3DS MAX - What other program should I use with it? (newb)

[Bansaw]

I'll hopefully be getting 3DS Max in the near future to get into 3D animation.
However, I don't know what it can do by itself? When I see showreels they're always using a variety of tools (eg: 3Ds Max with Combustion, AE etc).

So, I was wondering what software I should use in conjunction with 3DS Max.

I was thinking of using Strata (plugins for Photoshop CS3 extanded) then exporting the model into 3DS Max, then animating it in there.

Strata looks good for creating the models, and 3DS looks good for animating them.

Any comments?

[MonteCristo]

Er... no I'd skip Strata. Max is more of an industry standard. It does everything pretty much. I modelled all of my stuff, and rigged (and could animate) them in Max. Combined with Photoshop, you pretty much have all you need.

[Pirateguybrush]

Zbrush and Mudbox are nice for detailing. Combustion and AE are more for editing the rendered footage later, don't worry about all that stuff till you've got your max skills grounded.

[--Strattus--]

Yep, if you want the complete toolbox, you need Zbrush, Photoshop(with free plugins, if you so wish), After Effects and a third party render plugin. That is Vray or Maxwell, in my opinion.
Maxwell is much more complete and robust, but V-Ray is cheaper and can be absolutely photorealistic, if used propperly. Although, Maxwell is a unique render, and the best I've seen so far. That's just my 2 cents though.

[Bansaw]

Autodesk 3Ds Studio Max seems to retial for about $3495.00.
Does this sound right?

I may be able to qualify for the academic version which will be cheaper.

Are you saying I need Photoshop CS3 extended?
I have CS2 at the moment.

Thanks for the info. V-Ray sounds good. I am looking for photorealistic.

ps; whats wrong with Strata? Does anyone use that?
Is is just for web stuff mainly?

[Pirateguybrush]

Yes, that price sounds about right.

CS2 will be fine.

You don't need to purchase V-Ray. It might be nice to have later, but you'll spend so much time working on your modelling, lighting, texturing and animation that you won't need to worry about learning the advanced settings of a renderer for some time, and you'll only see a benefit from a renderer when it's used properly - stick with Mental Ray. It's free, and comes with Max.

[PixelPusher40]

Bansaw-
If you're new to this stuff then I agree with MonteCristo, stick with Max & Shop for now. I've been in the game industry for 10 years, and Max (or Maya) and Shop are the only tools I've absolutely needed.

Of coarse I've used many others that help production, but I suggest hold off until you get a feel for the relationship between your 3d program and Shop. Then start looking into the "extras" to add dimension to your creations as needed.

Heck, even pros model/texture/light/animate & render everything in Max sometimes.

Master 3dsMax first, then you'll know what you need to push your art.

Good luck!!!

[Bansaw]

Thanks, - thats useful.

(Does no-one like Strata? It looks really good at creating quick models?)

I know 3DS Max will be a learning curve, so it may be good advice to concentrate on that before polishing.
(I'm into video and am looking to mainly produce good logos/intros, effects....)

Thanks for help so far.

[Star_Scream]

You could also try c4d it's not so expensive but very good since the 10th version.