Thanks Jiro ;)

I have used Carrara for quite along time and it outputs a good still image and is a very inexpensive package. I have also used C4D for a long time to a lesser extent due to it's cost structure. I usually skip a version between upgrading. I had v6, 8, and now 10. I like what I see in v.11 and now that I am actually making some profit from this (it's my little job on the side) I may get to upgrade.

As to the other packages I have (Modo and Lightwave) I have just not put in the time required to get too a level I am comfortable with yet. I purchased them either through competetive upgrade pricing or sales when I had some extra cash.

I have XSI 5.5 and liked the render engine but did not like the nodal shader system. I could work with it but it just took longer to get the materials I wanted. I would like to get XSI7 but now without foundation I think it's too high a price for my needs.

Sweet! Right now, i am rendering in either Blender or Vue.
I wish to go with either Modo, C4D, or Lightwave. I want the most photorealistic images
especially with futuristic robots (stormtrooper-like), spaceships, and
abstracts. I don't care for the cost structure of C4D or XSI either.
Still not sure of the 3 above though but i am leaning towards Modo for Polymodeling and maybe
bypass Silo.

Lightwave is rather inexpensive in comparison to the others as well as Modo. Modo is not really a complete package yet though but it does some things that Lightwave does not, more modern poly modeling and painting displacement and color.

I would reccomend whatever you are most comfortable with, make sure you try all of the evaluation versions before you spend you're money. Most of these different render engines can achieve a good render just through different ways. I often take the same object and bring it into different packages try to get a good render out of each of them for practice.

I agree, definitely try out any demos of a package you may be interested in - also once again, great work, Grendel!

For me, XSI imports MOI's objects (when selecting the 'User Normals' option) just as well as Cinema 4D does so that's another good choice (though just as pricey!)

Lightwave would be great considering its price if they'd just get their act together with their imports and exports.

I haven't tested LW's latest version yet cause frankly, I've taken a wait and see stance on how v9.5 finalizes.

-Will

Will
LW9.5 is now the final free update version. (No longer a Beta)

Have not been excited enough to reload LW to my computer yet though.

Brian