I've just scored a copy of RDS 4 on e-bay for roughly $20, and once everything checks out and I get it registered, I intend on upgrading from it to Carrara. This decision comes after discussion with fellow modellers both here in R'osity, and friends out here in Utah whom I've spoken to about it. Tehre's a couple of items I was just wanting to confirm, though... * How close are Carrara and 3DS Max as per interface and manipulation? I'm used to 3DS Max v.3x back when I had access to a copy here at the school, and was wondering how much RTFM time I'm facing to learn and use Carrara effectively. In the interim, I've been using a combination of AC3D and Open FX for object modelling (mostly AC3D, because I can use it on my Linux box as well as within Windows.) * What export paths are best for sending models to Poser? I've been forced to export in .dxf in AC3D, then using Crossroads to make an .obj file. In Open FX, I can export in .3ds, and import directly, but Open FX is nowhere near as stable as I'd like it to be, and scaling is real fun (not.) Also, what is the scaling like between the two (Carrara/RDS and Poser)? * How good is the rendering in RDS and Carrara, compared to, say, POVRay, Bryce, etc...? Thanks in advance, and brace yerselves.. I'll probably be asking more than my share of dumb questions, in spite of myself :) /P

I've used RDS and Carrara for a while so I think I'm marginally qualified to give you some ins and outs. I'm a big critic of Carrara, but only because I love the damn app, so no holds bared :) Carrara is a huge bang for the buck - I really recommend it. The Interface Well, if you've used Bryce or Poser you have a good idea of what Carrara feels like. Overall, I like how it looks - not so complex as MAX. Carrara and modeling - Well, there's a hell of a lot you can do with the modelers - but there's a lot you can't do. There's no NURBS or other advanced modeling tools (heck you can't even make a simple beveled edge!) although Amapi 5 comes with Carrara for free - it helps to make up for Carrara's lack of some basic modeling tools, but has its own learning curve. Overall, I'd give a so-so rating to Carrara's modeler- but when you get to know its tricks - you can do some amazing stuff. This is probably Carrara's weakest area that needs serious improvement. Will it happen? Export/Import - Carrara support obj files pretty well, but there are some quirks - I know there's a tut out there for importing Poser stuff. Rendering - I like Carrara's renderer but it could be better. It's better than Bryce's but doesn't have the options of MAX or lightwave. Carrara 2 will apparently have a new render that will knock your socks off.