if you don't use it commercially the Terragen 2 Tech Preview (its in Tech Preview Status which is somewhat similar to beta for 2 years now I think) is free to use. Restrictions are max resolution of 800x600 and some other things but it is not watermarked. The Downside of Terragen 2 is that it is rather unintuitive to use and that it is really slow but it can produce very nice landscapes.

These are some of free softwares.......I am citing the easiest and best only after reading lots of reviews.....

1. For landscapes....

Bryce 5.5 (available at download.com, you will get free serial at daz3d.com by registering there)

2. For 3D modelling....

Wings 3D

3. For chracter animation

Daz3D

4. All in one

Blender... but you will have to really learn it. Its not easier than max or maya. One of the toughest... So first try above three categories....

Bryce is much easier and even Vue is inspired by its interface.

I think Vue is still the best.  Bryce renders are nothing compared to it. 

yah sure Bryce is easier than Terragen but you can do some awesome stuff in Terragen if you are willing to spend a lot time on it.

Vue is nice (have the educational version of vue 6 infinite) but you need a lot time to figure out what to not do to prevent frequent crashes. It is surely easier to understand than Terragen though.

Vue is not free...nor less than $120. The cheapest fully functional version costs $ 199..

http://www.e-onsoftware.com/products/?page=artists

Vue 7.0 pioneer is free but its doesn't import models and is very limited...

I only swear by Bryce when it comes to absolutely free Landscaping solutions for Hobbyists. While DaZ offers it for a mere installation check on their own demo version of DaZStudio, it is well worth the numerous options & features. Too bad, MetaCreations hasn't held its place in the design industry as i seriously believe their excellent softwares (even free) are many times over better than other Professional (read 500$+ here) tools.

Once you decide what to start working with though, stick for the long run since the learning curves are quite high for anything out there, even if 'too' costly.

Yep, Pioneer is what I was referencing in my original message. The release version will be $50, which isn't too bad, but then to have to spend another $70 to be able to do unwatermarked renders is a little beyond my budget for something I'm just going to do for fun and maybe to post a few wallpapers or dreams here (if I reach some level of competency).

Vue 7.0 pioneer is now free.... Also you can look for Vue 6 at amazon... But if are doing it just as a hobby I would recommend

Bryce 5.5 Remember you will have to hurry for it.

You can get many free contents for it at.......

Computer Graphics Society

I am learning it after reading lots of reviews about 3d programs. I tried Terragen free but couldnt figure it out as I am a novice but I figured out Bryce easily.

And for creating animations for ur dreams you can use free AFX rivals...

Wax

or

jahshaka

...the much better......

Blender Bledner Blender Bledner... easy, fast, nice, awesome...

http://www.blender.com

Google SketchUp is free and has decent features to learn/play with.

Blender and easy!

Well, it might be for you but I fear to hear.

Bryce is specialised tool for landscape or wallpaper creation.

While wax and jahshaka are designed for animation effects which are suitable to make dreams.

Blender is no doubt free powerful and awesome but its more for professionals. And its really great but I cant learn it.

I love Bryce.

Im looking into 3d apps also anyone have any oppinions on the Carrara stuff?

Carrara 3D Express goes for 90$..... http://www.daz3d.com/i/software/carrara_3dx/features?_m=d

And anyone with experience that can gimme some thoughts on Cinema 4D?

After reading lots of reviews, I have a few ideas....

Carrara is more like daz plus bryce..

Cinema4D is for creating 3D animations and compositing scenes...

If you are looking for easy to use programs then these are

1.To animate characters

Poser or daz

2.To create landscapes

Vue or Bryce

3.To create models(no need there are many free available)

Wings 3D or Zbrush(costly)

4.To create 3D effects like starfield, smoke, water etc.

Wax or jahshaka

5.Texturing(painting) a model

Deep paint 3D or Body paint 3d or 3D coat

6.Allrounder

Cinema 4D

7.Just for fun

Iclone Studio

If you are looking to create dreams and wallpaper then just look categories 2 & 4.

Zbrush is a 3d sculpt app (or paint in 3d) the models made cant be animated or rather they can but you will not have it as good looking as in zbrush need todo a low poly for animation.... zbrush seems very similar to Autodesk Mudbox..