Blender
Quick and Fast: Is Anim8or too basic for you? Blender takes it to the Pro Level!
Where to get it: www.blender.org
This Dutch 3D freeware is the most pro-like 3D freeware I’ve found. A lot of slick tricks await you, just in modifying the interface! It’s also much easier to tumble/spin the view to get a look around then many 3D software, even Maya.
But as with anything, there is a downside. When you open the interface, you will probably be just as intimidated as Kim Komando and I were, if not more so. Fortunately, there is some excellent documentation. Also, you discover that there’s no copy and paste, just duplicating. Cut (Ctrl + X or Cmnd + X) just deletes. Only small problems. Just remember that you can’t cut and paste, so Duplicate and Append (import) instead.
And in my experience, Blender renders things out as JPEG sequences, so VirtualDub will come in handy.
I’ve discovered that many pros like and use Blender as much as they use Maya, 3ds Max, Lightwave 3D, Cinema 4D, etc. I too like Blender. I’ve seen what Maya can do, I know Lightwave pretty well and I like Blender.
Supposedly, Blender can also edit video and audio, and do video compositing. If you came here from the Jahshaka page, I haven’t used this feature.
Blender has been used for a slew of projects, movies, even a feature film in Holland was made entirely in Blender! This is one freeware you should definitely check out!
Tutorials are found: Here, but I highly recommend the wiki book called
Blender 3D: Noob to Pro.
License and Use: GNU GPL! You own anything you make in Blender.
Demos: With this chapter you get 2 demos!
Demo #1: Lighthouse – Created entirely in Blender – and not by me!
Demo#2: Aliens from Earthling, my 7th short film. These guys took about three weeks.
