3D Development Software

3D development software is software used to develop 3d imagery. There are several 3D software packages available, some are listed below:-
3D Studio Max
Animation Master
Blender
Cinema 4D
LightWave
Maya
MilkShape 3D
Modo
Softimage|XSI
Silo
trueSpace
ZBrush
Pro/ENGINEER
SolidWorks
Catia
Some free modelers available via the Internet include:
Anim8or
Art of Illusion
AutoQ3D
Blender
Quake 2 Modeler
Google SketchUp
TopMod
Wings 3D
Zanoza Modeler

I will focus on 3DSMAX, MAYA and AutoCad.

3DSMAX is 3D modelling software developed by autodesk, currently it is in its 10th version called 3DS MAX 2008.
It is mostly used by video game developers, TV commercial studios and Architectural Studios. It is also used for Movie Effects.

Above: Interface of 3Ds Max 2008, rendered model of living room, rendered model of car and rendered model of a gun

Maya is a 3D modelling Software originally developed by  Alias Systems Corporation, but now owned by Autodesk. Maya is mainly used in the Film and TV Industry. Maya Models were used in several films including  Jurassic Park, The Abyss andTerminator 2: Judgement Day. The 3 different tolls that make up Maya are Alias Studio for modeling, Softimage for animation, and PhotoRealistic RenderMan for rendering
This T-Rex was made by using the 3 tools that make up Maya For the film Jurassic park
This Water person Was made in by using the 3 tools that make up Maya for the film: The Abyss
The Shape shifting T-1000 From the film Terminator 2:Judgement Day was made by using the 3 tools that make up Maya.
Maya and 3DSMAX have some comparisons as they are both used in Games Design, but Maya is best suited for the Film industry.

AutoCAD is 2d and 3d modelling software It is mainly used for architectural modelling, and for modelling things such as Public spaces and plumbing pipelines.

AutoCAD is generally not used for making 3d Models, it is aimed at a different market than that of Maya and 3DSMAX