Houdini: 3D Software of the Gods (3D software packages reviewed)
Although I use 3DS Max 2013 now – I still look at other software demo reels with amazement – of course, most of what you see can be made with this program too given enough horsepower and time (each software has their + and -) but the next step-up from 3DS Max (retails for about 3500$US) is Houdini by SideFX (retails for double the price). Here is their demo reel.
Impressed? I hope you are… let’s look at other package out there – my software package Autodesk’s 3DS Max 2013. As an added bonus, it shows you how much this industry leading package has evolved over the past 20 years!
what else is out there in the 3D world? Well, there is Maxon’s Cinema4D (retails for 1 000$US)
Autodesk’s Softimage with it’s ICE system that looks amazing (this demo reel is 4 year old by the way) and will set you back 3 000$US
Autodesk’s Maya (closest rival to 3DS Max) that retails for the same price as Max. This demo reel is 6 years old and still looks mind-blowing!
Modo 601 by Luxology for 1200$US (an up-and-coming rival to 3DS Max if its development continues… many up and coming artists use this and 3DS Max)
Blender by the Blender Foundation retails for FREE if you can get over the user interface but it does have a superior particle system to 3DS Max!
Lightwave by NewTek retails for 1500$US
I hope your head is spinning now, these are just the package by the way, for instance, I use Vue by E-on Software for my 3D environmental needs as a plug-in with in 3DS Max… there are hundreds of plugins to add really amazing functionality but they do get expensive. Vue XStream alone costs as much as Cinema 4D alone (retails for 1500$US! Each year, with a product refresh from 3DS Max, you guessed-it… you also have to upgrade these plugins.
I’ve been fortunate to get the top of the line laptop to run these programs on because you really need an industrial 3D workstation which I had a while back to render these things out at a rate faster than a turtle’s pace. I will get getting another workstation once Windows 8 comes out to dramatically speed production among many other new toys but whatever money you spend on software, expect to pay the same amount in plugins and double that amount for a decent machine that can run it all. If your grandma gives you her 5 year old computer to do 3D work with… GOOD LUCK! You’ll need it!
Which package is better?
I’ve seen mind-blowing things coming out of Blender and it’s free, as I have from each of these packages, the question isn’t which software package is better (for the price but what you plan on using it for. Houdini for instance, has amazing particles and is based around Character animation while 3DS Max is your more foundational system where plugins improve core functionality. What I’m saying is skill lies in the person using it, not in the software. My level of 3D is nowhere near the professionals out there – I have developed my skills out of pure head pounding, not because I have any real innate skills… I enjoy it so much that I learn what I have to when I have to how I have to. That being said, throw-in a few plugins, an industrial workstation and really cool stuff comes forth with little effort!
What I especially like about 3D printers by the way (and 3DMarvels.com by extension) is that it gives me an output that isn’t really possible for WoodMarvels.com – that’s focused on CNC and laser while 3D printers can print what I see right in 3DS Max!