Which 3D software should I use Thread? [Archive]

Tyger

02-22-2005, 09:39 PM

Okay everyone, we know that you want to ensure that you are making the right decision as to which 3D you wish to persue when you are presented with a number of options.

At some point, most of us have wondered - hmmmm.... Max? Maya? Lightwave? XSI? <enter names of all other apps you've heard of but have not yet used>.

It's only normal that you want to know about these apps and what they are all about. We humans are indeed an inquisitive species.

To people who really need to make decisions like this, and want to make absolutely sure that they are not going to regret their choice of app, I have a few suggestions :

- If you are a total beginner, and are deciding on a first program to start out on, try a free one! There are a number of free applications around. That way you can explore what 3D is all about without burning holes in your pockets.

- Check out the demo/learning edition of the applications. Most of the major ones have downloadable versions, or offer free discs for people who wish to learn the software. Sure, these versions are usually handicapped in some way, but it's nevertheless a great way to get a taste for the program.

- Try out all the programs that are available! It never hurts to keep your horizons broad.

Here's a few articles that may shed some light on your 3D experience.

Choosing the Best 3D Rendering Application for Your Needs (courtesy of Zaon Studios:New for 2004)</font>

Read article here (http://www.zaon.com/company/articles/3d_rendering.php)

Follow up article courtesy CGtalk.com (http://www.cgtalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=105172)

http://img237.exs.cx/img237/6410/sig1sy.jpg

Invader Xan

02-25-2005, 09:02 PM

Ok bro, I'm interested -- I know nothing about 3D software (unless you count the 3D things in Illy CS), but I'd like to... can you suggest any decent free programs for Mac OSX? Any other advice or suggestions?

A friend of mine was telling me something about learning openGL...

I would've taken over the world, but I got distracted by shiny things.

Ooo! Shiny things!

Tyger

02-25-2005, 09:54 PM

Hey Invader!

Just hop on over to the other thread, downloadable demos and trials.....there's quite a few demos to try out. The big 3 imo is Maya, 3dsmax, and cinema 4d. All 3 have pretty good demos to try out, but the first 2 are quite expensive. Cinema4d is much cheaper and capable of doing the same things in maya and 3dsmax.

If you want to learn something user friendly and easy to learn I would highly recommend Swift3d. I'm an avid user of Swift and that's how i got my feet wet in 3d. Though not as high end as the others there are quite a few benefits in Swift3d. First of all the price. It's just under $200.00 US you can't beat that. It's user interface is very easy to pic up. They've got a great community over at Swiftdev.com which I am an active member of. Integration with Flash and the ability to export Vector renders and animations. If you are a web guy looking to create things for the web Swift is a great program for this, considering how cheap it is.

Blender and Wings3d are also great free 3d modeling programs, check out the galleries on their site, there's alot of good work done with these programs. Learning them is always the hard part though, but you got to start somewhere. I would sugeest to pic a few and try the demos, do some tutorials and get a feel for each program until you feel comfortable with one, then decide what you want and how much you want to spend.

When making these choices find out your needs. will it be a hobby? a career move? If you are just wanting to learn them as a hobby there would be no need to spend tons of money on maya and 3dsmax.

anyway it's your call, i hope i've helped you.

http://img237.exs.cx/img237/6410/sig1sy.jpg

Invader Xan

02-28-2005, 06:22 PM

Thanks a lot for the advice, man... I need to take a weekend to check out a few of these, I think. If I run into any other questions or suchlike, I'm sure you'll hear from me on here... =)

Currently, I work entirely in print, but I'm planning on branching out. A little 3D knowledge could be very helpful in freelance web work, as well as the fact that I've seen a number of 3D design jobs advertised locally (for gaming software houses)... Figured it couldn't hurt to add another skill to my repartoire -- and from what I'm told, the modelling side of it beats drawing texture maps!

On that note, do companies use those software titles too...? If not, I assume they'd probably be similar enough to let me know what I'm doing, right? It's not a jump I'm planning on making until I'm at least competent. Just doing the ground work... =)

I would've taken over the world, but I got distracted by shiny things.

Ooo! Shiny things!

