Firstly its not cheap, and secondly it depends what you want to do with the images, and thirdly, you get out of any package what you put in. Finally, get a demo and try it before you buy. Most 3D software companies have demos. Lightwave and Cinema both work well with V3. They both import quite effortlessly and render quite well. I have 2 renders of V3 in my gallery done with lightwave so have a look if you want to get an idea. Crommcruac does excellent stuff with 3d Max and I've seen mind blowing renders from Bryce. Theres a lot of choices.