Where can i get a free version of.....

[craigp]

Does anybody know where i could get a free version or trial of the following:

Bryce 4 or 5
3DS Max

or any other good render programs. Or can anyone suggest a good one for little or no money :)

[f700es]

Does anybody know where i could get a free version or trial of the following:

Bryce 4 or 5
3DS Max

or any other good render programs. Or can anyone suggest a good one for little or no money :)

Keep an eye out at your local up-scale book stores (Barnes & Noble and Borders here). Look for 3D World, Computer Arts and Digit magazines. They offer from time to time free 3D applications. Last year they gave away free versions of Vue D'Esprit 3 and Bryce 4. They also demo other apps like 3D Max and such. Now there are free (open source) apps out there that can work.

POVRAY - rendering engine
www.povray.org

Blender - 3D modeling, animation and rendering
http://www.blender.org/

YAFRAY - rendering engine
http://www.yafray.org/

Wings3D - free open source 3D modeler (sub-division)
http://www.wings3d.com/

What is your budget?
You can get Vue for $599 or less. They have older versions for as low as $69. http://www.e-onsoftware.com/Products/VueIndex.php
It is a good rendering engine as well as landscape generator.

Bryce is another product similar to Vue. It is a bit lower in price but still a good product. http://bryce.daz3d.com/55index.php
I think you can order the new boxed version for $110. Not too bad.

3D Modeling apps..
Well really too many to list but here are 3 that might be worth looking at.

Hexagon: A new modeling app from Eovia. Looks really nice. Starts at $250. - http://www.eovia.com/products/hexagon/hexagon.asp

Silo: Another new style modeler. Starts at $109
http://www.nevercenter.com/

SketchUp: (my personal favorite) Simply the easiest 3D app on the market. Not really made for organic shapes but more suited to Architectural models. www.sketchup.com
Around $500

whew! I know that is a lot to digest but that should get you started. ;)
Good luck :)

[CADTutor]

Hexagon looks really good. I remember seeing the preview and thinking I must check it out. There's an introductory offer until the end of this month ($169) and a trial download too. I'll be giving it a go.

[f700es]

Hexagon looks really good. I remember seeing the preview and thinking I must check it out. There's an introductory offer until the end of this month ($169) and a trial download too. I'll be giving it a go.

yes, it does. I have the demo but have yet to have time to play with it.

I am still trying to get POVRAY and SU to work better. My texture issue is driving me crazy.

http://mars.walagata.com/w/f700es/model-textured.JPG

Not sure why this red color is here but if this ever get's bug free (and faster) it will be a nice plugin for SU.