I'm a bit confused, (as usual), on purchasing a program to do modeling and animation. I'm thinking about Lightwave 3D 7.5 or perhaps Cinema 4d XL8.... Which, or perhaps a different one, has most bang for the buck, ease of use that a beginner can latch on to fairly easily, best features....in modeling, animation capabilities, rendering etc... Also, Poser import is necesary. 3d Max and similar are just too pricey for me to purchase...

Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it.
Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together.
All things connect......Chief Seattle, 1854