3D Rotating Images

I have looked at the forum and found various threads about how to programatically create 3D objects that can then be rotated. What I want to know is this.

1. Rather than program the object, can anyone suggest a paint package or 3D software package that will allow me to create a 3D object, animate it and then save it off as say an animated GIF file or some other format that could be used in VB6?

2. On answering question 1, how could I then apply the object in VB6. I know there is an animation control that I could use for certain animation types, but what about GIF's? As far as i am aware, there is no component included with VB6 to display animated GIFS. If I really have too, I would use a third party control, but would like to avoid this if I could.

Obviously any other ideas you may have would be useful, but any help you could give would be appreciated.

Depending on exactly what you want, I would recommend Flash for producing quick animated content or you can use Xara3D to create things like rotating 3d text / pictures/objects and then export into Flash format. Then to load the content in VB - simply pick out the 'Shockwave Flash' control and use

Flash1.LoadMovie 0, "C:\FlashFile.swf"

Hope this helps!

Edit: Just another quick note - both these apps come with free trials so you should be ok if your low on funds!

http://www.blender.org/