Apologies for taking so long to post. I usually get emailed when there's a reply, but I've received nothing.
Medeamajic, you need to grow up. I'm not an animator, but that doesn't mean I lack an understanding of Carrara's animation, rendering, or modeling limitations compared to XSI. I'm actually an indie game developer. You can see an example of what I've done here-
www.superfurious.com It's old work, and I'm currently undergoing so training before getting back into what I'm passionate about. As for you, I don't really care what you've done. You need to get that bitter chip from off your shoulder and stop having a go at people.
I won't be wasting my time producing a pointless animation. I have a number of other tasks I'm currently involved with which I'd prefer to focus on. Am I a professional? I have no idea. My references to XSI's toolset being developed for a professional audience is simply due to the fact it has a proven track record in a production environment. Mental Ray is what they call a 'production proven' renderer, which means that it's been through many trials and tests over the years and is something pro guys (the real pro guys working day in, day out on demanding projects) can trust. It Carrara's rendering engine good? I like it for what it does, sure. Is it production proven? Not that I'm aware of, other than a few uses in budget films. XSI's render tree and texture adjustment controls provide the kind of exacting control you often need when rendering out huge animations for demanding clients. Will I ever need those controls? More than likely not- I purchased XSI because I liked how it felt to use. I've learned about these things afterwards.
The same is true of animation, and if you want to sit on this forum all day long mouthing off about things... hey, be my guest. It's not my job to explain the advantages of a program to you, or prove it to you by jumping through the rings of fire you set for me. You've got a brain and a desire. Go and learn the program and you'll see. If you don't want to, just remain ignorant to it and enjoy the programs you have.
Do me a favor as well, and stop over reacting. I've used many, many different 3D programs, and there's nothing wrong with me talking positively about XSI. I use Carrara and enjoy it just as much as XSI, and to be honest, you just make yourself look like a fool by having a go at me for nothing. Take it easy- we're all on the same side here. Anyone these days can take a 3D package (like Carrara) and produce excellent work. I understand how annoying it can be to have some guys who know nothing at all bag Carrara in favor of something like Vue, but that's not what I've been doing here.
A good 3D toolbox has more than one tool, which I have.