I saw EClark's thread and a lot of the comments on it made me think of one question.  Let's say for the sake of the argument I'm completely new to 3d rendering, after seeing the rendo galleries I've decided to invest in poser, and now I need to pick a figure.  Which figure would you all recommend to for me as I am new to everything and has no strong preferences and experiences either way.  For the sake of the argument I am only getting 1 figure to start with and am willing to learn whatever steps it takes to make it work in poser. Also for the sake of the argument, remember I've got no previous investments in anything.

What's the one figure you'd recommend and why is it so good to start with as a poser user?

Why wouldn't a new poser user use the figures included in Poser? There's content included for them, they don't need any 'steps to make them work in Poser' because they are Poser figures.

True, Poser is quite easy for newbies. Roxie and Rex are good figures to start with.

Well, but that's the nice thing about Poser. You just use the default settings, load a pregiven figure and you get'll a nice decent picture.

(But please: don't touch that "Poser4" render button in older Poser versions, it's evil ;) )

I agree

That seems really good advice, even if you don't stick long term with the figures included with Poser you would at least have a better idea of what you were looking for before you committed to another figure or figures.

If I only had to pick one figure to keep then there's no doubt, I'd keep V4. She's been around for so many years for a reason, she's beautiful and versatile. There's so much content available for her and she can even make a nice guy if you want.

I can't see V4 going anywhere for at least a few more years.

Any of me free Dalek models!  No clothes needed, no morph packs to buy and no wierd bulges or bends when posing.

Of course, they don't have big, morphable norks like most models but you can't have everything. :D

Point taken, ST.  Good selection.

Work with Poser's native figures before investing into anything else.  They are good breaking ground to get familiar with the software.

I have completely forgotten about those.  I can't remember the last time I used them.

If I was helping someone new out with Poser, I would not recommend any figure. 

I would teach them how to use Poser, the characters, the content, the rooms, explain how the files are saved and structured.

Show them things like a cr2 editor so they see how they work,

All of BB's, Snarlies, and many other peoples tools for Poser.

Then let them make up their own mind on which characters were best for them.

The best thing to do for a newbie, is teach them what you wish someone would have taken the time to do for you.

The characters are a moot point if you don't know how to use the program....

After they know how to use it, where the content is, etc. They can choose what they want to use Figure wise.