where do i start?

[glennjoe]

I'm sorry if you get asked this a lot, but what do you think the best (and cheapest) 3D imaging device is for me to get started on? my pc is rubbish, 98, from a 95, and is really slow, thank you

[Sam256]

try looking for "Blender" at sourceforge (http://www.sourceforge.net)

It's free and has many features. Also look for "Yet Another Raytracer" a free raytracing renderer for blender.

I once tried Blender but I had to admit, that it's user interface is terrible and you can't really undo things, nor you have a object history.

Personally I prefer 3dsmax. You can get a relativly cheap educational copy for about 600 $ I think. Discreet (http://www.discreet.com)

Other avordable software could be Cinema 4D. We have it installed at the school, so it can't be that expensive.

[burns]

i def recommend Blender, contrary to the previous post, it now has a "proper" undo feature.

Although the interface is different, once mastered, is alot easier to use.

cheers

http://www.elysiun.com/forum/ for more info

[glennjoe]

thanks people!

[Sam256]

I should take a closer look again at "Blender" now.

[Zeh'Qual]

I can't find where to download Blender. It seems everyone here is in college, and I want to get a head start with life and learn how to use programs like blender before I even inlist in college. I tried out MilkShape 3D, but didn't have much luck. I'm looking for a program that has tutorials and is easy to work with. If you know of any, please post. Also, I see lots of people talking about Painter 7. Does this cost money? If not, where can I download for free? Thanks for reading this... Greg

[Deth Jester]

Blender is cool..

goto:
http://www.blender3d.com/

there should be a link to downlaod that.

You can go to Wings3d.com and try that out..
and try theres out..

or you can go to

Aliaswavefont.com and download the learning edition of Maya, but you need a little faster of a machine to handle that.

goto: http://www.alias.com/eng/products-services/maya/maya_ple/get_maya_ple.shtml;$sessionid$WLA5ENQ4BXFQDQCLCWSC FEWAJMK0KIV0

There are tons of tutorials out there on modeling.. it doenst matter what software package you are using, modeling is modeling.. all models consist of vertices, segments, and planes.. or you can work in nurbs which is bezier curves...

Painter 8 is not free, but you can tryout Artrage at ArtRage.com for free.. it simulates painting in oil pretty well... I recomend you stick to painting with Real oils and Acrylics and drawing with a pencil first.. but if you want to just mess around go for it..

sorry for rambling its late and im about to crash.. if you have a specific question Private Message me.. because I doubt I will come back and check this thread..

peace
-mike