CompuServe Thread

>> I seem to have a 3d software problem. I'd like to purchase a 3d program but I can't seem to decide between 3d Studio, Imagine 4.0, or Visual Reality, or any other for that matter. I like Imagine but it's not too user friendly. I'd like a program with lots of textures. Since I'm a student, I can get the latest copy of 3d Studio for about $800, but again, I don't know if I'd like something else instead. Can anyone help?<< Bruce, What sort of 3D work do you want to do: flying logos, bouncey characters, FX for compositing with live-action, hyper-realistic ray-traced scenes, 3D game animation, etc.? Do you want to use it in production or more for personal projects and experimentation. If you can be more specific then it would be easier to make a recommendation. 3DS is a great program and many users find it easier than Imagine. But many folks I know who've switched still end up using Imagine for various jobs. One reason I like Imagine is that it feels solid. If you're still using Imagine 2.0, you don't really have a feel for where the program is going. 3.2 (the most current release) has much more sophisticated tools for creating movement. Perhaps if you'd share some ideas about what you want to do with the folks in the Imagine forum, they could offer suggestions on how to go about it more easily. -Tim