IMHO - Yes, Carrara Studio (CS) is worth taking the time to learn. Vue, Bryce, and Poser don't have the modeling capabilities/tools of CS. CS3 also has a great render engine. You can use CS3 to create props and clothing for Poser figures, as well as other 3D objects for use in Vue or Bryce. CS3 also has a very powerful tree generator that can be used to suplement the trees that come with Bryce and Vue.

As Mark stated, the reason CS seams a little more difficult to use is because it is a general 3D application with a whole suite of 3Dtools, which makes it more difficult to learn and use. Vue, Bryce, and Poser are designed for just landscape visualization (Vue and Bryce) and figure posing/animation (Poser), therefore have fewer 3D tools available, and as a result are easier to learn.

Another very valuable use for CS is to convert and/or modify models from other 3D formats for use in CS, Bryce ,Vue, or Poser. CS3 is a very good general 3D application, with a whole host of tools not found in any of the other products you already have. Learn to use CS, and you will have a very flexible and powerful 3D tools set.

Just as an additional note, if you are wondering how "good" CS3 is, it got a 5 star rating (the highest possible rating) from Digit Magazine. You should definitely thank you Dad for getting it for you! You now have a very comprehensive 3D tool set, and are only limited only by your creativity and imagination.

Rich

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