Okay, I'm doing a video project that will involve fully rendered 3D peices created in AutoDesk Inventor. What I need to do is create a camera path through the 3D peices to show them off - which program will do this better? I'm guessing 3D Studio Max...or is there something than either? I assumed 3DSM or Maya simply because they are AutoDesk products and the renderings are also coming from an AutoDesk product.

sticking with the autodesk workflow will make your life easier so your making the right choice there - of the two 3dsm will probably be easier for a novice to pick up (that include me!) i've toyed with maya a couple of times and although its very very powerful the learning curve is far steeper.

Good Luck.