Got an idea, but which 3D software to use?

[Rorschach]

Hola!

I checked the FAQ and searched the forum a bit, but couldn't quite find what I was looking for, so here's the deal.
I wouldnt know the first thing about designing anything, but after reminiscing about some old cartoons like M.A.S.K. I got it into my head to design a vehicle which could pop out some weapons (and start kicking ass).
Now I would really like to create this in a 3D program, but after looking around a bit I really wouldn't know which to pick. I mean you got all this fancy stuff like Autocad and 3ds MAX Studio, but all I want is to create a simple (but functional) model of my idea preferably using a program that is easy to use (yes, wouldn't we all? ^^).
So I was hoping for some pointers, just a nod in the right direction would do me fine.

[efingo]

I love The Mask :)

Well Autocad is used mainly for plans and tech stuff by engineers, architects and other professionals - it's not good for what you want.

Good software to use: 3D Max, Maya, Cinema 4D, Lightwave, Rhinoceros and others. I personally use 3D Max because I had to learn it at work and I find it now great.

The thing is any software you choose you have to learn the same things: modeling - materials - light setting - rendering. All of the above softwares in the end work like this.

If you never used any 3D software then I strongly advise you to get the trials from 2 or 3 because there are big differences between all. See which one you like the most and decide. Trust me is better this way than asking what is better. A Maya user will say MAYA IS THE BEST and so the Cinema 4D and so on ;)

[CVW]

What do want the "simple but functional model" for? If it's simply to communicate an idea or experiment, are your sure that time taken to learn any 3D modelling software is essential? Unless, of course, you fancy the idea of learning it anyway.

Believe me, 3D stuff is incredibly interesting if you have a love of both creative and technical artistry but getting into it on any level is a serious commitment - time, money and brain power.

I have been using Max for a few years and still amaze myself at how my efforts can drain my time and still suck. As Efingo says, you need to learn a lot. And the software can be even less intuitive than any Adobe product.

Once you have got the hang of modelling anything even slightly more complicated than a chamfered box, you've still only just started.

Understanding materials (the software ones, nothing like real life materials) and lighting (hey, I'm am a real life lighting designer and that only helps up to a point) to a point where you get a half decent result takes hours of study.

Then we get to renderers. My god, those things couldn't get any more complex and each one is controlled and behaves in different ways. There are no "just make it look real" check boxes here.

Oh, and getting in the way of all this is the UI of the software which is a whole other lifetime of learning that varies wildly from platform to platform.

If you fancy such a huge commitment and taking on a learning challenge on the same level as learning 4 foreign languages then best wishes. But if you want to create a simple 3D representation of an idea, use Sketchup or something.

:-)

[Rorschach]

Thanks efingo & CVW, I appreciate the input.
Clearly I don't have much of a clue what I'm diving into, but I needed a starting point and with your help I have just that.
I've read somewhere that coming up with an idea is easy, to get it realized means you have to work hard. But I'm hoping I'll enjoy working with this software so I can shape it the way I want it.

Cheers!