well, the SOW (sphere over water) is sort of a Bryce cliche`, but everyone does one...sort of like the Poser girl in the temple...;)

If you can use POVRay, you're going to do fine with Bryce. You can model in Bryce (ask the Bryster..;), and texture, but Hexagon can make models in .obj (object) format that you can import.

Daz Studio and Bryce (at least 5.5 and up) have the ability to transfer back and forth with models, etc. There's a button for Daz Studio (and presumably one on the Daz Studio as well).
Carrara has some connection with Bryce, but I don't remember what it is..;) Haven't messed much with it, but after a while you'll feel a sense of 'logic' to 3d programs in general, and the command interface will be less mysterious.

Have fun, and welcome to our madhouse..;)

I wish I'd said that.. The Staircase Wit

anahl nathrak uth vas betude doth yel dyenvey..;)