Version numbers have little to do with one program being better than another. Painter 8 was out long before Photoshop CS (their version 8). While Painter and Photoshop do similar things they are also different from their approach and each does certain things better or in a different manner. It doesn't make one superior, in fact, they work quite well together. Having different 3D programs provides impetus to create better with competition and remaining abreast of technology. It also affords Users the ability to choose a program with works more to their liking. Cris