Tyger

02-28-2005, 07:08 PM

THe most common software apps used are Maya and 3dsmax. Learning these would be a huge advantage to you, however learning them is quite the task. Cinema 4d is similar to these programs as well. From what i know 3dsmax is typically used for game design but not limited to. If you learn one or the other you would be able to work in both programs because the follow similar concepts. On top of that there are numerous books and tutorials that cover both programs. But as i have said before they are quite pricey! If you are looking to just create models for still images and don't want to spend tons of money i would suggest Cinema4d and Swift3d. But again it is your needs that you need to consider.

http://img237.exs.cx/img237/6410/sig1sy.jpg

Vaaish.

02-28-2005, 11:04 PM

In my experience, MAX has been the primary dev platform for many games. I've found that in previous version (up to 4.5) it's a little clunky to get things done but it has the best selection fo free plugins and compatibility with previous versions. What I've seen of newer seems to indicate that the workflow has been greatly streamlined which is a good thing.

More recently I've switched over to using Maya. It seems to be the program of choice for alot of the effects industry and I'd wager primarily because ot MEL scripting and the capabilities it has for customizing the program for a company's specific needs. Personally I prefer the navigation system in maya to that of MAX and in all it's very efficient for poly modeling. I've noticed that SubD gets a little slow at times and there isn't really an easy way to go back to poly once a mesh is converted. Maya has a nice NURBS toolset if you're into that too. another great thing about Maya is the animation system and built in physics engine.

I've also found that I've been integrating Blender into my workflow more as well. The later versions of this program are really coming into their own with good subd implementation, LSCM unwrapping, and a decent render engine. For a free program I see this having alot of promise. THere are a few catches with blender you need to watch out for especially with the smoothing groups and particle systems but with some tweaking you can get good results.

I've used Cinema 4d a bit but I was never too impressed with it. Swift 3d looks good for exporting to vector and I've heard rumors that the latest version revamped the toolset, which is really necessary if you want to do anything complex with it as a standalone.

if you are looking for OSX stuff I'd check out Blender, Wings3d, and Maya PLE. If you are looking at getting a job in the gaming world doing low poly stuff, be prepared to use PC's expecially if you want to learn 3dsMAX.

idaho

03-02-2005, 07:24 PM

If you are interested in gaming, some software to check out would be: Mirai, Multigen Creator, and Nendo. These packages are use heavily for low polygon modeling for games systems.

Here are some sites to check out for 3d software:

www.3dlinks.com
www.highend3d.com

Both of these sights have a lot of information. 3DCafe has a lot of free application listed as well as commercial versions.

One software package that I haven't heard mentioned in SoftImage XSI. I know that it is used almost as heavily as Maya when it comes to special effects and motion pictures. I believe it's also used in the gaming industry but not as much as Maya. The price is right too ($500+/-).

SoftImage is right up there as one of the Granddaddy's of 3d. It's been around since Maya was just Alias|wavefront. I remember using it on SGI Indy machines (ok I'm giving away my age here). I haven't use SoftImage in years so I don't know what it's like now but it was always a big competitor of Alias|Wavefront. Ther rendering engine (Mental Ray) was famous for being far superior to the Alias engine. Maya may use the same engine now but I don't remember.

Don't forget Rhinoceros. It's a great Nurbs modeler. It's modeling capabilities are very similar to Alias Design Studio and the price is considerably lower.

Ok...I'm rambling I stop now.

-Idaho
'You want it when? Ok, no problem. Excuse me while I pull the magic wand out of my ass!'

Drawing a Blank

03-08-2005, 08:18 PM

OK Tyger you have inspired me to make a serious attempt at learning at least one 3D program. I downloaded Blender (seems like a good first choice since it is free) and installed it on my machine at home. I found a few tutorials and have spent about an hour thus far learning the very basic things about the program. I'll try to keep you posted as time allows for further learning and hopefully post some basic things soon. Thanks Tyger!!

blah blah blah blah blah blah

Tyger

03-08-2005, 08:34 PM

awright bro, good stuff. I'm also trying to learn blender as well...it couldn't hurt. I've tried wings 3d as well and it's pretty good.

I'd definitely like to see your progress even if it's somple things. Maybe we can share our blender progressions! :)

http://img237.exs.cx/img237/6410/sig1sy.jpg

Drawing a Blank

03-09-2005, 08:13 PM

Sounds cool Tyger. I'vebeen gettinga lot of freelance illustration work lately and a full time designjob so time is precious, but I'll keep you posted when I can. Thanks again, G

blah blah blah blah blah blah

morea

03-10-2005, 12:56 AM

Just a note... I'm also quite interested in learning this, and really appreciate all the information you have shared, Tyger.

