characterFX
the cheapest (15 usd) but the best animator tool for game programmers

I updated with CharacterFX (also looked into it, and it seems quite good. May check that out further, thanks for the link).

And Fenrir, that would be excellent if you (or anyone) could take this list to the next level with a more in-depth look at the programs.

Wow, just today I was looking for a list of some of the more popular free 3d modelers, and just happened to come by here. Good timing I guess.

quote:
Someone should do a breakdown of these applications. For example, Wings3d has a nice and flexible modeler, but doesn''t support any sort of texture mapping, lacks any kind of raytracing/realistic rendering engine, and has no animation support. Anim8tor has texture mapping and a animation support, but no realistic renderer. Blender has all three, etc.

I''m trying these programs out myself, and I can post my results, but it might take a long time -- if ever.

I would love to see some kind of commentary on these programs.
Even the smallest bits of information could really help me out, and probably many others.

Keep checking www.insidecg.com for a run-down of XSI, Maya, 3DS Max, Lightwave and Cinema4D.

I wrote one up on Lightwave, I would post it here, but we haven''t posted it on our own site yet...

Lamont G.
CG Artist
San Diego CA
http://www.digitalweapon.net

My opinions:

Blender
Fantastic. Extremely powerful and capable of just about anything that the expensive packages can do. All for free too! The UI can be difficult to learn, so be sure to grab some tutorials or the excellent book The Blender Book from No Starch Press.

Anim8or
I haven''t used this much, but my impressions are that it''s great for small projects (simple models or scenes) but lacks the power that programs like Blender have. UI is pretty easy to use. If you''ve never used a real 3D modeler before, this might be a good place to start.

The Gimp
Basically it''s Adobe Photoshop without some of the trimmings. One thing that it really beats Photoshop at is the plugin system; which is very powerful. Also free.

quote: Original post by JNewt
My opinions:

Blender
Fantastic. Extremely powerful and capable of just about anything that the expensive packages can do. All for free too! The UI can be difficult to learn, so be sure to grab some tutorials or the excellent book <u>The Blender Book</u> from No Starch Press.

my opinion:

Blender and the more powerful aplications can not really be compared as with anything in life you get what you pay for.But once i used Max i never wanted to go back to blender

AP: What Max feature(s) make such a difference in your opinion?

I''m asking because everything I''ve ever needed to do to this point I''ve been able to do using Blender. I am missing out on some incredible feature?

Also there are tons of resources at http://www.cglibrary.com/

Lamont G.
CG Artist
San Diego CA
http://www.digitalweapon.net

Myopic Rhino responded to my original e-mail recently, and had this to say about the resource list:

" I'll definitely put this into the FAQ as soon as I get a chance."

I'm proud to have contributed.

[edited by - Veovis on February 27, 2004 8:19:22 PM]

What about World Creator www.inet2inet.com and poser (can''t remember site atm)