Expert: Andre Hickman - 1/13/2010

Question
hello sir
i wanna know that which software is better for animation maya of 3d max
what are some other softwares used in advance animation??

Answer
Hello Alica,

I really believe that the Maya/3D Max comparison is a matter of personal preference, depending on your absolute needs in animation.  I know max very well, and Maya not much at all.  I have been learning techniques from people in the industry that I am able to relate the approach to my 3D Max knowledge.  However, there are times that they use toolsets that don't easily translate to the toolsets in 3D Max.  

If you are trying to go strict animation for video, I would tend to lean towards Maya, but if there is interactivity, such as game design, then I'd put 3d Max in front.  They both are capable of the same things, but some things are easier to accomplish in each respective program.

There are other programs such as Cinema 4D, Lightwave, Blender (which to my knowledge is FREE) and a host of proprietary software that studios design for their own internal use.  You can't go wrong with Maya or 3D Max.  If you learn both, that is even better.  I am now seeking out learning Maya myself, but I started so late it is going to be tough to catch up to my 3D Max knowledge!

Cheers,
Andre