<sigh> One of these days!

[I]The more people I meet, the more I love my cats.</A>

Tyger

03-10-2005, 03:31 AM

no prob morea, anytime! again i would encourage you to try the demo version of Swift3d, the learning curve is very easy. I picked it up pretty quick with no previous 3d experience.

http://img237.exs.cx/img237/6410/sig1sy.jpg

Kunal Ambasana

03-14-2005, 03:13 AM

You guys should try eovia carrara, Quite easy to use, has a poser/bryce type of interface.

I only just started doing 3d modelling and animation about a few months ago, max seemed

a bit too complicated for me so i found carrara to be easy to pickup.

Tyger

03-14-2005, 03:39 AM

Hey Kunal, thanx for your input. Actually i've looked at Carrara briefly but not indepth, but i do find it easier to learn than some of the others. However i've decided to just go with Swift3d and Cineama4d for now and get familiar with them. There are so many programs to learn but so little time.

I'd love to see some of your work...i'll be posting a 3d showcase thread soon.

http://img237.exs.cx/img237/6410/sig1sy.jpg

Kunal Ambasana

03-14-2005, 03:50 AM

Yea sure, let me know when you have the showcase up, ill post some of my work.
If you do decide to learn carrara or mess with it, let me know if you need any help.

Post Edited (Kunal Ambasana) : 3/14/2005 12:05:24 AM GMT

Allen Harkleroad

03-18-2005, 02:24 AM

Cinema 3D for the price is a great program all the models and clothes we build for poserworld.com is built in cinema.

Allen

Allen Harkleroad
"I didn't do it... You didn't see me... You can't prove a thing..."

Make a donation to GDF to help us keep the forum running. Click here (http://www.graphicdesignforum.com/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=0&tabid=197)

Tyger

03-18-2005, 08:55 PM

Yes i agree Allen, i'm using R8 right now(was luck to have a frined give it to me) but hope to get R9 when i get more familiar.

http://img237.exs.cx/img237/6410/sig1sy.jpg

Bear

03-19-2005, 03:38 AM

Hey Tyger,

I just wanted to chime in and say that i've been using maya for a while now and will keep an eye out for any questions that may arise. i also have a general background in motion graphics, although its more of a personal interest than a well trodden professional course.

The potential for using 3D in graphic design now is huge and even the most basic packages are a worthwhile investment for alot of people.

Keep up the good work fella!

Ollie

hand : ollie@ollielindsey.co.uk
eye : www.ollielindsey.co.uk (http://www.ollielindsey.co.uk)
mouth :

Tyger

03-19-2005, 09:01 PM

Hey thanx Bear! I would definitely appreciate the help around here even if it's pretty dead at the moment
(**watches tumbleweed pass by**) Feel free to post some of your work as well. I'll be startinf a 3d showcase thread very soon.

As i mentioned before i've wanted to take up Maya too but i've decided to focus on Swift3d and Cinema4d. Hopefully i can learn enough to take on Maya eventually.

Cheers!

http://img237.exs.cx/img237/6410/sig1sy.jpg

Spectral Analysis

04-29-2005, 01:31 AM

I too, am an avid Maya user. I have tried just about every 3D software out there barring Universe and Rhino. Out of all that I tried, I got the best results and the best NURB/Polygon modeling and renders out of Maya.

Of course, I also took a 11 week course to learn how to use it and then bought around ten manuals (wink).

I love it!

Envision1

04-29-2005, 04:34 PM

Strata is one i have been playing with cheap and easy beggining learning

Takayuki

05-10-2005, 12:39 PM

Theres one app which has not been mention here, which is Avid's Softmage XSI,
the older ver. of this was called Softimage 3D.

You can try out the demo version. just download it from http://www.softimage.com/products/xsi/v4/pricing/default.asp?pkg=foundation

Takayuki

05-10-2005, 12:42 PM

Oops sorry it got doubled,

I just found the same link on the "downloadable demo... " forum.

