One of the freakiest things about starting out with 3d is the interface. Some packages are just too technical and they can easily intimidate newbies. Cararra's UI is comfy and uncluttered - it feels more like a canvas and less like a "calculator". (thanks for the quote whoever) If you like Poser's UI then Carrara would be a suitable move. And like AzChip said - you can't beat what you get for the price. You get a lot of great stuff -- stuff that I still used to its fullest extent :) I mean, I think I use only a percentage of Carrara's ability and there's stuff that when I discover, I have to sit back and say "damn that's good." Also, it looks like Carrara 2 is due out some time this year -- the probable improvements will just make it all the better.