So, today I did a little physic animation test. My intent is to understand physic as it applies to objects in a 3D world. So, not to get distracted by all the bells and whistles of larger 3D modeling and animation programs I decide to focus my time in a smaller program called Cheetah3D. It very similar to Cinema 4d layout and methodology of doing things. Honestly, I think it has just what you need to get started in 3D at a ridiculous price point. It really makes you focus on techniques rather than features of an application. Working in Cheetah 3D really has been a pleasure so if you are on a Apple OS and you want to test the waters of 3D modeling and animations then this is definitely one you should consider.
View the animation here: http://vimeo.com/92383370