Cru, if you need some help getting started with Carrara, let me know. I've been using it since v.5 and I currently have v.7.
If you've ever used Daz Studio, think of Carrara as that apps bigger and more powerful brother. Carrara v6 is a fine app. I used it for a long time and I did some pretty nice work with it. It's the easiest CG app I've ever used. I don't mean that in a bad way, but rather in a way such as - since I didn't have to learn the things for it that I had to for Lightwave (like cameras and stuff) was able to jump right in and start animating my 1st day with Carrara. Really.
Check out my YouTube channel and you'll see some of my older stuff.
The intro to Battlestar Galactica (TOS) was created with Carrara 6 Pro and FXHome Vision Labs Studio (for lasers, composite and stuff -I didn't have After Effects back then).
http://www.youtube.com/user/Fretslayer
Plus, you'll be able to see my progress as an animator. If such progress actually exists. LOL!!!
If there is anything I can do to help ya, just give me a shout.
Oh, also there are some excellent tuts for Carrara available online but the manual for the app (found in the place nobody looks - HELP - (LOL!!!)) has a huge amount of very helpful information.
Considering the stuff I've read so far that you've posted, I think Carrara might be good tool for you. - One thing I love about the app is that is works less like a CG app and more like a film set. When I'm animating I call it 'Star Wars and Barbie Dolls' - LOL! Because part of the time I'm taking these CG dolls and putting clothing on them, placing them in sets/locations and having them interact. Other times I have space ships zooming about and dog fighting. LOL! Star Wars and Barbie Dolls! LOL!!!