Sorry guys.:)

keithcr

05-23-2005, 11:58 AM

I have spent the last few months playing with Bryce 4 to get into 3D. My main interest has been creating 3D scenes that I can incorporate into PS still image work, but I notice that Bryce will do some animation.
My main interest at the moment is exploring the various surface edits and varigated colour effects - I have posted one example on 3D showcase.
Anyone else doing time with Bryce?
I plan to move on to others - I teach in this area so enjoy discovering things then getting the students started on that before moving on to others.
Ciao, Keith

idaho

08-11-2005, 01:24 PM

ReD-DoG

09-04-2005, 03:27 PM

Hi peeps,
Help me plz... I,m looking for a software program which i need for a project i,ve been asked to do. Problem is which one. Right, i need to display the damage alcohol does to the body, in 3D and there needs to be mouse overs and maybe interactive buttons and such like. Does anyone know which is the best program for me to use for this. I got some experience with certain programs but havent got any idea which would work best for this. Any help/answers would be very appriecated. Thanks

Talkfreelance

12-21-2005, 09:32 AM

I'd recommend using 3D Studio Max, just finished a course on it...great application and very easy to use infact :)

Malaclypse

02-15-2006, 09:59 PM

Navian

02-15-2006, 10:21 PM

I'd recommend using 3D Studio Max, just finished a course on it...great application and very easy to use infact :)

3D Studio Max is a very very powerful 3D software, it is NOT very easy to use, it has a very difficult learning curve. I was learning it from version 4, 5, 6, and 7. I was in sooooo many classes. BUT there are tutorials that can be used to pick it up fairly well.

There is also a site out that if you need 3d models and you dont want to sit through the troubles of making the, but you can buy them at a fairly decent price. If you intend on using it heavily on many things that require textures, do get the texture library (its expensive but worth it).

Dont take 3dsmax as a lightweight program, it is far from it. Same with Rhinocerous3d (need the rendering programs to go with it: flamingo).

Some sites with models and textures:

http://www.the3dstudio.com

http://www.turbosquid.com/3d

http://www.max-realms.com/

3dsmax is also really expensive with the extras. Rhino3d is about a fraction of the cost including the other packages that goes with it. BUT! Toystory, Bugslife and many other pixar movies were created in 3dsmax FYI ;)

*EDIT* What ever 3d software you get, load up your computer with ram and a nice processor, you will find out that you have very little ram, when it crashes on you while rendering. the poly and nurb count can get really really high, it takes alot to process the math when your project is really intense in detail.

BTW I have no idea how Autodesk has screwed up 3dsmax when they bought it from Discreet.

SapphireCat

03-10-2006, 02:02 AM

I dipped my toes into 3D with Specular's Infini-D demo, eventually buying the version after Metacreations bought it. Metacreations then killed it and put out Carrera. Infini-D, especially under Specular's guidance, was an amazingly easy and intuitive Mac 3D app. It was well suited to TV logo work, but not so hot for organic shapes or realistic texturing. I tried Bryce at version 3 and really loved the procedural texture tools - but it's modeling was nearly non-existant, requiring building shapes from primitives with booleans or importing DXF files. Hash's Animation:Master is a fabulous program that I bought into when it was $99. It's currently $299, and yearly upgrades are $99. A:M uses 'patches' rather then polygons; patch building is very similar to using the pen tool in illustrator, and patches exhibit bezier-like behavior. A:M supports every texture type you will ever need as well as procedural textures and objects influencing nearby textures. Every year adds more features. It is an incredible bargain for the tools it gives you, though I did find it crashed a lot (but haven't upgraded it since Mac OS 9 days, nor tried it on my winbox).

I'm glad to hear someone mention A:M. I invested in that a few years ago for OS9, but I haven't had the time to really dig into it. I've debated upgrading to the OSX version, but I don't know if my 400 MHz G4 will be up to the task. Is anyone else using the latest version? Will I need a beefier machine to run it? I have maxed out the memory on the G4, and added a speedier 80GB drive to it, so I'm hoping that would help.

Besides having a machine that can handle it, I also need to somehow find the time to learn the software … a difficult prospect with a 3-year-old in the house wanting to help! She already has her own Bondi iMac to play with, so I hope to distract her with games on that while I learn to do 3D 'n stuff on my machine. :rolleyes:

CG Man

06-18-2006, 06:21 PM

My new advice below.

CG Man

06-27-2006, 06:50 PM

If your new to 3D my advice is try the demos but spend your life learning one that is the industry standard in games, movies or illustration. I started with bryce with its year per frame rendering. I then moved on to Cinema 4D SE then Cinema 4D XL and Bodypaint just when I was getting good I baught Softimage XSI and spent 2 years learning from scratch XSI has not got tools anything like Cinema 4D it was like I was a noob again only difference was I understood lighting and moving points.

