Maya vs softimage|3d

[cakewalkcg]

I would like to learn one of these software:MAYA and SOFTIMAGE|3D,but I hadn't
take my decision yet.I'm interested in compositing video and 3D animation.What is the best sofware to create realistic 3D animations(especially 3D creatures),SOFTIMAGE or MAYA(with mental ray for Maya 1.5)?Thank you.PS.I'm an Italian boy and I'm sorry if my english is not good enough!

[fredc]

jpark03,

I think you intended to compare Maya with Softimage XSI. XSI is the current 3D animation product from Softimage. Many still use 3D, because it is still a good product to use, but new artists would probably want to use XSI.

Both products are very good. It is really a personal preference, as to which you will like more. Both have trial versions you can download, perhaps you could try them out first.

Your English is fine.
Urp

[atyss]

My quick take on what might turn out to be another software war is that since you intend to deal mostly with animation (character) and rendering, then Softimage is the definite choice. Animation and rendering are the strong points of Softimage 3D.

As for compositing, you should look into XSI, as Urp said. In XSI there are very nice compositing tools (and you have nothing of that in Maya).

Hope this helps
Salutations - Cheers
Bernard Lebel

[toshirowassamatta5657]

I would suggest to at least try out XSI (get the EXP, it's free and available for Linux and Windows) and Maya PLE (if you use Windows) before deciding.
I used Maya for a few years, but since I do mostly subD modelling, XSI was a natural fit - the interface and handling of XSI and Maya are also VERY different, so it also depends on how you like to work. I had a hard time switching from Maya to XSI, but I think it would be much harder to go back again...