Whether you are new or transitioning to modo, there are excellent training materials; some free and some at a very modest expense ($25-$35). This, combined with a quite open and friendly community on the Luxology forums web site, is another significant consideration.
Honestly, some of the 3D packages in my studio at times feel like a necessary evil. Modo feels like a friend. At modo’s current rate of growth and quality, I believe that there are more significant and worthy features around the corner. If you plan on doing more than infrequent or mere casual 3D work, modo 401 is premium, well executed solution totally worth the expense.
Luxology has made a name for itself by creating an extremely user-friendly and, for most users, a very stable package to work with. Obviously, the original modo focus and claim-to-fame of being a stellar polygonal and edge modeler aren't the only reasons to pick this up now that they're expanding its tools sets into the realm of “full-featured” 3D application. With each step forward, the same sensibilities that have made modo such a pleasure to work with are coming to bear on the new features.
The new features have placed modo in the funky position of “almost”. Users can ‘almost’ do everything they need with a single application. In a recent conversation I had with Luxology president, Brad Peebler, he distinctly emphasized that the modo credo is essentially to be an integral part of any studios broader CG software requirements for visual imagery - but not necessarily THE solution. But, the train is beginning to move more deliberately down that track.
For realistic renders and excellent mechanical animation, modo, considering its price point, is now probably the best value on the market. Feature sets and capabilities have continued to increase while the price has remained essentially flat over the years. If you’re looking for a 3D solution that will grow with your filmmaking needs, it never hurts to look around, but this may just be it.
