Shopping for "ease of use" animation software

[RandyLeeBlain]

Cinema 4D is the way to go for intuitive software with get up and get started right away capabilities with lots of power hidden under the hood and in their tools.

Best Regards
Randy

[Cathy]

Thanks Randy!

Yes, I've heard a lot of good things about C4D and as luck would have it, I have a copy of an older version of it, so I'll have to start messing around with it! Thanks again!

[finalgathering]

I don't use ZBrush but anyone that does tells me how well it coexists with XSI.
Also, XSI is so easy to rig and animate with.
Although I like to meddle with scripting, I have never been in a bind to have to resort to scripting as my only option which is definitely how a 3D software should be.
Many of the questions I see here in the Char rigging and Anim forums are easily tackled by XSI's Motor, Gator, Delta referencing.
Not to mention XSI's Mixer integration, Anim Layering, Passes, compositor which all come with XSI.
It just feels modern.

[Cactus Dan]

Howdy,

The best thing to do is download the demo versions of the various 3D applications and try them out so you can see which one suites you. Buying a 3D application is a fairly big investment and you'd be advised not to rush into it. ;)

If you ask someone about which one to get, you will naturally get a biased opinion because the software they use fits their workflow. Just like if you asked me, I would advise you to buy my character rigging plugins with Cinema 4D and use the plugins for rigging your characters instead of Cinema 4D's character rigging tools. But that's because my opinion is biased. :D

There are a lot of free video tutorials on character rigging and animation on the web, so you can follow along with demo versions of the applications used in the tutorials and see which one works best for you.

Adios,
Cactus Dan

[Cathy]

Thanks Catus Dan! Wow - I've heard a lot about you from my friends that use your C4D plugin! I feel honored that you posted to my question!

After taking the demo for a spin this weekend, I have decided on C4D 10.5 - in fact I just ordered it from ToolFarm. What's cool is they were having a sale so I got it with Mooca for $1135.00 ($1238 with tax and shipping) Yes - it is a big investment, but affordable and I think C4D has a lot of "Bang for the Buck" and ease of use when compared to other 3D apps that I've looked at.

Thanks again for your words of wisdom!

-Cathy

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