Which 3D software to use - Maya, Lightwave or 3D Studio Max?

[electric ant]

I'm already quite proficient with Photoshop, AutoCAD and Sketchup seeing as I use both at work everyday. I've also used Solidworks before.

The things I'll mainly be modelling would be buildings, and mechanical objects.

So... I was just wondering if anyone could offer recommendations of any of the three packages, Maya, Lightwave and 3D Studio Max and their advantages/disadvantages/ease of use/learning curve....things like that really.

Thanks

 

[electric ant]

Thanks for the reply, I think eventually I'll be looking into basic animating, doing fly-bys of buildings for example. I'll look into Blender as well. The main reason I want to use these packages is for their photo realistic texturing and rendering of light shadow etc.

Just wonder, how is the learning curve for something like Maya? As I say I'm proficient with AutoCAD already and have some exp with ProDesktop and Solidworks.

 

[electric ant]

I'll do a bit of research into XSI, and cinema 4D. just downloaded Blender to try it out, although I've heard its a bit hard to get into with its many keyboard shortcuts and whatnot.

ATM I'm leaning towards 3d Studio, mainly because it's an AutoDesk product like autocad and I do know someone at work who uses it.

Quick Question, what are the main differences between Maya and 3D studio Max, seeing as they are now both owned by Autodesk.

Keep your comments and suggestions coming, thanks and much appreciated