Like many 3D hobbyists, I've never been able to afford the latest version of Poser, even at the introductory discounts. I currently use Poser 6, which I bought a couple of years ago just as Poser 7 came out (it was briefly on sale for $29.99, which is about my limit). Since then I've kept my eye out for Poser 7, then Poser 8 at discounted prices (the best I saw was a Poser 7 upgrade for $59.99 a year of so ago). But over the past year, with the advent of 'Poser Debut', I've noticed that older versions of Poser have completely vanished from the Content Paradise store (although French/German versions of Poser 8 are still in the store).

Up till now I've used Poser mainly for creating the Poser materials, mt5s, mc6s, cr2s, pp2s, etc for my freebie models, and for testing them. But I've now started playing around with dynamic cloth, hair,  figure setup/rigging.

Question 1: Is it still possible to buy English versions of Poser 7/8?

Question 2: If not, is Poser Debut worth buying? It's obviously got limitations, but it's not clear what they are.

Question 3: I've heard stories that despite their money-back guarantee, Content Paradise charge an administration fee for refunds. Anybody know about this?

1. http://www.amazon.com/Poser-Figure-Design-Animation-VERSION/dp/B000MCIANU

http://www.amazon.com/Poser-Figure-Design-Animation-VERSION/dp/B000KK4330

http://www.buy.com/pr/product.aspx?sku=219194027&sellerid=2083092

1. You cannot create material content with Poser Debut. You cannot even tweak materials you bought - only load them as is. There is no advanced material room.

2. Don't know.

Poser 8 at Buy.com - $53.93 including shipping.

http://www.buy.com/prod/smith-micro-poser-8-win-mac/211579085.html

Number 3 - not that I know.  Have had refunds done as store credit.  Perhaps VAT issues involved for other people's cases., but that's just speculation on my part.  

Brand new copy of Poser 8 on ebay - $39.95

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Poser-8-Smith-Micro-3D-Animation-software-PC-MAC-NEW-BOX-/200666260830?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eb8a4255e

Thanks for the remarkably swift replies!

1. That's an option I hadn't considered - I'd just looked at the CP site (never used Amazon/eBay, etc). I'll have to check out payment options and shipping (I'm in Asia), but now I know where to look!

2. With no Material Room, Poser Debut's definitely not for me.

3. Maybe the admin fee was only related to cash/credit card refunds? That would make more sense. But I can't track down where I saw the issue discussed, and there's nothing on the CP FAQ (I remember that was one of the complaints - people only found out about the admin fee after they got their partial refunds)

Also check TigerDirect and PurPlus.  Both sites have had P7 in the past at low prices. 

I have a copy of Debut for beta testing but it's lack of python scripting, material room and limited render settings make me feel like I took a giant step backwards to the days of P4.

Poser 7 is $20 at Tiger Direct; Includes Morpheus Photo Animation suite......

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7040856&CatId=4434

Unfortunately I'm in Asia and shipping charges add a big chunk on top, e.g. TigerDirect shipping charges would be $60 just to the UK (they don't seem to ship to Thailand! :( ). The Buy.com shipping inclusive price seems to be continental USA only. Etc...

I think that's why I originally got P6 from CP as a digital download, and not physical media. The big shipping charges rung a bell - sort of "Oh yes, THAT'S why I was just looking at just digital downloads on the CP site."

Back at the CP site: So I guess that SM has pulled the plug on selling older versions from the CP site - it's either the latest version (far too expensive for me - $249.99, plus shipping, or extended download) or Poser Debut (a very definite no-no for me given the observations on this thread)?

It would appear then that the only option is Amazon/Buy/eBay/etc.

Looking on the bright side, even with the shipping charges it seems possible to get a copy of Poser 7/8 delivered to Asia for under $100.

Now if only I could make that "under $50..." :)

(Thanks for all the feedback - I'm sure some reader will snap up those bargains!)

I don't understand why US Postal service is not an option with these companies. Or is it? USPS is $13.25 US to ship a small package up to four pounds to Thailand - 6 to 10 days but who cares? Priority shipping with Fedex or UPS is just stupid.

