I've decided to try my hand at some 3D modeling, and I'd like a link to the Strata 3D Base (is it version 3.5?) download for Windows. They seem to have hidden it pretty well, because I've spent the last 15 minutes or so browsing their site.

Also, any suggestions as to full-version software (stuff you have to buy) or tips for a complete newbie to the field would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much!

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POV-Ray (free), Wings 3D (free), Blender (free), Alias Maya 5.0 Personal Learning Edition (free - not full featured w/ watermarks), Softimage XSI Experience ($19.95 - not full featured w/ less obtrusive watermarks than PLE), Eovia Carrara Studio 3 ($399), Maxon Cinema 4D 8.5 ($595), Strata 3DPro 3.9 ($695), Eovia Amapi 7 Pro ($799), Rhinoceros 3.0 ($895), Softimage 3D 4.0 ($1495), Newtek Lightwave 3D 7.5 - soon to be 8.0 ($1595), Softimage XSI (no price quoted, but probably more expensive than Lightwave), Alias Maya Complete 6.0 ($1999), Discreet 3D Studio Max 6 ($3145), Alias Maya Unlimited 6.0 ($6999)

Start with Wings, Blender, Mechanisto, or basically anything free, and work with it until you figure out that you aren't getting the results that you want with it. You want to make a complex shape that you simply can't make with the free programs. It's at this point that you want to move on to a more expensive program. The "Big Four" programs are Maya, 3DSMax, Softimage, and Lightwave. If you plan on going into a graphics career in the gaming industry, then 3DSMax is your best bet, because it's the most prevalent program. Maya, Soft, and Lightwave are more widespread in the movie industry. Strata and Carrara are still good, but basically choose a program that fits your modeling style, etc. It'll be a bit easier to choose which expensive program you want to invest in when you have the experience to know what you want from the program.

Matrix

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Originally posted by what_is_the_matrix:
Start with Wings, Blender, Mechanisto, or basically anything free, and work with it until you figure out that you aren't getting the results that you want with it. You want to make a complex shape that you simply can't make with the free programs.(/B)

True, though it probably will be something other than complexity in form that will cause a switch, Wings has some very potent modeling abilities, some stuff that Lightwave could really use. I would guess that is a desire to have kinematics or dynamics that would predicate a switch, or perhaps some desire for more advanced surfacing, rendering, or SFX - Perhaps all of the above.
Joe

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I have the installer on my computer, 23.1Mb. If you can come up with a way for me to get it to you, I will (I have broadband, so size is no problem in case of a direct transfer)

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(This message has been edited by BariSaxGuy5 (edited 06-24-2004).)

That would be wonderful, BariSaxGuy5, and I'd greatly appreciate it. I have broadband as well, so a direct connection shouldn't be any problem. If you want to use AIM, my screenname is zhengsfinalstand, so anytime you see me on, whenever it's convenient for you, just send me an IM and we can talk.

Thanks again, I'm gratified :).

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Anyone know of any tutorials or other such materials for Strata 3Dbase 3.5? By any chance? Just wondering...

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