I plan on either buying Maya or 3d studio. I have used both before so the learning curve isn't a big deal. And I like Maya's controls a little bit more I guess. My question is I heard Maya is for high end modeling and 3d studio is cheaper with focus on game modeling( low poly). Is this true? I plan on making games, but at the same time I want to be able to create high end models if needed for projects at work which need to be extremely detailed. ( My home version will be educational since i'm going to school part time ) Does anyone have recommendations. I found this http://www.academicsuperstore.com/products/256226/Maya+Unlimited/856169 which is a Maya superpack. Does anyone have any advice on which to buy? I'm not interested in which someone thinks is better, but more towards which is best for high end production since I will be making cut scenes with it ( only for practice at home ), in addition to low poly game models. Thanks for your time, Nick

Quote:
My question is I heard Maya is for high end modeling and 3d studio is cheaper with focus on game modeling( low poly).

Say what? Maya Complete is actually cheaper than 3DS Max, but Maya Unlimited costs more. Both are used for "high end" and "low end" modeling.

Quote:
Does anyone have any advice on which to buy? I'm not interested in which someone thinks is better, but more towards which is best for high end production since I will be making cut scenes with it ( only for practice at home ), in addition to low poly game models.

Either one? They'll both fit your needs. It think Maya's animation system is nicer (which will assist with the cut scenes you're talking about), but really both are just as capable. It is all in the artist, not the tool [wink]

Quote: Original post by nick5454
My question is I heard Maya is for high end modeling and 3d studio is cheaper with focus on game modeling( low poly).

This is no longer true and hasn't been for years. Yet people keep saying it. Maya's poly and sub-d modeling support has grown leaps since Maya 5 or so and some modelers I know prefer it to Max, especially with the NEX plugin. If you are modeling, it doesn't matter what you use, it is easy enough to bring models from one to the other.

Quote: Is this true? I plan on making games, but at the same time I want to be able to create high end models if needed for projects at work which need to be extremely detailed. ( My home version will be educational since i'm going to school part time )

Both will be able to handle your needs. If you were doing something involving lots of animation or pipeline, Maya is the way to go. Max has more stuff 'built in' and is probably easier to use at first, but Maya's is ultimately more powerful because all its systems can work together correctly.

If you are an animator, use Maya, if you are a modeler, use whatever is easier for you. Character setup (rigging) is MUCH easier in Maya if you are going to make a custom rig, or need a good canned rig (Setup Machine). Max has Biped, which is complete shit but is easy for quick stuff and pretty easy to learn. You'll find Max has an easier learning curve but Maya is a limitless toolbox.

If your doing straight up modeling I suggest Modo. So far I feel it has the strongest built-in rendering system and it good for lowpoly modeling as well as being great for high poly modeling without the use of Zbrush or Mudbox. Also it like many other 3d modeling programs has a very customizable UI. The downside though is that it is less compatible in terms of having plugins and stuff and it can't animate in itself but it is used by a few studios for films and stuff and I find it pretty reliable. Also it's cheaper than full versions of Max or Maya I believe. Of course it depends on if you are animating or rigging at all.

Are you just going to be modeling? Or are you also going to do some Visual effects or Animation.

For modeling, it's which ever you feel more comfortable. Some people swear by Maya and others Max. In your post you said that you liked Maya's modeling controls better. Then go with Maya. If you ever needed to convert to Studio Max, Autodesk has a free plugin that can convert your files or import 3DS. It's whatever modeling workflow you feel best with. Max and Maya are great modeling programs.

If you want to do more with 3D, then I would go with Maya. It has better animation controls, lighting and Effects.

If you want to do high end modeling, you'll need another modeling package along with Max or Maya. My recommendation would be ZBrush. You can get alot of fine details with your models in ZBrush and it's relatively simple to use.

If you need more help you can always go to www.cgtalk.com. It's an entire 3D community. They're all friendly and willing to help.