well if you are using flash and want to break into 3d with out breaking the bank at the same time, i think Swift 3d V3 is your best bet. Very flash compatable and easy to learn and use, but at the same time you can really get some great effects.
you know I actually dont prescribe swift for someone serious about learning 3d. Because of the unconventional modelling and tools. Could promote bad habits that are hard to break. You can download gmax from discreet for free. www.discreet.com . Play with those tools. Or you can buy plasma which is a dumbed down version 3dsmax. Since you are a student you will get any of these at a phenominal discount. Maya is also a good but a lil more pricey.
There are also free apps like blender. These proggy are diff but they all use the basics like polymodelling and nurbs.
yup but worth checking out if you are into serious buying…
I always advise Cinema 4d. Download a demo (no save options for all files but you can always screenshot a rendered image). It’s really an intuitive program that has all the tools required.
I see Truspace on cover cds quite a bit, full versions, normally version 3 or something. Its all icon driven, can get a bit confusing, but might be a place to start?
I just finished an animation project using 3D max at uni, although I thing 3d Max is mainly used for games because is a good for polygon editing.
I don’t know loads about 3D, more interested in learning flash.
Most of the professional 3D programs have free trial versions for education, so if you want to learn that’s all you’ll need.
I haven’t spent enough time using 3D programs to give you advice on a starting point.
What sort of 3D stuff do you hope to do? special effects, life like, cartoon, game models? Might help people recommend the most suitable program.
cheers
[edit] Ooops, I see you mentioned in your first post that you want to make simple 3D websites… not really sure what would be best. possible swift3d because it’s intended for flash use? I know that people render out models from 3D max into Flash… [/edit]
you will learn the basics of 3d modeling i suppose, but it is really unlike anyother programs, thats why Plasma is nice, cause from there you can go to 3ds Max and be very used to it, and get some better effects sometimes. But if you really want good flash integration, then stick with swift
No that’s not what I’ve made, That’s what I want to learn how to make.
But I am confused now, Is’t plasma to difficult to start with?
And it would also be nice if there where some tuts on the web for that specifik program of a good book (recommendations anyone?? ).
yes plasma would be hard to start with, but since you would be learning something like a min 3ds max it would be easyer if you wanted to go into game modeling, but for what you want, stick with Swift.
actually plasma is not very hard. You really use alot of the same tools all the time. It is just taking the initial step. Modelling in swift is really really not modellng at all. I like swift alot and it has alot upside in my opinion but it is not modeling. You will spend a tremendous amount of time trying to get around its limitations… Plasma also exports to flash. And plasma models can be used in swift. If you can I would get them both.
This is if you want to jump into 3d, but if not stick with swift but you will soon exhaust its abilities. But definately a good tool to have
