Simplest/cheapest 3D program?

Asset & Content Management
1

Trying to decide which 3D program to dive into for my characters and buildings for my eventual Unity3D projects.
I have no experience with 3D modelling, nor with any scripting/programming, so ideally I’d get a program that is fairly easy to use so that I can focus on really learning Unity3D.

Blender, is, obviously, the cheapest, but I’m a bit overwhelmed by its interface. I could get over this, I’m sure, but before I dive into Blender I was wondering if you knowledgeable, fine folks in the Unity forums knew of a simpler 3D design/animating program that was also affordable (ie: 50-100$ license max).

My main use for it would be for creating human/animal/insect models as well as buildings/architechture.

Thanks ahead of time!

2

Give Wings3D a try. When I first started I used Wings3D to model and Blender to animate and the pair worked nicely together. Other apps to try would be Silo3D, Cheetah3D (Mac only) and Carrara. But for “best bang for the buck” you really can’t beat Blender. IMO it’s worth the effort and time invested to learn.

3

You will find lot of informations about your question in the following thread :stuck_out_tongue:

4

Ok,
based on your opinions + that thread, looks like I’ll stick with Blender. Thanks!
Which book would you guys recommend for extreme 3D modelling beginners?
I’ve noticed a lot of them mentioned but when I go to my bookstore I half a dozen Blender books all available.

5

If you’re on a Mac, I think Cheetah3d is the single best solution for ease of use, and having all the features you need for Unity for $100.

If on the PC, I’d honestly stick with getting used to Blender.

6

if you’re feeling the power in you, let try metaseq.net - 3D modeling software "Metasequoia 4" :smile:

7

I’ll probably be alternating between Mac and PC eventually, but for the time being I’m working solely on a PC. So I’m gunna go with Blender.
I’ve done some research as to which Blender “beginner” book I should go for and I’ve come across three main ones:

Blender For Dummies:

The Essential Blender:

Introducing Character Animation with Blender:

All three of these look great but I want one that assumes that the reader has NO experience with ANY 3D modelling before. Keeping that in mind, which of these three books would you guys recommend for me?

I’ll probably go down to the local bookstore and see if any of them are stock so I can make my own decision, but any tips would be great.
Thanks