3D Rendering Programs

[Rayne]

Anyone know any simple, easy to pick up 3D model, scene and enviroment rendering programs I can use?

[Duddits]

Hmm, the terms simple and easy to pick up hardly go in the same sentance as 3d modeling programs. Most of them takes week labouring infront of them to get how you want them to turn out.

[ScottieIWU]

gMax is free, has a good community behind it and, from what I've heard, is among the easier to use. Plus, if'n I'm correct and gMax is a kind of toned down version of 3d Studio Max, you can transfer some skills to 3d Studio Max should you wish to.

I'd say that's one of your best starting points.

[The_Maker]

If you want a basic animation software, you might want to try Anim8or (www.anim8or.com). I've tried to use it and failed miserably but their gallery shows it can produce some pretty nice stuff. Only catch is it cannot edit mdl files :/

Gallery image:

http://www.anim8or.com/gallery/gallery15/bmw.jpg

Good Luck.