Just my 2 cents, if you're still interested. I have used both C4D XL (V6-7) and Carrara Studio (2-4Pro) for 2-3 years. If your on a budget, then you can't beat the features in CS4, and the Pro version gives you extras that are geared toward poser users and animators, and modelers (transposer, a 5 node render farm, and Amapi Designer). To get the same render capabilities in C4D as CS4Pro you would need to get the advanced render module for C4D. For the price, the render engine alone CS4 is worth it! I prefer to render in CS4, it's easy to set up, and the image quality is great. For ease of use, although this is mainly a individual thing, they are both easy to get your head around. But in general, I prefer the modeling capabilities in C4D (but the addition of Amapi Designer 7 with CS4Pro probably levels the playing field). I use both programs for modeling, some tasks are easier in C4D, and some are easier in CS4. The spline modeler in CS is extremely powerful, and makes it easy to creat things that would be much more difficult in C4D (at least up to version 7). CS4 now has a utility to convert triangles to quads, which solves almost all the issues with the spline modeler conversions to vertex models. Stability? I can honestly say that C4D (V6 and V7) is rock solid. I once did a marathon modeling session with C4D of 14 hours, didn't close it down once, and experienced no stability issues. CS4Pro seems very stable, but I have had a few problems, usually when I max out the RAM and start using virtual memory. But compared with other windows applications, it is quite stable. If I were starting out now on a tight budget, with the thought af having a companion application for Poser 5, I would probably get CS4Pro. It can import Poser figures very well, with animation (including dynamic cloth - but not dynamic hair). It has GI, HDRI, motion blur, and support for up to a 5 node render farm, and has Amapi designer thrown in too. There has been a recent surge in plugin development for CS, all at very reasonable prices. If budget was not an issue, then I would take a serious look at C4D, the deciding factor would be how well the plugins support the import of Poser 5 figures/animations. Bottom line, the two real important factors are budget and fit. Try both of them out. If the user interface and program logic doesn't "fit" you, then no matter what the cost, using the program won't be enjoyable. If you find them both usable, then look at the features you would like to have the most, and see which application supports them the best, in a simple to use fashion. If you still don't have a clear "leader", then price will probably be the deciding factor (but don't fall into the trap of wanting to get one application over the other because it costs more - the prestige factor - what you really want is results, not an ornament on your bookshelf). If you are really undicided, then do as Ben Dover suggested and get a copy of C4C V6se (which is the XL version, just limited render resolution), and CS4Pro. You will have an excellent and very flexible tool set at your disposal. Good Luck!

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