Easiest Modelling Program To Use

[SickleYield]

I'd go with what LHammonds said, very nice list there.

 

I use Blender both for Oblivion and recently for commercial projects in Poser. I'm used to its idiosyncratic interface (I tried a student version of Max, didn't like it) and it will do fine as long as what matters are results rather than resume (e.g. as long as I'm doing things freelance online rather than trying to get a job with a gaming company).

[throttlekitty]

I forgot about Wings3D so I added that one as well.

 

Regarding the free Maya version, I was told that it was useless to get that version since it would only act like a sandbox due to not being able to export in a format that was transferable to other 3D tools. It was only useful if you were learning how to use it for when you do get a paid version.

 

LHammonds

Maya PLE has no 3d export support at the app level, so no-one can really write translators for it. Otherwise, it's a fully-featured demo.

 

As to which is easiest, it really depends on you, how you learn and interact with the programs. Pick up all the demos and toy around a bit first, they all do more or less the same things, just the setup is different. For me, it really comes down to the interface and usability.

 

Me, i use Maya, and i get cranky when I go into blender. I know it can do most of what I need it to, but get hung up on the small things, because I haven't spent enough time with Blender. :)

[stephanie]

I use Blender, mostly since it's free and supports Morrowind, Oblivon, and everything else I do. I think if you count the number of users and the free help and tutorials available for Blender, it is the best choice .. (for me, anyway)

 

:)

[dezdimona]

I'd go with what LHammonds said, very nice list there.

I agree also, he's the one that I trust, well besides Montana. :D

[paintballmaster254]

I don't know if you want to know anything about cinema 4D but it has (all the newer releases) a built in texture program called bodypaint. I am still trying to learn how to use it better, but a lot of people say that it is amazing. The one cool thing about it is that you can paint in 3D space directly on your moddel.

[ihateregisteringeverywhere]

Just like in Z-brush?

[paintballmaster254]

Ya except that you don't have to export anything, it is part of the program. You still can export the texure you make in bodypaint to photoshop and back very easy.

[Gamerbird]

Can ZBrush be used to make models for Oblivion?

I have that and find it ok but haven't really messed around with it.

[paintballmaster254]

I'm pretty shure that Z brush is only a texture program use for texturing UV maps, but I'm not 100% sure.

[ihateregisteringeverywhere]

I'm not sure, I think that the models made in z-brush have too many faces, Also the generated UV mapping is realy crazy so you'd have to do all of the editing in z-brush. Exporting the whole thing allong with normal maps and everything into a program that can export nif's isn't realy simple either

 

Besides Z-brush is a sculpting tool, and as such it isn't of much use when creating things like swords and sandals. What it's realy good for is creating wonderfull sculptures with super high levels of detail.

 

I'm pretty shure that Z brush is only a texture program use for texturing UV maps, but I'm not 100% sure.

 

Oh nonono, Z-brush is a sculpting tool; watch and gawk: