Hi, I use Deeper to render NormalMaps in Carrara 7.2 or less, only Carrara 8 have normal maps as default.

I use ShaderMap Pro to generate my normal maps:

http://shadermap.com

Filterforge also generate NM for almost all theyr presets and its amazing.

Smart Normal also can generate NM for free:

https://www.adobe.com/cfusion/exchange/index.cfm?event=extensionDetail&loc=en_us&extid=1817528

To create normal maps from your geometries theres also Smak, that is free now:

http://getsmak.com/

Follow me at euQfiz Digital