, there is no "best."

Maya is the most difficult to learn (but very rewarding after a few years... :O)

Cinema4D and Lightwave are the easiest to learn.

C4D can be bought as a base module for not so much money, but as soon as you start adding features, the price runs away.

Lightwave is complete, including a very good renderer, so if you can get a good price on it, it's a very good alternative. Good community, too.

Stil, all of these packages require a LOT of work to do even basic things.

If you want to do primarily people (including animation), look at Poser 6. For $199 it can give you fantastic quality with much much less to learn, and the output can still be imported into LW, C4D, etc.

Vue 5 Infinite is a flat-out astonishing 3D package for landscapes only. It can be had for $495 until end of September with a special deal, and it creates superb photo-realistic landscapes of all kinds thanks to effortlessly handling billions of polygons . This is the most impressive 3D package I have ever seen by far, although it is of course specialized: Vue 5 Infinite.

As an alternative to Vue, I would definitely check out WorldBuilder. It is miles ahead of the competition in my opinion.

http://www.digi-element.com/wb

You can get WorldBuilder Genesis for $179 or the Pro version for about $700. The differences between the two are not as radical as you might think!

You may also be interested in my review:

http://www.jimcosoftware.com/reviews/worldbuilder

Jim

Just comparing the manufacturer galleries, it seems that Worldbuilder would be a better choice for illustrating children's books for example, as the images have a very attractive ethereal look.

For dramatic film production, Vue 5 Infinite looks like a better match though. More realistic, and the shaping of landscapes seems quicker and more intuitive also.

WB artists seem to have an affinity for what you are describing, but it is by no means the only output WB is capable of.

You should try both and determine for yourself. I own both, and you can definitely create more realistic landscapes with WorldBuilder. Not only that, but the architecture of WorldBuilder is far superior. It is designed much like 3D Studio Max.

If you're interested in animation (video), WorldBuilder is going to FAR surpass Vue in capabilities. The Verdant plant system alone is worth the price.

For more information on what makes WorldBuilder stand out, read my review.

Jim