3DS Max and Rhino are the top 3d modeling programs right now. 3DS Is an all inclusive 3d modeling program with parametric capabilities, and with add ons like Grasshopper rhino can become a parametric modeling program as well. Along with being one of the best 3d modeling programs, 3DS is also one of the very best rendering programs there is.
Blender would be the best modeling program for Unity, because its free and quite powerful. Others are Autodesk Gameware and Cinema 4D.
Go for " Blender 2.76" as free 3d & rendering program which equivalent to 3d Max (I think ! ) However, I believe your question should be splited into two questions , as modeling & realistic rendering is two different processes . Nowadays, There is no single 3d modeling program that is referable in both modeling & rendering , 3D Modeling programs usually use outsourced programs (Plugins ) to make their rendering more realistic ,
Falcon Northwest provide great laptops for 3D modeling using dual nVidia 9xxx-series cards.
3d modeling will soon take over and replace regular models with the use of 3d printing.
3D modeling
proseries tax program softwares are the best option available. they provide worth computer program for financial modeling in reasonable amount. they are easy to work with and readily available.
No
You would contruct the 3d object from scratch in a 3d program, the 2d images would be used for reference. If they are orthographic images, they can be used in the program's backdrop for the Top, Side, and Front or Back viewports to assist in modeling. The modeler then uses planes called "polygons" that are held together with points, to create the shape of the object. Once the model is created, textures are added on top of it to give it it's color. If you want to turn a 2D image into a 3D model yourself, not just a general idea of how its is done, you would first have to learn modeling starting with the very basics of 3D and the basic tools of a 3d program. 3D modeling is a very involved process and is too complicated to explain in one answer or in words alone. You can get a free trial for Digital Tutors, they hav great tutorial videos, and even have a section titled "Beginner's Guide to Modeling in 3ds Max" that will teach you how to model from the complete basics.
CAD and 3D modeling software are probably the best and the only engineering software in the market today. There might be some unpopular once but there were no results upon searching for other engineering software.
Animation or 3D Modeling.
Most realistic, live-action ones are made with sophisticated CGI software, but the still image ones are made with Photoshop and other similar programs. And most 3D ones are made with a 3D modeling program called "Poser."
Modeling in animation is basically building a 3D version or sculpture of a character.