softimage/avid xsi -> many exporters, popular among game developers and the modding community (half-life 2 etc)
newtek lightwave -> used for many films and tv series, 9.5 comes with decent exporters, takes some time to get used to, relies heavily on keyboard shortcuts
maxon cinema4d -> features the excellent bodypaint3d that makes texturing a pleasure, great GUI, easy to use

if you are looking for an excellent modelling software only, have a closer look at zBrush, modo and silo3d.