I am thinking of picking up one of these to use for sculpting in conjunction with Zbrush.
Can anyone give a newbie advice to which software works best with Zbrush for sculpting purposes not animation. Which one program works best for hard objests armor ,machinery etc.
There isn’t a “this one works best” answer for the questions you’re asking. Both modeling apps are basically the same. They have very similar functionality (all 3d modeling apps are basically the same…at least when it comes to modeling).
I personally use Max and XSI, so I can’t quote too much on Maya from extensive knowledge, but both max and XSI can model the same things, actually any nurbs surface, subD, box modeling and edge modeling are all the same workflows in any app.
So if you’re just going to be working with still images and not actually taking advantage of the full range of what Max and Maya have to offer I would recommend going with a cheaper package (Cinema 4D, Modo, etc). Modeling is modeling is modeling.
Though goZ is only out for Maya, modo and c4d I think. So if you want the best go between from Zbrush to another app I would pick Maya.
eh, my 2cents.
Modeling in Maya is not that good. Max has good tools for hard surface modeling, but i think it’s too expensive. If you just want to model, use Silo - http://www.nevercenter.com/ - it’s cheap (US$ 159) and a great modeling tool. Or use Blender, it has great funcionality both in modeling and high quality rendering, and it’s free. I’m using these 2 apps nowadays, in conjunction to Zbrush. No regrets or complains about it.
If you want a job, you will probably have to learn either Max, or Maya, preferably both (target games and film market).
Max:
Pro’s: kick ass modeling tools, intuitive Mental Ray controls, tons of 3rd party plugs, solid viewport rendering, Shave and a Haircut, CAT, and good (but not great) retopology tools out of the box.
Con’s: people have difficulties with Zbrush displacement maps, steep learning curve, animation & rigging tools lag behind Maya & XSI, can be really buggy if you don’t have the right hardware (less forgiving than Maya), can’t handle dense scenes as well as Maya, or XSI.
Maya:
Pro’s: endless supply of tutorials, easy to navigate, pretty damn stable, great VFX tools, solid animation and rigging tools, handles dense scenes well, highest percentage in the overall job market.
Con’s: poor modeling tools out of the box (buy NEX plugin and your rocking), no modern retopology tools (painting quads) unless you buy NEX, Mental Ray does not have a linear workflow.
Personally, I would buy Maya and the Nex plugin, and once your working take the time to learn Max. Or vice versa, you can’t go wrong really.
Hope this helps.
MC