3D modeling software?

[OD53]

Can any one tell me of some 3D modeling software that I can buy so I could have a go at making some ship designs, I would be needing a tutorial of the software to seeing I,ve never used a 3D modeling programme before!
so if any one can recomend some programmes please say rather me spending ages in a shop with some dopey shop assistant trying to get my money off me and not answering my questions!

thanks OD53

[esd]

Personally I use Cinema 4D - it's a nice balance between a simple interface and advanced capability.

[KiwiNZ]

I'd recommend BLENDER (http://www.blender.org) for you to start with. This is a very capable piece of FREE software, which makes it great to start with.

Once you get the hang of it you can either stick with it or look at something like MAYA (http://www.alias.com) or Cine4D or 3D Studio Max. There is a free version of MAYA available and plenty of video tutorials. There should also be a free version of Cine4D out there but I couldn't find it right now.

Bottom line is, try a few of the free versions before you buy. You may easily be investing $700-1000 just to find out that this is not your kind of software.

[OD53]

thanks for the info I'll start looking for the free versions now, thanks again!

OD53

[champgm]

www.renderosity.com has a lot of good tutorials for most of the major (and some minor) 3D Design programs. I believe Raph.com has some as well.

Blender is great for starters, but the interface isn't what you'd call intuitive. I use Blender a lot, it's very powerful, and pretty easy once you get used to it, but that takes a bit of practice. If you go with Blender, there are good tutorials on the Blender site (and links to others). They're at www.blender3d.org

Good luck, and happy modeling!