Hi,

 Does anyone know of some animation software that is compatable with the skinning example.

 I created and textured a model with Milkshape3D and now need to animate it.  I know it is possible in Milkshape, but Milkshape only creates one large animation.

 So, what software should I use for multiple animations?

 Thanks in advance

I'd like to second this question!

I'd also like to ask for any recommendations on any 3D modelling/animation tools in general that people have used.

Cheers
 

There's always the XSI Mod Tool (think it's even advertised on the Partners page), very powerful free modelling/animation package, but last time I  checked it was limited to 4000 or 8000 triangles. That and one of the most daunting interfaces ever, there's buttons and menus everywhere.

While it doesn't support animation, I'd like to recommed Wings3D. It's free, and it's really fun and superfast to work with. Also supports skinning and XNA-pipeline compatible .fbx export. :-)

I second the suggestion for Blender, once you get over the interface system it is actually easy to use. For a previous job I was using Max but now I have moved on I no longer have access to it and was like you looking for a new tool.

I ended up using Blender for my projects, I also use it for some of the 2D work (Model the image then capture the sprite, it allows me to get all angles)

Yes you can animate in th Blender System.

Have a look at this link and try the examples.

If cost is not a factor then drop 4 grand on 3ds max, but blender can definately hold its own, even up to the big guys. The interface is nice and really easy once you learn your way around and memorize all of the hotkeys. The interface concepts deviate from normal windows conventions, which can be really confusing at first, but once you get used to them they make sense.

Blender also now has a detail painting tool similar to zbrush that will allow you to make high-poly versions of your meshes to create normal maps.

Here's a nice set of video tutorials, showing how one guy modeled a cute dragon. It shows some of the features that aren't even in some of the high end tools, like drawing directly on a plane to create his concept sketch:
http://www.tdt3d.com/articles_viewer.php?art_id=72

There's also a new book out on modeling, rigging, and animating characters in blender:
Introducing Character Animation with Blender

The important thing to remember if you haven't done a lot of modeling in the past is that it is both very technically and artistically challenging and takes a lot of patience. No tool is going to make it easy right off the bat and after you have developed your skill the tool won't matter nearly as much as they all pretty much offer the same subset of functionality. Blender is a free tool that is consistently being updated with the latest features and again, it is free.

Hi-

could anyone point me to a fbx Exporter for Blender? I searched the blender website and googled a bit but couldn't find one.

 Thanks,

-kusako
 

Thanks very much for the links to tutorials on blender - I'd been using blender a bit (and DeleD) and just didn't have a clue!