I was looking at 3D graphics programs, because I've been using POV-Ray, and it's too difficult to make a complex scene. Lightwave seems like it might do the job, but it's $1500. Are there any similar programs that have trial versions? :p
hmm. it seems to me that most trial versions of expensive software that i have seen have always disabled things like save or export so that the program is basically unusable other than to toy around with. unless of course you want to crack it i guess. there is gmax which is a free version of 3ds max. of course you can only save in gmax format unless a game developer pays 3ds to add a plugin to the program, but otherwise plugins are disabled, too. there is a cracked 3ds out there too. and maya...if you are just trying to learn new techniques, etc. there is the maya 5 PLE you can download
>here< . gmax is
>here< . the maya PLE is their equivalent to a trial, so i don't know what will be disabled. just some suggestions.
Edit: i would not advocate downloading the cracked versions of such expensive software.
[Edited by Gizmo: We do not provide cracks or warez; this is your ONLY warning].
Originally posted by Red Mage:
I was looking at 3D graphics programs, because I've been using POV-Ray, and it's too difficult to make a complex scene. Lightwave seems like it might do the job, but it's $1500. Are there any similar programs that have trial versions? :p
15 day trial Not a bad little product... See my post
http://www.undergroundnews.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/560.html
My buddy in Hungary sent me Maya Unlimited 2.5, LightWave 7, 3D Studio Max 6, Bryce 4, and some other one.
If you're looking for a good one (not by my opinion, but by popularity), 3D Studio Max is a good one, though rather limited compared to Maya. Bryce 4 is EXCELLENT for beginners, but that's if you are either not interested in actual modelling or have an external modeller that can save in .3ds format.
If you want to just play around with shapes and make really neat looking pics, I believe Bryce 5 (owned by Corel, now supports multi-PC rendering, and more advanced rendering capabilities) goes for $120-$200 US. I've seen some real nice stuff come from Bryce, though I just like to play with it. Maya has some excellent documention, and you can buy a book from Amazon that teaches you all it's functions, in case you decide to go looking for a full version.
I wish I could help more, but I wouldn't want to get in trouble. Maya is the most advanced. Lightwave has a learning curve to it. I just plain ol' didn't like 3D Studio Max, and Bryce is just plain fun and easy to play with.
Have an awsome day. Cya.