Hi,

Sorry in advance for what must seem like an obvious question, but as an experienced traditional artist not-yet-coverted to the realm of pixels, I don't want to waste any more money on the "wrong" software. I am obviously prepared for "try the demo" type answers, but, alas, it would take just as long to learn the demo as...well, for a newbie to laern the whole software (you get the point.)

Obviously I've got PS/IL/Painter, etc, for 2D stuff. I bought Bryce and Carrara just because I saw those first and then I came to this forum and whoops - there's a proverbial s**tload of other software that might do as much, and might do it better.

Here's my question(s), obviously exposing my lack of knowledge or where to get it (other than here, natch!)

• What the he*ll is the difference in products such as Cinema 4d, Lightwave, Maya, 3DS, and the like?
  (And how would be a good way to tell what those things that another piece of software does that yours doesn't...but hey, the gallery looks great so it MUST be better, no? I mean, VUE just blew me away, too...does IT do what I already have in Carrara 5)?

• (Stupid question #2) - Why does something so powerful as 3DS need something "extra" like Vray - can't it do it all in itself?

I don't mean to obviously take up so much time on something so basic, so if anyone knows of a "newbie" forum or just plain 'ol set of links to "how software compares - what it does, etc" then I'd consider you first for any extra karma points I have to give away...assuming I do have any for myself, first!  :)

Thank you all again, and have a very good day,

• Paul