Do you have a friend in the US? Ship it to them, and have them mail it to you. It's a pretty minor favor.

Just had a heads-up from RobynsVeil that Purplus have Poser 8 Mac, PC for $39.99 here http://www.purplus.net/poser8.html (unless I took the last copy...)

And the good news for those of us not in the US is that they ship internationally via USPS! So only an extra $10 and I've got it shipped to the UK (they don't have Thailand on their list!

(now I just keep my fingers crossed that it actually arrives, and that there's no hidden extra charges)

D|S4 Pro is still free at DAZ. :)

Only till the end of this month though.

And for me it's not an either/or situation - I like having both DS and Poser. For some jobs I prefer using DS, but for others I prefer Poser. Plus it's good to be able to say "tested in DAZ Studio and Poser".

Re the Poser 8 from PurPlus - my package arrived in just over a week, all present and correct. It'll be in a cupboard till I get back to the UK myself - can't try it out till then.

I'm back in the Uk for a few weeks, and Poser 8 is now installed and running on my laptop, so a thumbs up for Purplus.

Cost - $39.99 for Poser 8, plus $10 USPS shipping.

But apparently when the package was delivered to the UK address my friend was asked to pay an extra GBP13.18 (GBP5.18 VAT plus GBP8.00 'Royal Mail International Handling Fee'). Don't you just hate it when that happens?

So TOTAL cost now around $72.

A great big "Boo! Hiss!" to UK customs and Royal Mail.

Quote - I'm back in the Uk for a few weeks, and Poser 8 is now installed and running on my laptop, so a thumbs up for Purplus.

Cost - $39.99 for Poser 8, plus $10 USPS shipping.

But apparently when the package was delivered to the UK address my friend was asked to pay an extra GBP13.18 (GBP5.18 VAT plus GBP8.00 'Royal Mail International Handling Fee'). Don't you just hate it when that happens?

So TOTAL cost now around $72.

A great big "Boo! Hiss!" to UK customs and Royal Mail.

You could have known that before, I always check the customs website before ordering. If you order something over a certain amount and sent it to a European address, you're going to pay VAT and custom charges. That has always been so, but recently the lowered the amount you're allowed to order tax free. Main land europe it's around €22, if you have bought something above that amount, you'll pay VAT and fees. I think it's around the same amount for the UK. Those are European regulations and yes they do suck, I think an even greater big "Boo! Hiss!" should go to the European Union, which makes life expensive with all their money hoarding rules and regulations.

with all the new European commerce laws we all end up paying. Until last year I was happy ordering items from outside the EU and not paying anything extra. With the new rules and regulations, this year I suddenly am paying VAT and fees as well, even on stuff I never paid it before.

At least you did get your package and can enjoy something new now, have fun with Poser 8, it sure is a step up from P6!

When you order the physical box from SM, it says this right in the cart page.

Quote - - Shipping Charges do not include Tax, Brokerage Surcharges, or Custom/Duty fees that may be required or allowed by the destination Country. Customers requesting a Physical Shipment to any EU country WILL BE RESPONSIBLE for any VAT (15-17% of order value) and Broker Surcharges ($25-$30) which are charged by the carrier and payable at the time of delivery.

Attached Link: http://www.contentparadise.com/productdetails.aspx?id=21415

Love esther

aeilkema - agreed - check the customs website first - I know that now! (If you're in the UK you can find out about the customs charges, VAT, and Royal mail international handling fee by checking http://www.hmrc.gov.uk and searching for "Notice 143" which is a guide for international post users).

bagginsbill - there was a similar note on the mail-order company website I used, so I was aware there may be extra charges. Just didn't manage to find what they'd be in advance. Hopefully the HMRC link above and the info from aeilkema may help others find what I couldn't.

estherau - now you tell me! (Bangs head against the wall) LOL (using your 'Poser 9 - Exclusive Affiliate Offer' link shows the price as $249.99 for me, even when I add it to my cart?)

(I'm more than happy with my lovely new Poser 8 though!)

Just spotted that Poser 9's available for $69.99, so I've snapped that up! I didn't even have time to get up to speed on Poser 8!

Yay!! and now you can use genesis.