If you just want to get your feet wet, look up Anim8or, which is free. It is suprisingly full featured, but still much simpler than Poser. But it's a nice way to start to learn the ropes. (Gerald at fast3d.co.uk uses it to make all his models, so check out his site to see what's possible. More of a complement to Poser than a replacement, though.

Also, certainly DO check out DAZ Studio. It is similar enough to Poser that it will give you an idea how easy it will be for you to learn a 3-D app. The interface is different, but many of the concepts are the same. If you pick it up in no time, chances are good you won't be too baffled by Poser.

You also might want to check out Quidam from N-Sided. (n-sided.com) It's a new, Poser-like 3-D app, and a free trial is available, but I don't think they've said yet what the final price will be or when you'll be able to purchase it.

I've heard good things about Hash Animation Master, but it is not free, although it is very low cost compared to something like Maya or 3D Max.

Caligari has TrueSpace, which is fairly low cost, and older versions are available at even lower price points, down to about US$99. People either love TrueSpace or hate it, or sometimes both. It will also introduce you to the basics of 3D modelling and animation, and it has lots of bells and whistles, but the interface is "quirky" (to put it kindly) and in my experience it's also a bit buggy. Pros refer to it as "Toyspace" but these are the same people that don't refer to Poser at all, they just spit when they hear the name. :-)

• Jimdoria  ~@>@