Why are they so slow, for single frame output, they are bearable, but for high quality animation, they are a joke. As an example of what can be achieved, this is a single frame render from MotionBuilder from Kaydara. Currently, they are giving away a personal edition which has a completely free licence for 1 year. This is a pure animation package that renders in real time. I have only just begun to look at it but it looks hugely impressive.

Sounds good, but... The frame you show is hardly a high poly, realistic figure. Can you import other models (such as DAZ figures) and animate them? And if so, how does the render speed compare?

You can import 3dsmax, lightwave and Maya models, which I haven't done yet, but the render speed is supposed to be the same, 'real time' - the render engine isn't as detailed as Poser5, but it can handle real time particle effects such as smoke and fire, reflection maps and shadow maps. It's primary purpose is for quick and easy animation creation. Have a look at some of the videos at www.kaydara.com