Blender
Updated August 29, 2018
Blender is open source 3D modeling software. It has a steep learning curve, but does quality work.
Blender has a powerful Python scripting API. Every control in the GUI can be scripted.
Resources
- Blender Noob to Pro — free online book.
- Tutorials on blender.org
Render Engine
Default renderer is "Blender Render". Cycles is a better and newer render engine. It will soon be default.
- Blender Render is a scanline rendering engine
- Cycles is a physically-based rendering engine
Also: 3D concepts, 3d modeling.