Hey mates, 

 I'm looking to buy my first 3d app and I noticed that Daz is having a sale on Carrara 3d Express for only $20 bucks right now ( http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/shop/itemdetails/-/?item=5357 ). My question is, is the Express version worth it or is it severely limited to the standard and pro?

Check out the comparison list here: http://www.daz3d.com/i.x/software/carrara_3dx/-/comparison? It's suprisingly robust for a "limited" version. If you don't need the pro-level features it's an excellent buy. (like 20 bucks is going to break the bank anyhow) Mark

Mmm that is a good comparison chart. Crap, I hate not having all the features but I sooo don't want to spend that much money right now. 

sigh

But you're right, 20 bucks won't break me, and they have a sale to upgrade to standard version that lasts to the end of the month. Then again, standard isn't pro. :(

Bah! I hate options!

I look at it this way... $20 won't even buy a tank of gas these days and that's gone in a week. Carrara Express will last a lot longer. ;-)

Seriously, there is a huge investment in learning the concepts of 3D modeling and learning any particular applications interface. The nice thing about starting with Carrara Express is that everything you learn is directly transferable to the Standard and Pro versions. So that $20 is a future investment in your learning. That is a huge savings in your time when you upgrade later.

I just purchased Carrara 6 Pro last month. I had been using an old copy of Cinema 4D XL7 and couldn't afford to upgrade to a newer version. I am now constantly transferring in my head what I use to do in C4D to what I now have to do with Carrara Pro. So there is a lot of value in having a consistent interface as you progress and upgrade to more power versions of software.

I also use Vue Infinite and I started with the Vue Easel and then bought Vue Espirit and eventually got up to the Infinite version but it's the same concept. Everything I learned in Vue was directly transferable to the other versions.

It's great when companies offer their products at different price points to allow you to get in the game with an investment that you can afford. I got the email for Carrara Express and thought it was a good value for the money for someone just starting out.

~jr

I bought it on the first day and am well impressed
the modeler part seems to be well cut down
but still pushing buttons so might find its better when I'm used to it
the shaders are excellent, lots of power and a lot easier to understand then Bryce's
can see this being used a lot more then Bryce in the future

and for the price !! its great
you cant even eat out for that price nowadays

I just bought this with plans to upgrade in the future when $$ isn't so tight.  Wanted to add my 2c in about it.  I LOVE IT!!!

What I would do before was pose and set everything up in Poser, import into Carrara 5 pro, then the nightmares would begin, one tiny thumb off and I have to start over.

NOT anymore.   All the content that you have in poser is accessable now in this version of Carrara.  If you are deeply into dynamic clothe or hair though - you'd have to get the plug in.  (Nudes ftw)

I really believe that Carrara just raised the bar offering this software for 20$.  I got it for 15$ with my voucher.

For render times alone I would choose Carrara over Poser - and that doesn't even mention all the other reasons it is awsome.

If you are stuck wondering if it is worth it to buy this Express version, take it from me, it REALLY REALLY is worth it.