Yeah, 3D Studio Max is used in most all professional 3D works. (Ie Oblivion, Pixar Movies, Someone Told Me Everquest and WoW, and not to mention Kages most awesome 3d renders of computer parts)
I believe 3D Studio Max gives you a lot more freedom in terms of everything else though, as you can still create photorealistic renders with it with the practise.
do you guys no any "introductory" 3D animations that are free, and are not that hard to use, like studio max sounds so professional, like i dont want all my work to the max?, lol,