http://www.renderosity.com/mod/gallery/index.php?image_id=1329586

Though not the most photorealistic image ever, it did come from Carrara. Also, keep in mind this is only ambient occlusion with a sky light. I have a Full GI image coming soon from the same scene.

Though I didnt model this scene it does show that good models, texturing and lighting are prequisites for photorealistic. Carrara can certainly do photorealistic renders. Much better than what my image shows. But as others have pointed out, lighting and texturing go a long way towards getting there. Modeling comes into play as well. As demonstrated by the image from sslide24.

I have to offer a disclaimer about the image l posted. The original scene is part of a challenge posted on 3dallusions.com earlier this year. The original model is credited to Branko a.k.a. 'd.sign'. Just wanted to be sure and give proper credit. I brought the original model in as a obj file and textured it. Then set the lighting. Carrara did all the hard work!!

Donnie