Best 3D modeling software?

I use blender because its free and because it works making models for limited 3D engine.

I would like to upgrade XSI to their latest version but I need the cash and a good reason to go back. I am really interested in their C# interface

I've heard good things about Luxology's Modo.

Regards
elFarto

I've found Lightwave to be a very good 3d package: very good polygonal modeler and one of the best renderer out there (at least it was once, expecially for an embedded one). In addition, it is cheaper than many others, and definitely easier than most of the apps I've used in the past (and not only 3d software).
I never used blender much but from what I've heard (and the features listed on the site) it can do most of what commercial software does, if only the GUI was easier...
Modo is developed by the same people that created Lightwave, so I would expect them to be similar, both as features and as pylosophy. Price is also similar (IIRC) and I've been told that it is a very good software, definitely worth a try.

I'm using Lightwave as well, and it works fine for me! I like the way you can easily make more complex shapes just by placing points, and then making polygons of it. This is probably possible in many other programs as well, but LightWave does it on a fast and simple way. In other programs I know, you have to start with primitive shapes and then modify them to get more complex shapes, which is not always the most easiest (and polygon-friendly) way.

I can't compare it with Maya or Max though. That is because I'm not a real modeler. For a programmer, I certainly have creative skills. But really not good enough to call myself a "3D artist". But... this also proves that LightWave can be learned and used by less experienced persons.

I think your choice depends on what kind of models you want to make, how good you are, and of course, your personal taste. I found LightWave good for making landscapes, simple objects and scenery. And its format nicely fits with my engine. But I don't know if its also good for making (animated) characters, and/or organic shapes. Maybe other programs have better tools for that. You should ask the experts in that case.

Rick

You can get a free 30 day trial of 3dsmax9 from autodesk now, (you just need to fill out a little form).

However it might be a waste of time as a proper licence is pretty expensive.

I use a combination of lightwave and maya.
Lightwave is by far the best and fastest polygon and subdiv modeler, ever, Modo is sort of comparable but i still think lightwave is better (even old versions work well in this regard).
Maya is maybe not as good as lightwave when it comes to modeling, but it does excel at uv mapping, texture sampling(for building normal maps) and animation.
It's pretty easy to use maya straight out of the box as a level editor.

I like Wings3D, because it is really easy.

Maya. Easy to learn and powerful.

How does everyone feel about Gamespace/Truespace? I always thought the former was pretty decent, though I've never played around with the latter. Of course, I'm a coder, not a modeler, so my opinion counts for less than most :)

I'm a big Max fan (it was my first), and a big XSI fan.

I really like Softimage XSI, it's really powerful, the interface is awesome, and the APIs are really the best to work with in my opinion. If I couldn't use that I would go with Autodesk Maya, which I would probably choose over XSI if it weren't for the nice interface/api Softimage has.

If you're asking which modeling software would be best for games, and thus low poly modeling, then 3DS Max is your best choice. However, what matters most is what program YOU are the most comfortable with. If you are already experienced with Maya, and you like its interface, then I say choose it. Maya is a monster when it comes to high quality/film quality modeling, but it can also do the low poly stuff (just not quite as intuatively as Max). You really can't go wrong with either package.

Good luck,
Tim