3D Programs
High-end programs
(Street price is above US$500.)
3D Studio Max - Popular with animators, 3DS is also used by high-end hobbyists. This program was used for Spiderman, among other movies.
Cinema 4D -- A modelling/rendering program. Free demo available. Different versions of the program are available, from entry level to professional level.
Deep Paint 3D -- A professional level texturing program for 3D models. The learning curve is a bit steep (or mine was a bit flat) but it is worth it!
Lightwave - Also used by high-end hobbyists, this program was used for such productions as Babylon 5.
Maya - The high end software, used in many professional productions. Stuart Little and Titanic used Maya.
Rhino - Agreat modelling program used commercially, from architecture to jewelry. (Very affordable for students and educators!) Spiderman used Rhino for the Green Goblin armor and flyer.
Hobbyist programs
(Some people can get professional results with these software programs.)
Anim8tor - A FREE modelling program.
Animation Master - A modelling and animation program.
Blender - Another free modelling program, though they do ask for donations.
Body Paint 3D - By the same makers of Cinema 4D. This program makes texturing complex models easy. Price-wise, this is borderline professional level.
Bryce -- An inexpensive rendering program, very popular - lots of resources available for it.
Caligari TruSpace -- Models and renders. Free demo available.
Poser - A very easy to use program to manipulate humanoid meshes. It's popular for hobbyist, but has been used professionally as well.
Vue -- An inexpensive rendering program, known for it's landscape and tree rendering.
Wings 3D - A FREE modelling program. Some consider it to be almost as good as the Lightwave modeller.