Re: New To 3D, HAve Some Questions.

Personally I think that Cinema has the flattest learning curve of any 3D appplication, and Maya has perhaps the steepest. I'd say LW is somewhere in between, but definitely closer to the Maya side.

Just as importantly, once you're on the short end of the learning curve Cinema is still much easier to use than Maya--particularly for an individual or small workgroup. Maya is really built to serve big productions and it doesn't lend itself that well to the small shop. In that regard LW is closer to Cinema--once you get a handle on it. I don't care for Lightwave's split personality (modeler and composer) or it's workflow in general, but plenty of people get along with it just fine. Cinema is also the most stable 3D application on the market, which can be pretty important when deadlines loom.

As mrbilfil said, the best thing to do is to try out the demos and see which fits your personality best. All three have plenty of power to do what you want to do.

AdamT
Cinema 4DXL8 Bodypaint

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