I only use Poserr animations, not static art, and I have used it ever since Poser 3, but haven't updated since 7.  I know nothing about Carrara, but it appears from its description to offer more features of benefit to animation (like physics, dynamic water surfaces and atmospherics, better lighting options, etc.) at a similar program price. 

Can  animators who have experience in both Poser and Carrara offer their opinion on whether or not I might be more pleased with forgoing updating to Poser 8 or Pro2010 and instead get and learn Carrara for my future animation projects, as I cannot afford to get both and I want to move on from Poser 7? (And would it be a big learning curve?)

Also, would I still be able to use all of my years of accumulated Poser models (props, characters, clothing, etc.) in Carrara, as well as be able to import .3ds and .lwo files better than Poser allows?

carrara better for creating/rendering animations IMVHO.  however, carrara 7 pro costs $15 (on DVD in recent issue of 3DWorld), hence suggest you get that, then wait for poser 9, as poser 8/pp2010 have rendering problems.  poser 7 much worse renderer than poser 8.

Quote - carrara better for creating/rendering animations IMVHO.  however, carrara 7 pro costs $15 (on DVD in recent issue of 3DWorld), hence suggest you get that, then wait for poser 9, as poser 8/pp2010 have rendering problems.  poser 7 much worse renderer than poser 8.

I would agree too. I also find that carrara is great for developing a more realistic render though I do know others would argue the fact. Even if you decide to go for carrara you can still use poser content within it but you cannot use carrara .car content within poser so I also say why not use one that is compatile with both.