Quote: Original post by daviangel

I agree especially since 3dmax has copied maya for the last several versions it's almost identical to maya now so it won't make a difference now--unless you are only running a powerpc mac since 3dmax is windows only.

It's true 3dsmax is windows only and will always be. But the rest of the statement about max copying maya is as false as it can get. I work with max since ver 1, and max has evolved it's own way. The two programs use different approaches for modeling - max uses the modifier stack, and maya uses nodes. Also maya lacks (or used to lack) many poly-based modeling tools avaialble in max. Ok, enough about this, I just wanted to clarify things.. maya and 3ds max are both very powerful. Blender is too, in it's own way.

For professional works I'd recommend max, maya, xsi or cinema 4d (and a few others; in my biased opinion the first 2 are industry leaders), all great packages. I'm in love with max, but maybe your soul has other tastes. So I'd complete what others have said, that any of these tools are just as good in capable hands, so choose the one that feels right for you! (you'll also find that most concepts are 3d graphics based, so it is quite easy to switch packages)

Oh, and welcome to the full-of-fun world of 3d graphics!

EDIT: oops looks like Jarrod1937 made the same point earlier :P