3dMax vs. Maya

Hi

I used to do some modeling with 3dsmax 06,


So I was wondering, which program should I go for today, 3dmax or Maya if I want to create weapon models for games e.g. guns etc. or even vehicles maybe.

Not to concerned about animating them at the moment.

Thanks.

 

OK! For 3D modeling, I will say both of them are equally lay.
I use Maya and my housemate uses 3DsMax.

The weak points of Maya is that, it only uses Processor while modeling and will cause lagness if you have heavy models/designs(can overcome by using wireframe instead of complete model). This might be due to it doesn't use GPU at all while modeling. Moreover, the UI design for Maya is very complicated and very ugly also.

Compared to 3DsMax, it uses Processor and GPU. So, when modeling(heavy) is smoother than Maya. It's UI design is better looking and cleaner than Maya too.

If you have Quadro FX GPU, I will say go for 3DsMax since you can have performance boost by installing Nvidia 3DsMax special software.
If not, Maya will be great for you.
My information is not 100% correct, but I hope it helps.

 

I've used 3ds max since 05 and I'd say it's easier and takes advantage of your GPU as DarkSilver mentioned. Of course, Autodesk is closely working to inter-connect the two programs, so it'll be easier for users to switch between the two.

BTW check out my old fun stuff I used to do in Max: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkcgPjCdBzo
Haven't found time to put together my newest fun stuff. (lazy...)

 

I thought Maya was being pushed as the successor to 3DS Max (and currently the most expensive 3D modeling suite out there)?

Anywho, in addition to the above, you should also consider for which game(s) you will be modeling. Although 3DsMax/Maya is often overkill and can be exported to most games, some games use modeling software that is better suited to creating game models, for example Milkshape 3D.

If you're looking for something that offers the same core features as the big-name suites without breaking the bank, I recommend checking out the Blender project.

 

I know this does not answer the original question but another great 'budget' all-inclusive straight-out-of-the-box piece of software is LightWave. I mention it because it has a really easy to use modeling app that can be exported to many other apps, including game editors. And it's about a quarter of the price of Max.

I've used them all (Max, Maya, LightWave, Cinema, Softimage, Houdini, etc.) since I'm in the 3D design industry and they all have their pros & cons. But I guess if it were b/w Max & Maya I'd have to say Max simply because Autodesk is pushing that as their flagship app. However, I agree with @nthony in that if all one is doing is building simple models for games as a hobby these 'high-end' apps are indeed overkill.

 

I vote for Maya.

 

I have been using 3dsMax for the past decade or so.
It's been good to me (still is).

I would imagine that Maya will give you the same results.
Depends on the person using the program really, so it's up to you.
Although I do have to say that is IS a bit easier to stick with what you already know instead of retraining for new programs if you want things to be done in a relatively quick manner (unless you WANT to learn new programs).

 

Well, I did learn a bit of both but somehow I prefer Max. I think my choice was mainly because of the interface. It just seems less cluttered and more straightforward than Maya.

I was also told by a couple of people that Max is mainly preferred for environment and prop modelling while Maya is preferred for character modelling. Is there any truth to this ?

 

What program or program(s) do you think they use to make these kind of animation:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5WEDcNcJjY

I really like them.

 

Maya also can do hardcore background/environment design.

MAYA, basically used by Animator. Can create anything(fantasy) and with good animation features. I hate MAYA's UI.
3DsMax, basically used by Interior Designer. Can create anything(real life) too with good UI but weaker on animation features.

 

When I was in art school (some years ago) I used 3dmax for modelling and animation I think it's easier to control (vs maya), that said I've seen most (professional)people/animators use maya.
So I believe like the above poster said animators use maya>3dstudio that's what I see around me.
never was that into 3d animation tbh it takes a different type of person to do 3d animation compared to 2d.
3d animation always felt sterile and less creative.

 

You sounds like my lecturer. LOL.
Telling the same stuffs. XD

 

Well I do teach arts

 

Well. Can you teach me too? I am newbie on Maya.
Can I ask you question and something similar if I encounter some problems for 3D modeling and so on(design).
Add me MSN?

 

lol not to further derail this thread but I can safely say I'm gonna regret that reply I made hehe my pm's will be overflowing.
But honestly I'm hardly an expert on maya the area of arts I teach isn't
3d it's 2d/animation like I said 3d was never really my speciality.

 

I haven't had much time on 3dsm but I have been told it is easier to learn on and model with than maya. That said maya can do a lot and is used more in the film/animation industry than 3dsm.

Maya can be a pain to learn but you can really make anything with it. I went to school for animation, we used maya, shake and final cut pro to make our projects. It also has its own language, MEL. With MEL scripts you can make and do anything in maya through code and not even use the UI. Or you can make your own custom UI for controlling the rigging in your model.

I have a bias as I learned on one rather than the other but I think maya is a better program for advanced use. Not saying anything bad about 3dsm, I have seen great work done with it and have been told it is easy to learn. Maya is a pita to learn.

 

OOOOO! So, you're doing the 2D animation(Adobe Flash CS3/4 Professional)?
That is so hard. >.<
I mean need to draw frame by frame sometime.

 

I taking some animation classes right now and all I have used so far is maya. Have yet to try 3dmax, but I from people I spoke with using booth is great. I believe modeling is much better in 3dmax and maya has better animation. But one can use maya for modeling as well, which is what I use it for. And yes many of the professional in the industry use maya for their modeling or animation:
http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/pc/index?siteID=123112&id=13588387&linkID=13552446

Maya is really simple to use once you get use to it.

 

Well, for the main app my guess is Cinema4D according to this blurb.

But it really comes down to the skills of the user and the software is merely a tool. Any high-end software that support organic modeling could have been used.

Although this forum site does not condone the X-app Vs. Y-app topics (99.98% of the time they turn into heated fanboy 'debates'), I highly recommend visiting and participating for insight into technique and inspiration.

http://forums.cgsociety.org/

 

maya is the industry standard. 3dsmax is not.

Maya is more open to modeling standards and formats, and uses an open scripting language (python)

3dsmax is more closed, and uses its own proprietary scripting language that you will have to learn just for 3dsmax (MaxScript).

3dsmax is windows only... maya runs on linux and the mac.

1 vote for maya.

 

according to The Roncarelli Report 3ds Max is the third most use 3d modeling app for professional work and Maya comes in 10th.

Having only briefly used both i vote for 3ds max.


ps. you should definitely check out blender, its free too

 

Isn't MAYA Script called MEL script?