choosing a modeller & renderer

slight

Hi polycount! Long time, no ASCII.

I haven't been much into modelling for a few years now, but I'm interested in purchasing some 3d software, mostly for creating pre-renderred graphics for flash games, but hopefully also to whip out the occasional game model.

I bought a copy of Nendo ages ago (which I quite like for speed and simplicity of modelling) but it's not a renderer. Also I'm very familiar with some older versions of Max from previous employment, but working for myself, I'm not really in a position to shell out the 4 grand for Max 8 which does *way* more than I need, and I wouldn't use it all that often anyway. Looks like it's a month too late to grab GMax, too.

So, if you have a moment, could I ask for some advice on other software options? What do you use, what's good about it, what's it cost etc. Or perhaps point me to an existing thread or article that has that sort of comparison. (I did try to search these forums before posting, but it kept telling me to wait.

Thanks for any help!

Slum

this thread may be of some help for ya'

http://boards.polycount.net/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=8173&an=0&page=0#8173

slight

Thanks a bunch, I tried Blender years ago, but hated the modeller compared to Max. Looks like Blender has a pretty nice renderer now though, So I will check it out, Thanks again.

JKMakowka

Wings3d and yafray is a good free solution.

The best price/value on commercial application would probably be XSI Foundation for $495.

System

I think it should be noted that Wings is a copy of Nendo, which has surpassed Nendo in pure power, so i think jkm's suggestion might be a good one. Exporting from Wings or Nendo to Blender could be another one, though. Blender is a bit more powerfull in the texturing-department, and i believe the implementation of yafray is also better there, but don't take my word for it.

CheapAlert

blender's simply awesome

'nuff said.

ironbearxl

Is it possible to buy an older version of Max like 3 or 4?