3D & Animation Free 3D modelling programs - what is the best?

[Flogger23m]

Over a year ago I attempted to learn some basic 3D modeling in Wings 3D. I didn't learn much, though I made some poor 3D models in my attempts. However I would like to have another go at learning how to 3D model. Which programs would be the best free ones? Which have the least steep learning curve? I would like a program in which I can convert/import the files into games (UE3/RO2).

Obviously I had tried Wings 3D. I had also tried Blender, however that was too complicated and I couldn't even make basic shapes. Are there any free versions of Maya and 3DS Max? I can find 30 day trail editions of their current versions, but I doubt I can learn much of anything in 30 days. The only unlimited free version of these programs I can find is Maya 8.5 Personal Learning Edition:

[url]http://download.cnet.com/Autodesk-Maya-Personal-Learning-Edition/3000-6677_4-10721815.html[/URL]

Would this be a good program to start in? Or should I stick to Wings 3D?

Any other suggestions or advice about which program to pick up or about 3D modeling in general would be appreciated.

 

[Olivier]

If you are a student, you can download any Autodesk software and use it for 3 years. You'll also get a pretty big discount after that period too! (90% IIRC)

If you are no longer a student, you could always ask a friend to set up an account for you and then download the softwares you would like to work with (3ds Max/Maya/Mudbox).

 

[WEe]

I actually just registed and want to give my few cents. I personally use Wings 3D. It's quite easy to pickup and give nice results when you just practice enough. Just like any other modeling program. Here are a few things I did. All in Wings 3D, textures in Gimp:

Watch in HD if you can.

Finland At WW2 AVS-36 Render Pictures - YouTube

Finland At WW2 SVT-38 Render animation and pics - YouTube

Finland at WW2 - Suomi M/31 Render - YouTube

 

[Palle]

Ive been playing around with 3ds Max 2012. Got 30 days free trial and gotta say last night i spent 9 hours making my first 3d thing xD

[url]http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa108/Palle1234/3D%20Art/?action=view&current=Gladius3.jpg[/URL]

 

[Cirdan]

I'm a fan of Blender myself

 

[SillyMoose]

I'm a fan of Blender myself

I have to agree free or not Blender is my absolute favorite. Its a lot more solid than the other free programs and can even step up to maya and max.

 

[Skurcey]

I have to agree free or not Blender is my absolute favorite. Its a lot more solid than the other free programs and can even step up to maya and max.

If you can decypher the interface at least

You can also use Sketchup (free edition) and autodesk FBX converter (free)

 

[SillyMoose]

If you can decypher the interface at least

You can also use Sketchup (free edition) and autodesk FBX converter (free)

Really? How long ago was it that you last tried blender? The interface used to be just terrible, However there have been vast improvements that have made it look more like maya or the other big names.