Well, everyone has their own view of 'easy' and 'semi-complex,' so I recommend starting slow, simple, and at the lowest possible cost.

Try Strat3D - http://shop.3d.com/strata/strata3d/index.html

You might get some other good recommendations in the sub-$1000 range - I've heard good things about TrueSpace and Hash Animation Master. My direct experience is sort of at the other end of the spectrum, so take these recommendations with a grain of salt

Good luck and have fun!
[Edited by theMatrix on 10-01-2000 at 12:37 AM]