3D modeling
3DS rev4 is always a safe bet. It is costly, but is very powerfull
once you add some of the IPAS routines (added costs). The current
version of TrueSpace is lacking in a lot of features. It's basically
a begginers program right now.
Another contender to consider is Imagine 3.0 from Impulse. It offers
as much as 3DS in modelling and animation capabilities, but at a
fraction of the cost. It also comes with many animation effects that
are comparable to IPAS routines.
For further info on Imagine and TrueSpace, GO GUGRPA, where each
product has it's own section. You can also check out some of the
images created with each for a better feel of their output.