Maya or Softimage for the TV and film industry
Max for games but keep your eye on Softimge XSI its showing up in more and more studios Valve Studios are one of them.

Jalan

07-05-2006, 10:37 PM

Just my $.02, I've used Strata, Maya, Lightwave, Blender and *cough* Poser.

I found Lightwave a little frustrating at first. I had been using Strata for some time and it as relatively easy though not as powerful as I would like. I got Lightwave and toyed around with it but never really liked it. So I went to Maya and found it a lot more fun to use. The problem I have with Maya is it's export and import functions. They seem a bit limited. I do game design on the side and found out that all the stuff I drew for our 3D fantasy game wouldn't export into the format my Programmer wanted them. I found Lightwave much more versitile in this aspect.
By no means am I a pro at these applications. I'm very much an amatuer. My favorite to play with is Maya, their manuals are extremely helpful. I'm sure I'm just missing something.

maxx

07-09-2006, 06:15 PM

Hiya folks.....:)

Just curious about something. I have been reading quite a bit here and noticed that very few (if any) people use Poser and Bryce. I have been using both for some time now and although I always end up running the images through a Corel paint program for touch-ups and such afterward....I like the output of the two.

Are these proggies not well liked?

Thanks :)

Jalan

07-10-2006, 03:39 PM

Max, Poser is all well and good if you know how to use it. I've never really liked the interface and it's never clicked with the way I think. I don't have the most recent version of it but I have had the previous ones and it's never really gotten much better. IMO of course. I do like the fact that you can export from Poser into a Lightwave format. I haven't found a way to get it into Maya though, which frustrates me.
Bryce I haven't used in ages, I always liked the program but it didn't seem to be broad enough for what I needed. Of course, I don't have much of a clue about what it can do anymore.
If it works for you, then it's a good program for you, right?

maxx

07-10-2006, 09:13 PM

felipe_olguera

07-12-2006, 07:45 AM

hi, i've used 3D max and my skills i say is just a biginner then i switched t Maya 7. i also want to know what is the best software between the two os i dont waste my time focusing on Max or Maya, here is what i did in Maya,im just a biginner,iwant to learn more.

Red Kittie Kat

07-12-2006, 09:38 AM

The Poser user interface is at best....non-intuitive. It is at worst....a nightmare. And with only one undo level....frustration reaches new highs. However I have struggled through and do like the output. I was just curious why people weren't using it. The user interface? Quality? Better alternatives? etc....

It does work for me for the most part....and is the closest I can get to a computer version of the oil portraits I once did. :)

The one undo level is a killer .... still can't figure out why they can't change that :rolleyes:

But I love poser and what it is able to produce. The only problem I have is finding tutorials ... or even tips and tricks.

Maxx has taught me a great deal though ... so that is a big help :D

Flash MX Guy

10-29-2006, 09:46 PM

Maxdanger

10-30-2006, 09:27 PM

Hello All,

I just got Blender as an intro into 3d modeling/animation graphics for online. Is this a good place to start? I also have 3DStudMax, but I hear the learning curve on that puppy is a doozy so it may take a while to learn.

I'm moving towards designing more online. am I in a good space with my ambitions? That is, use Blender because it's a faster learn, while continuing to learn 3DStudMax over time.

Opinions? Suggestions?

Max :D

Maxdanger

10-30-2006, 09:31 PM

The one undo level is a killer .... still can't figure out why they can't change that :rolleyes:

But I love poser and what it is able to produce. The only problem I have is finding tutorials ... or even tips and tricks.

Maxx has taught me a great deal though ... so that is a big help :D
Hey Red,

I found this for you (you may have already found it):
http://www.tutorialguide.net/3d_software/poser/

Max

Red Kittie Kat

11-01-2006, 05:36 AM

Hey Max thank you :)

I missed this yesterday ... I will look into it ;)

prewe

11-01-2006, 05:56 AM

as for rendering, lots of 3d-people i know preffer Maxwell for photorealistic renders.
i didn't look into this thread so don't get angry if like 10 ppl already said that maxwell is crappy :)

MAK online

12-07-2006, 02:48 AM

I use Animation Master when I can. My work currently doesn't have a huge call for 3D as I've changed industry and career. But from what I can see, 3D is become a bigger part of the Web more than ever.

