What Now? Most Used 3D Programs?

[preditorj40153117]

I am a glorified MAC freelancer as a lot of us are. I have been using the programs in what we use to call Adobe Production Premium Suite (AE, Pr, IL, PS, Au...) I am pretty good with AE and know that AE works well with C4D. I do mostly commercials, product demos and shorts or even the occasion long-form project.

However, I have not used C4D in a while and i am still using R14. I was never wonderful at it but could do very basic things like doors, Logos, Interrogation rooms, Alleys, windows and such. I have only used it with Ae like 10-15x. Sooooo.....

I am STRONGLY considering getting upgraded to C4D r19 but unsure is 3ds Max or Sketchup is more used. Keep in mind that I am a generalist who just wants to improve my creative and contract option in creating commercials and shorts. I have been told 2x that Maya is a bit of overkill for what I am doing. I also plan on taking a class to get more fluid with either software I choose.

My question is...

Which 3D render software has the most uses in my world? Is it C4D, 3Ds Max, or SketchUp for all-around usage in my niche? Which one is best for short contract jobs or should I learn 2 of them? Do I need Multi-Threading?

[P.M.B]

It all depends.  If you are not planning on moving into complex rigging, animation and or physical simulations then you might consider ZBrush which now supports traditional box modeling although the workflow is unlike other traditional packages.  The upsides that it is an insanely brilliant program and company run be artists and not directory boards. And it's only $800 & currently has never charged for an version update.

I was a long time Maya user  & was horrified to hear in their latest version they have removed the ability to batch & cmd line render which means if you want to render animation you will need to shell out for an additional render license.  To me this means that Maya is no longer a full 3D package.  

As for whether or not you need mulit threading....no.  It helps with most software but you do not NEED it. 

[dj.summitt]

I would say the MoGraph tools inside C4D along with ability to add a third party renderer and XParticles is going to give you the most diversity.

[Mylenium]

Which 3D render software has the most uses in my world?

Why should it even matter? Use whatever works best for you and what allows the best workflow. You could use some exotic, barely known tool and still produce great content. The rest merely depends on considerations like exchanging files with collaborators, which may or may not be relevant. Of course it helps to use a mainstream program because it will be easier to find tutorials and other resources and since you already used C4D, your passing familiarity will make it easier to work with it even in newer versions and your workflow descriptions seem to fit the bill. Even I would go back to it at any time, though the shoddy render pipeline still makes me scratch my head. They just can't get it right.

Mylenium

[P.M.B]

dj.summitt is probably correct in pointing out the strong MoGraph module in C4D.  If you plan on doing work for commercials than I think C4D's MoGraph tools will probably be useful.  Maya also now has a strong MoGrph toolset in MASH but if you consider Maya's inability to batch render without a third party renderer along with C4D's ability to integrate with After Effect via Cineware it would seem like the scales tip in favor of C4D.

Having said all that Mylenium is also right in that it really comes down to what tool your comfortable with.  The only limitations that really matter are your ability and your bank account.

[Rick Gerard]

You may think I'm nuts but for I use Blender for about 80% of my 3D work. It's amazingly powerful and pretty easy to use. The downside is that the UI is unlike any commercial 3D app. The upside, it is free and the latest rendering engine works amazingly well. Blender (http://blender.org) even has pretty decent integration with AE.

The other 20% is with C4D. I've been messing with Blender for so long that I can model, rig and deliver the kind of stuff that I usually need in Blender in about half the time. If I used C4D a lot more I would be much faster. I guess I am someone that thinks like Mylenium when he sais "Why does it matter." Use what works best for you. I can barely justify the annual cost of C4D but when I have to deliver specific files to a specific client I need it.

[P.M.B]

I keep meaning to dedicate some learn time to Blender.  For basic 3d models I currently use ZBrush and Keyshot mainly because I own them.  But adding Blender with Vray seems like a smart option to keep me from being violated by Autodesk.

[preditorj40153117]

Thanks for your input but I think that I might want to lean more to C4D for some of the things mentioned in the thread. I already know it and it does have seamless integration with AE.

[Rick Gerard]

I have been doing a project recently using the latest version of Element 3D and everything but creating the original model has been done in this amazing updated plug-in. For a lot of work, Element is going to be a very efficient solution.

[Snakedogman]

I would say the obvious choice is stick with C4D because :

A: you're already familiar with C4D (not so much has changed in workflow since R14)
B: C4D is by far the most used with motion graphics freelancers who need "a bit of 3d" now and then.

C: C4D is the most user-friendly out of the apps your mention

D: You might consider getting the Broadcast edition which saves you a good amount of cash over the Studio edition but as long as you're not doing character animation and some other more advanced things you might have more than enough tools with the Broadcast edition.

E: C4D has good integration with Adobe apps
F: If you are freelancing for other studio's or together with other motion graphics artists you can be sure they will be using C4D as well so you can easily exchange files.

Of course, Blender is great and free but if you can justify spending some money why put yourself through trying to learn a whole new program again?