i have heard they are both great 3d image rendering programs. which one would you recommend

To be honest the only way I know is to see if you can try before you buy. I know not all software producers allow this. TS does have a demo version at www.caligari.com Its now the program I do all my modeling in. You may try the other sites to see if they have similar. Generally you get what you pay for, after that its personal preference. That said you may like to review the free program from http://www.anim8or.com/ Hope this helps PhilC www.philc.net

What is this TS?

I'd vote for Rhino. (TS = TrueSpace) /Ohman

I'd vote for Rhino, but you really should try each out before deciding.

How about Inspire? How does it compare? Pinto

I also vote for Rhino if you want modeling but Rhino cannot render like Carrara and it cannot animate too .I like Carrara interface but it is so buggy(may be someday with version 2,i hope) and Rhino is a nice and powerfull nurbs modelling soft

Martial is correct about Rhino not being able to do great renders, but it is a fantastic modeller!! However, the makers of Rhino is creating a program called Flamingo which will allow much much better rendering capability in Rhino. Flamingo is Rhino's version of Accurender, (accurender is a great rendering program built for autocad). Soooo..In the long run, you will probably be more happy with Rhino. Davo

Rhino gets my vote. Also Rhino 2.0 is due out in a few weeks.