Not to depreciate Carrara that I use for almost 3 years now, but Lightwave its aimed to more seriuos job... it have a more open architecture, dynamics (now real hair), a good bone system and one of the best render engine in the market.
I used Lightwave in work but never have the money to buy it... when I gotta the money I spend all in Carrara and I love this software, but for more serious use you will have problems when going to the market with others users.
BUT always get the demo em look what you think about both. I love both but I have Carrara after almost 10 years using Lightwave.

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