Preserved Topic: Free or Fee?

I would really like to learn 3d apps.

Now, what is your take on the free programs?

I am not talking about POV... I have yet to try and learn another code.. bleh.

mostly, are the renders of any good quality? I mean pretty good.
I read that blender was not that easy to use... what do ya say?
how about the free Strata???

Is there anything else I am missing?

I really just want to learn a free program... use it, make pretty things, and decide if i should get Bryce or something else... or not.

So i guess this post is all about opinion! heh.

                                                           

Blender is not all that hard if you follow the manuals and whip out a few things, I barely scratched the surface with it, no time to doodle much but I liked what it did with the effort I was able to put into it.

Most people I've talked to that have worked with other 3d apps have had nothing good to say about Blender really tho, the interface thing, but if you're just starting out and have no preconceived notions of what the interface should be, you'd probably do alright with it.

Looks like they're going again somewhat too: http://www.elysiun.com/download.php If you need any manuals or anything that you can't find, give me a shout, I may have them tucked away somewheres, an old copy prolly too.

Jason

I can't really speak on the "free" subject when it comes to renderers but, as far as modelers, Wings3d is, by far, the easiest to learn and most intuitive in my opinion. Check out www.wings3d.com for more details.

that's right!
i also like wings3d more and more!
and in the new version you dont have to install that erlang runtime anymore.

okalieday. mesa gonna lookie at day.