You use milkshape and you know it. You can't fool me :)

Picking a 3D software based on "what you think you should learn" is like picking your date based on what her mother looks like. You will never get what you expect. You could learn studio max but the next job you want may only work with maya and you are then s.o.l. The basic fundamentals are what you should learn and then go shopping for software. Most 3D sofware have simmilar capabilities. I say that tounge in cheek to some extent because there are huge gaps between packages like XSi and Bryce.

will_bcfc

01-10-2007, 01:03 PM

Hey,

I joined to ask for some help...

I want to design clothes and view them on 3D people, however I don't have a great knowledge of CAD stuffs.

Price doesn't really matter, but the software must not be too complicated.

I need to design sports and trendy clothes, football shirts in particular.

I don't know how companies like Nike, Adidas etc design their apparel, but I'd like to go down that line perhaps. Don't know if thats too complicated.

If someone could e-mail me with some help I would be very appreciative!

will_bcfc@hotmail.com

Either that or a quick response here would be lovely!

thanks

Will

Kool

01-10-2007, 01:22 PM

Hi Will, welcome to the forum. I believe Poser would be the program you would use for this. :)

will_bcfc

01-10-2007, 01:24 PM

thankyouverymuch!

I will take a good look at it =]

will_bcfc

01-10-2007, 03:06 PM

any chance of some help of how to design the clothes?

I got the demo but that part doesn't seem to be working :/

MrTwister

04-29-2007, 09:29 AM

I use ProEngineer for 3d model design.

toddyboy

11-30-2007, 09:48 AM

Hey, im just starting out in my design career and love it so much! im print based but really want to head into 3d motion and fx later along the line.

I downloaded the maya learning edition and purchased a book to learn it. SO COMPLEX and the interface scares me with so many menus hahahah.

I dont know about you guys but im the kind of person who needs someone there to trouble shoot me if stuff goes wrong or i dont understand the instructions. Annoying i know

Is maya the software to start out on?
I just dont want to spend alot of time learning something to find that it wont amount to anything when the job i want asks for another package to be known.

Maya is industry standard yeah but its complex for a true noob yeah?

3dnewbie

01-09-2008, 10:25 PM

Hello everyone,

I am a product designer and I need a 3D software. I do not need animation, just modeling. I'm trying to decide between Strata 3D and Lightwave. Has anyone worked in both? What are the pro's and cons to both? Thanks so much!!

Navian

01-10-2008, 06:57 PM

Solidworks, if you are in product design, and plan on doing production of those products.

A lot of people forget the power of Solidworks. (http://www.solidworks.com/)

*edit* forgot.... You may need a nerbs modeling software: Rhino3D (has a surface analysis built in, which is used for finding flaws in your model for a mold.)

So product production = solidworks. modeling = Rhino3D

Rhino3D is compatable with newer tabletop CNC milling machines (http://www.minitechcnc.com/purchase_a_Mill.htm).

If I had the money, I'd buy me one. they cost: 4,500USD to 18,200USD

3dnewbie

01-11-2008, 04:40 AM

Hey, just wanted to thank you much, that really helped me! I really appreciate it!

DeMyer

06-12-2008, 03:04 AM

Hey guys - First post. Nice forum you have here. Looks very helpful for many different things.

Can someone let me know what program have been used to create the text of these designs below...

http://img109.mytextgraphics.com/photolava/2008/06/12/04-4atjnjc4r.jpeg

http://img109.mytextgraphics.com/photolava/2008/06/12/09-4atjoi3yi.jpeg

Any help would be great. :)

werthers

06-12-2008, 11:45 AM

Hmm I imagine as it's commercial it could be Maya or 3Ds max, but then again it could be Softimage XSI, Lightwave or Cinema 4D.

If you are looking to go into 3D I would probably go for Maya or 3Ds max as they are the most popular in the industry, have the most help and tutorials available and can do about anything you can think of.

I would also recommend XSI as well but I'm a little biased to it that's because I used it at university.
They have slashed the prices to compete and you can get the Foundation version for $495, which is pretty impressive for the price I think it only lacks hair, cloth, batch rendering and a few other features and you get Mental Ray rendering included.
I find it a bit more forgiving than Maya but I haven't used the recent versions.
Get some trial versions and try them all out also if your a student you can get cheaper student licences and XSI has a mod tool for games, that is basically XSI without the rendering for free.

Any could have done it, but as they are stills they probably had some work done in photoshop too.

Also you may want to look at programs like after effects and shake for motion compositing, I would recommend Combustion but they are lagging behind a bit at the moment