Bryce is not particularly hard to learn, but there is a lot to it.  It works well with Poser, and right now, DAZ is having a special on Bryce for a really outstanding price (like $6.00).

IMO, Bryce is a better renderer than Poser.  The effects you can get are more subtle and realistic.  And, now it's got HDRI, which is really amazing.

Could be worse, could be raining.